Compression underwear for varicose veins is an essential component of the complex treatment and postoperative treatment of vascular pathologies of the lower extremities.
As you know, varicose veins are a malfunction of the venous valves, the consequences of which are blood stasis, vascular deformity and swelling.
To prevent or stop the catastrophic process of stretching of the venous walls, a set of therapeutic measures is required: taking phlebotonic, vasoconstrictor agents, use of gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased vessels and adjacent tissues.
Special underwear for varicose veins or compression stockings are produced for this purpose.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which is best for a particular patient, given the modern diversity? You will find the answer to this and other questions in this material.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How does varicose vein compression underwear work, how does it help eliminate painful symptoms?
The main feature of knitwear for varicose veins is the gradual (ie varied, transient) distribution of compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
Thus, near the heel, at the very base of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
Going higher, in the knee area, the compression gradually begins to decline, reaching 70% of the index in the knee area.
Finally, at the base of the thigh, in the hip area, the level of compression is minimal, equal to about 40%.
Thanks to the gradual compression, the vessels in the legs are provided with the necessary support, the venous blood flow is normalized, it constantly acquires uniformity, which has a positive effect on the condition of the vascular walls and in general on the well-being of the patient. .
What happens as a result
When you wear compression stockings, a complex therapeutic effect appears, which is expressed by the following positive factors:
- Thanks to the mechanical support, the vessels are protected from abnormal dilation and the venous lumen is reduced to normal values.
- The stagnation of the blood resulting from the deformation of the venous walls is eliminated, its structure becomes less viscous and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- As a result of the compression of the blood 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 in 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 knits are used for varicose veins, at all stages of their development.
- With varicose veins, periphlebitis, such underwear help prevent the deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, the use of good medical knits is a guarantee for maintaining the health of the veins in the legs, which is 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 exercise.
- In addition, therapeutic underwear is recommended for use in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser venous coagulation, blood clot removal operations.
- For people who are at risk for developing venous leg disease, doctors recommend low-pressure compression underwear as a preventative measure against varicose veins.
A variety of products
How to choose the right underwear for you? You do not have to solve this problem yourself, because there are many varieties of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be given by the doctor who supervises 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 condom class. It can be purchased in the network of pharmacies without a prescription, the compression ratio 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 feet healthy. The products help well against night swelling, eliminate pain in the calves of the feet and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
- Class 2, the compression is up to 33 mm. rt. Art. This product is used to treat varicose veins in the 2nd and subsequent stages of the disease, in the presence of severe blood stasis, pain, swelling, severe venous nodules.
- Category 3, the compression level reaches 45 mm. rt. Art. Medical underwear in this category is suitable for patients with severe varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, with severe lymphostasis, severe venous deformities and severe painful swelling.
- Category 4, which is rarely used, is recommended for patients with abnormal edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be from 50 mm. rt. Art. and higher.
Types of production
Medical knitwear also varies depending on the type of product. Thus, 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 to be used by absolutely all expectant mothers, however, such products are somewhat different from the general ones. The lumbar part is made in the form of a bandage of increased elasticity, the purpose of which is the soft support of the abdomen, without uncomfortable compression. In addition, well-chosen underwear for expectant mothers should provide 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 they do not tighten the stomach, which is especially important during pregnancy.
- Compression sports underwear - leggings. They are made of special material that provides optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf area, in order 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 in appearance is indistinguishable from ordinary hosiery products, they are not completely noticeable under everyday pants, so they can be used daily without fear of looking uncomfortable in the eyes of others. Golf is issued in different types: ordinary; with silicone insert for better fit. equipped with Velcro belt. without socks (gaiters).
Manufacturers
There are many companies that specialize 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 the manufacturers' websites.
Before buying, you should pay close attention to the packaging. The fact is that all compression products have a single unit of density - millimeters of mercury. There is no such unit as DEN, be careful to buy a fake one!
How to determine the right size
Compression knits will have the 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. calf circumference in the iliac region. foot height from the floor to the 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 pantyhose size, you need to adjust the ankle circumference, the knee area, the thigh circumference, and the pelvic volume. The length when choosing tights is defined from the base of the heel to the waist.
Armed with the necessary measurements, do not rush to buy the product yourself. Seek help from your doctor, he will not only choose the size you need, but will give you advice on the required model, material and manufacturer.
Terms of use
Wearing the right underwear with varicose veins is a whole science, which can take some time to master.
- The morning hours before getting out of bed is the best time to wear medical knits.
- When wearing in the middle of the day, it is essential to keep your feet in a raised position for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It is necessary to slightly turn the part of the toe, put it on the toes, gradually pulling higher and higher.
- After installation, you need to smooth out all the bumps, to achieve maximum comfort.
Basic elements of care
- Wash the knits in warm water, with laundry soap, only by hand.
- Intense twisting is not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by spreading it on a hard surface, on a towel or other absorbent material. Drying the battery is not welcome.
- If there are silicone inserts, they should be left dry, moisture can affect their fastening properties. It is best to wipe them lightly with an alcohol solution.
- Chemical solvents are not recommended for cleaning products from contamination.
conclusion
Remember - excessive savings often lead to losses. Do not buy medicines from unverified companies and sellers, including markets.
By buying a fake, you are endangering your own health, risking worsening the painful condition due to the loss of valuable time for treatment. Be well and be healthy!