Human limbs, arms and legs are the most mobile parts of the body. They are constantly under pressure. Most of our feet carry the load - the weight of our body. In addition, they are always in an upright position. In this case, and under a certain weight, blood flow increases, the pressure in the walls of blood vessels increases.
And if we take into account that harmful environmental factors, malnutrition, overweight, reduced elasticity of blood vessels, it becomes clear that this leads to their elongation. Knots are formed. And then the first signs of varicose veins appear - the so-called stars on the skin, heaviness and swelling of the legs. The next stage is already a certain disease - protruding nodules, veins. All this is accompanied by painful feelings.
Anti-varicose stockings: types
To treat varicose veins, you need to radically change your lifestyle, reconsider your diet and pay enough attention to stress. And of course, consider wearing compression, anti-varicose knitwear.
Its products can be divided into the following types:
- tights - the most comfortable look, but requires a little effort when wearing;
- socks - recommended for pregnant women and those whose arteries above the knee are not affected;
- golfs - very comfortable to wear for men;
- leggings - recommended for those whose varicose veins affect a small part of the legs;
- elastic bandage - the most convenient type, but the disadvantage is the inconvenience of use.
It should be noted that it is recommended to wear such medical orthopedic wardrobe items after surgery. Attention! No socks should be worn after the operation, they should be selected by a specialist.
What are varicose compression stockings and tights?
Special orthopedic compression products are made of compression stockings. Their goal is strictly medical. This type of clothing supports blood vessels and prevents them from stretching, improves microcirculation. According to the participating doctors, such socks are quite effective today in the fight against the disease, as well as its prevention.
A bonus to such compression tights or socks is the prevention of blood clots. Compression knitwear is made of porous, viscous material in its structure, which provides the effect of breathing in hot weather. Such products use materials that protect the skin's water balance and increase evaporation.
Compression stockings: impact characteristics
One of the features of the movement of such socks is that they create an additional frame that supports the veins and protects them from stretching. In addition, compression of the lower leg tissues protects our feet from fatigue, muscle pain and swelling, and prevents blood stasis.
In compression stockings, the pressure is distributed from bottom to top as follows:
- on the ankles - maximum, ie up to 100%;
- knee collapse - decreased to 70-75%;
- on the hips - about 50%;
- in the groin - up to 20%;
- no pressure on the hips and abdomen.
Thus, the rate of bleeding from the arteries of the legs increases.
Anti-varicose compression stockings are prophylactic and therapeutic. Deciding to buy anti-varicose stockings or tights, decide for what purpose you need them: for prevention during pregnancy and after childbirth, for the treatment of varicose veins. In pharmacies, prophylactic can be chosen according to your size. They do not need a certificate.
The situation is completely different with medical treatment. It is more difficult to choose them. They must have a medical certificate and the doctor must choose for you according to your parameters and the stage of the disease. The phlebologist will assess the stage of the disease, the condition of the vessels based on ultrasound data. The size should be chosen very carefully, because the tights almost do not stretch. It will not be very effective, and the small size is inconvenient and inconvenient.
If you have been diagnosed with a disease but do not have the opportunity to consult a doctor about the purchase of compression stockings, first take prophylactic stockings and only then measure this or that type or size based on your feelings and body reaction.
There are 4 classes of compression stockings according to international standards.
- The first compression class is 18-22 mm Hg. Art. - Appearance of spider veins with the initial degree of damage to superficial vessels. Such socks significantly reduce pain at the end of the working day and eliminate swelling.
- The second class of compression is 23-32 mmHg. Art. - Deep vascular damage. In addition to pain and swelling, nocturnal cramps appear. Recommended for thrombophlebitis of moderate varicose veins. Doctors always recommend wearing such tights.
- The third compression class is between 33 and 45 mm Hg. Art. taken only on prescription from a phlebologist. Doctors recommend wearing such tights for deep vein thrombosis and other serious cases.
- Fourth class compression - more than 50 mm Hg. Art. - It is recommended to wear to eliminate lymphatic flow and edema.
Attention!
- Do not mix ordinary elastic tights with compression. The density of therapeutic and prophylactic measures is measured in millimeters, not mercury.
- Medical tights have a period of wear. Not more than 6 months. Washing and daily wear make them useless.
- High quality anti-varicose compression stockings are not cheap.
- If you are unsure of which brand to buy tights or socks, buy them with the RAL mark - they meet international quality standards.
How to wear anti-varicose medical compression stockings for women
There are rules for how to wear compression stockings, which are different from wearing ordinary wardrobe items.
- Immediately after waking up, put to bed.
- This should be done correctly and very carefully, without bending or stretching the fabric too much.
- The upper part is carefully assembled on the accordion.
- Then, with your palms inside the sock, carefully pull the sock over the foot without forgetting the correct position of the heel.
- Slowly straighten, pull the heel.
- Then, both carefully and slowly, lift the torso slightly and pull on the hips.
Anti-varicose compression stockings can be worn both for the treatment and prevention of vascular diseases. At the same time, do not forget to consult before buying such underwear, because self-medication can lead to negative consequences for your health. Good luck!