Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable component of the complex treatment of vascular pathologies of the lower extremities and postoperative therapy.
As you know, varicose veins are a dysfunction of the venous valves, which results in blood stasis, vascular deformity and swelling.
A number of therapeutic measures are required to prevent or stop the destructive process of venous wall elongation: taking venotonic, vasoconstrictive agents, using gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support to diseased vessels and adjacent tissues. outside.
For this purpose, special underwear or compression stockings are produced for varicose veins in the legs.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which is best for a particular patient, given the modern variety? You will find the answers to these and other questions in this material.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How does compression underwear work with varicose veins, how does it help relieve painful symptoms?
The main specificity of knitted garments for varicose veins is the gradual (ie, different, transitional) distribution of compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
Thus, near the heel, at the very bottom of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches a maximum value - 100%.
Ascending to a higher, popliteal region, compression begins to gradually decrease, reaching 70% of the index in the knee region.
Finally, at the base of the thigh, the level of compression in the hip area is minimal, about 40%.
Due to the degree of compression, the arteries in the legs are provided with the necessary support, venous blood flow is normalized, stability and uniformity are achieved, which has a positive effect on the condition of the vessel walls and the patient's well-being in general. .
What happens as a result
When wearing compression stockings, a complex therapeutic effect occurs, expressed by the following positive factors:
- Thanks to mechanical support, the vessels are protected from pathological elongation and the venous lumen is reduced to normal values.
- Blood stasis caused by deformation of the venous walls is eliminated, the structure becomes less viscous and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- As a result of the constriction of the arteries, 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, resulting in normal tissue nutrition and oxygen exchange, and lymphostasis in the legs is eliminated.
Instructions for use
What is the purpose of medical underwear? The answer is clear - in the treatment of vascular dysfunction of the lower extremities.
- First of all, compression stockings are used for varicose veins at all stages of development.
- With phlebitis, periphlebitis, such underwear helps to prevent the deterioration of the patient's condition.
- Wearing good medical knitwear for pregnant women is a guarantee of maintaining vascular health in the legs at risk as a result of increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used for athletes, because the lower extremities experience intense stress during training.
- In addition, therapeutic underwear is recommended for use in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation of venous vessels, removal of blood clots.
- For people 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.
Product range
How to choose the right underwear for you? You should not solve this problem yourself, because there are several types 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
Knitwear can be classified according to the degree of compression (degree of compression pressure) as follows:
- 1 or prophylactic class. It can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy, with a compression ratio of 18-23 mm. rt. Art. Such underwear is recommended for expectant mothers and people at risk of varicose veins who want to keep their feet healthy. The products help against evening swelling, relieve pain in the ankles and prevent the spread of capillary network.
- Class 2, compression 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, open venous nodules.
- Grade 3, compression level reaches 45 mm. rt. Art. Medical underwear of this class is suitable for patients with severe varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, severe lymphostasis, severely deformed veins and severe painful swelling.
- Class 4, very rarely used, is recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephant"). The compression of this product can be more than 50 mm. rt. Art. and higher.
Types of production
Medical knitwear also differs by type of product. Thus, the following types of compression underwear are offered to consumers:
- Armchairs are the most popular type of medical knitwear. Apparently, they are practically no different from ordinary elastic tights, and can be used by pregnant women. Low-waist models are produced for this category of patients. Pantyhose for pregnant women is recommended to be used by all expectant mothers, but such products are slightly different from the general products. The waist is made in the form of a bandage with increased elasticity, the purpose of which is a soft support for the abdomen without uncomfortable compression. In addition, properly selected underwear for expectant mothers should ensure good oxygen exchange.
- Socks. It is one of the most practical types of compression products. Such underwear looks good when combined with skirts and dresses, but also does not compress the culture, 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 prevent damage to blood vessels and tissues due to increasing loads. Such products are the most durable and practical, because they are produced without the most sensitive and wearable part - socks.
- Knee socks. Suitable for those who suffer from varicose veins of 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 does not look different from ordinary socks, it is not noticeable under casual pants, so it can be used everyday without fear of looking awkward in the eyes of others. There are several types of golfs: ordinary; with the addition of silicone for best fit; Equipped with Velcro strap; 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 the usual store and market, medical underwear is sold in specialty medical stores or on the websites of manufacturers.
You need to pay close attention to the packaging before buying. The fact is that all compression products have a single unit of density - millimeters of mercury. There is no section like DEN, avoid getting fake!
How to determine the correct size
Compression stockings, if the most accurate size is chosen, the products should not be too 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 wearing socks should measure the following parameters: around the ankle; around the calf in the popliteal region; foot height from floor to knee.
- When choosing socks, along with the circumference of the ankle and lower leg, depending on the height, you should also measure the circumference of the thigh in the area of 25-30 cm above the knee. The length of the product will be equal to the distance from the floor to the hip joint.
- To determine the desired size of tights, you need to determine the area around the ankle, popliteal area, around the thigh, as well as the volume of the pelvis. When choosing a seat, the length is determined so much below the heel.
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 also advise on the required model, material and manufacturer.
Instructions for use
Wearing the right underwear with varicose veins is a whole science, it may take some time to master.
- The best time to wear medical jerseys is in the morning before getting out of bed.
- When wearing in the middle of the day, keep your feet in a high position for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It is necessary to turn the part of the foot a little, put it on the toes, gradually pull it higher and higher.
- After dressing, you should smooth out all the bumps and achieve maximum comfort.
Basics of care
- Wash knitted clothes in warm water, with laundry soap, only by hand.
- Strong bending is not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by placing it on a hard surface, a towel or other absorbent material. Drying in the battery is not welcome.
- If there are silicone additives, they should be left dry, as moisture can impair their fixing properties. It is better to wipe them lightly with an alcohol solution.
- Chemical solvents are not recommended to clean products without contamination.
The result
Remember - excessive savings often lead to losses. Do not buy drugs from unapproved companies and vendors, including markets.
By buying counterfeit, you risk your health by risking aggravating the painful condition due to loss of valuable time for treatment. Get well and be healthy!