Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable component of the complex treatment and postoperative therapy of vascular pathologies of the lower extremities.
As you know, varicose veins are a dysfunction of the venous valves, the consequences of which are blood stasis, vascular deformity and swelling.
A set of therapeutic measures is needed to prevent or stop the destructive process of stretching the venous walls: taking venotonic, vasoconstrictive agents, using gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased vessels and adjacent tissues from the outside.
For this purpose, special underwear for varicose veins of the legs or compression stockings is produced.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which is best for a particular patient, given the modern variety? You will find the answer to this and other questions in this article.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How does compression underwear work for varicose veins, how does it help eliminate painful symptoms?
The main specificity of varicose vein knitwear is the gradual (ie varied, transient) distribution of compression compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
And so, close to the heel, at the very base of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
As it rises higher, to the popliteal area, the compression begins to gradually decrease, reaching 70% of the index in the knee area.
Finally, at the base of the thigh, in the thigh area, the level of compression is minimal, approximately 40%.
Thanks to the gradual compression, the vessels of the legs are provided with the necessary support, venous blood flow is normalized, acquires continuity, uniformity, which has a positive effect on the condition of vascular walls and general well-being of the patient. .
What happens as a result
Wearing compression stockings has a complex therapeutic effect, expressed by the following positive factors:
- Thanks to the mechanical support, the vessels are protected from pathological stretching, and the venous lumen is reduced to normal values.
- Blood stagnation caused by deformation of the venous walls is eliminated, its structure becomes less viscous and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- As a result of compression of the vessels, the venous valves regain their former strength and healthy functions, ensuring the continuity of blood circulation from the heart to the lower extremities and vice versa.
- Capillary blood flow is normalized, as a result of which tissue nutrition and oxygen exchange return to normal, and lymphostasis of the legs is eliminated.
Indications for use
What is the purpose of medical underwear? The answer is obvious - in the treatment of vascular dysfunction of the lower extremities.
- First of all, compression stockings are used for varicose veins at all stages of its development.
- In phlebitis, periphlebitis, such underwear helps to prevent deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, wearing a good medical leotard is a guarantee of maintaining the health of the veins of the legs, which are at risk as a result of increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used in athletes, as the lower extremities experience severe stress during training.
- In addition, therapeutic underwear is recommended for use in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation of venous vessels, operations to remove blood clots.
- For people who are at risk of developing venous disease of the legs, doctors recommend underwear with a low degree of compression as a preventive measure against varicose veins.
Variety of products
How to choose the right underwear for you? You do not have to solve this problem yourself, because there are several varieties of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be given by the doctor who monitors the patient's condition. The specialist will help you choose the right purchase, taking into account the patient's condition, the presence of chronic diseases and other contraindications.
Compression classes
According to the degree of compression (degree of compression pressure), knitwear can be classified as follows:
- 1, or prophylactic class. It can be bought in the pharmacy network without a prescription, the degree of compression is 18-23 mm. rt. Art. Such underwear is recommended for expectant mothers and people at risk of varicose veins who want to keep their legs healthy. The products help well against evening puffiness, eliminate soreness in the calves and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
- Class 2, compression is up to 33 mm. rt. Art. This product is used in the treatment of varicose veins in the 2nd and subsequent stages of the disease, in the presence of severe blood stasis, pain, swelling, pronounced venous nodules.
- Class 3, the compression level reaches 45 mm. rt. Art. Medical underwear of this class is suitable for patients with severe varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, with severe lymphostasis, severely deformed veins and severe painful swelling.
- Class 4, used very rarely, is recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be 50 mm. rt. Art. and higher.
Types of production
Medical tights also differ in the type of product. So, the following types of compression underwear are offered to the attention of consumers:
- Tights are the most popular type of medical knitwear. In appearance, they are practically indistinguishable from ordinary elastic tights, they can also be used by pregnant women. Low waist models are produced for this category of patients. Tights for pregnant women are recommended for use by absolutely all expectant mothers, but such products are slightly different from the general ones. The lumbar part is made in the form of a bandage with increased elasticity, which aims at soft support for the abdomen, without uncomfortable pressure. In addition, properly selected underwear for expectant mothers should ensure good oxygen exchange.
- Socks. One of the most practical types of compression products. Such underwear looks good when combined with skirts and dresses, at the same time does not tighten the stomach, which is especially important during pregnancy.
- Sports compression underwear - gaiters. They are made of a special material that provides optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf area to avoid damage to blood vessels and tissues due to increased loads. Such products are the most durable and practical, because they are produced without the most vulnerable and wearable part - the sock.
- Knee socks. Suitable for those who suffer from vasodilation in the lower leg. In addition, there is a special compression underwear for men, which is also produced in the form of golf. Men's underwear looks indistinguishable from ordinary knitwear, it is absolutely invisible under everyday pants, so it can be used daily without fear of looking uncomfortable in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued in several types: ordinary; with silicone insert for best fit; equipped with a velcro belt; without socks (gaiters).
Manufacturers
There are many companies specializing in the production of compression underwear. It should be noted that such products are not selected in a regular store and on the market; medical underwear is sold in specialty medical stores or on manufacturers' websites.
Before you buy, you need to pay special attention to the packaging. The fact is that all compression products have one unit of density - millimeters of mercury. There is no such thing as a DEN, beware of acquiring a fake!
How to determine the right size
Compression stockings will have an appropriate therapeutic effect, provided that the most accurate size is chosen, the products should not be small for the patient and should not be too large.
How to choose the right size underwear? Arm yourself with a measuring tape, free time and patience.
- Patients taking socks should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; circumference of the calf in the popliteal area; leg height from floor to knee.
- When choosing socks, in addition to the circumference of the ankle and lower leg, you should also measure the circumference of the thigh in the area 25-30 cm above the knee, depending on the height. The length of the product will be equal to the distance from the floor to the hip joint.
- To set the desired size of the tights, you need to set the circumference of the ankle, the knee area, the circumference of the thighs, and the volume of the pelvis. The length when choosing tights is set from the base of the heel to the waist.
Armed with the necessary measurements, do not rush to buy the product yourself. Ask your doctor for help, he will not only choose the size you need, but will also give advice on the necessary model, material and manufacturer.
Terms of Use
Properly wearing underwear for varicose veins is a science that can take some time to master.
- The morning hours before getting out of bed is the best time to wear medical jerseys.
- When dressing in the middle of the day, it is necessary to keep the legs in a raised position for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It is necessary to slightly rotate the part of the fingers, to place it on the fingers, gradually pulling higher and higher.
- After wearing shoes you need to smooth out all the bumps, to achieve maximum comfort.
Basics of care
- Wash the knitwear in warm water, with laundry soap, by hand only.
- Strong twisting is not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by placing it on a hard surface, on a towel or other absorbent material. Battery drying is not welcome.
- If there are silicone inserts, they must be left dry, moisture can impair their fixing properties. It is better to lightly wipe them with an alcoholic solution.
- Chemical solvents are not recommended for cleaning contaminated products.
Conclusion
Remember - excessive savings often bring losses. Do not buy medicines from unverified companies and sellers, including in the markets.
By buying a fake, you endanger your own health, risking worsening the painful condition due to the loss of valuable treatment time. Get well and be healthy!