Anti-varicose socks: how to choose and use them correctly

Human limbs, arms and legs are the most mobile parts of the body. They are constantly under pressure. After all, our feet support the load - the weight of our body. In addition, they are constantly in an upright position. In this position, and under a certain weight, blood flow increases, while pressure increases in the walls of blood vessels.

And if we consider that due to harmful environmental factors, our malnutrition, overweight, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, it is clear that this leads to their extension. Nodes are formed. And then the first signs of varicose veins appear - the so-called stars on the skin, aggravation and swelling of the legs. The next stage is already a specific disease - elongated joints, veins. All this is accompanied by painful sensations.

compression stockings for varicose veins

Socks against varicose veins: types

To cure varicose veins, you need to radically change your lifestyle, review your diet and pay enough attention to the issue of stress. And of course, consider wearing compression knitwear, against varicose veins.

Its products can be divided into the following types:

  • tights - the most comfortable look, but when dressed requires some effort;
  • socks - recommended for pregnant women and for those whose veins are not affected above the knee;
  • golf - very comfortable to wear for men;
  • leggings - recommended for those whose varicose veins affect a small part of the legs;
  • elastic bandage - is the most affordable type, but the disadvantage is the inconvenience of use.

It is worth noting the fact that it is recommended to wear such orthopedic medical clothing after surgery. Careful! After surgery, you should not wear socks, they should be selected by a specialist.

What are varicose vein socks and tights?

Specialized orthopedic compression products are made from compression stockings. Their purpose is strictly medical. This type of dressing supports blood vessels and prevents them from stretching, microcirculation is improved. Consistent with the conclusions of the attending physicians, such socks are today a fairly effective method of combating the disease as well as preventing it.

A bonus for such compression tights or socks is the prevention of blood clots. Compression jersey products are made of a porous, viscous material in its structure, which provides a breathable effect in hot weather. In such products, materials with an added evaporation property and maintaining the water balance of the skin are used.

Compression stockings: impact characteristics

A feature of the action of such socks is that they create an additional frame that supports the veins and protects them from stretching. Moreover, the compression of the tissues of the lower leg protects our feet from fatigue, pain and swelling of the muscles and prevents the blood from stagnating.

The pressure in the compression stockings is distributed from the bottom up as follows:

  • at the ankles - maximum, ie up to 100%;
  • kneeling - reduced to 70-75%;
  • in the hips - about 50%;
  • in the groin - up to 20%;
  • there is no pressure on the hips and abdomen.

Thus, the rate of blood flow from the veins of the legs increases.

Anti-varicose socks are preventative and therapeutic. Once you have decided to buy stockings or tights against varicose veins, decide for what purpose you need them: for prevention during pregnancy and after childbirth, for the treatment of varicose veins. Prophylaxis can be chosen in pharmacies according to your size. They do not need a certificate.

The situation is quite different with medical treatment. It is more difficult to choose them. They must have a medical certificate and the doctor must select them for you according to the parameters and stage of the disease. The phlebologist will assess the stage of the disease, the condition of the veins based on the ultrasound data. The size should be chosen very carefully, as the tights almost do not stretch. Too big will not be effective, and a small size is inappropriate, uncomfortable.

If you are diagnosed with a disease but do not have the opportunity to seek advice from a doctor about buying compression stockings, then first buy prophylactic socks and only then be guided by your feelings and body reaction to one or another type or size.

According to the international standard, there are 4 classes of compression hoses.

  1. The first class of compression is 18-22 mm Hg. Art. - with the initial degree of damage to the superficial veins, the appearance of spider veins. Such socks significantly reduce pain at the end of the work day and relieve swelling.
  2. The second class of compression is 23-32 mmHg. Art. - damage to deep veins. In addition to pain and swelling, night cramps also occur. Recommended for thrombophlebitis of varicose veins of moderate severity. Doctors recommend wearing such tights all the time.
  3. The third class of compression is from 33 to 45 mm Hg. Art. purchased only according to the prescription of the phlebologist. Doctors recommend wearing such tights for deep vein thrombosis and other severe cases.
  4. Fourth compression class - exceeds 50 mm Hg. Art. - it is recommended to dress in violation of lymph flow and to eliminate edema.

Careful!

  1. Do not confuse ordinary elastic tights with compression stockings. The density of curative and preventive measures is measured in millimeters of mercury, not in burrows.
  2. Medical tights have a period of wear. Not more than 6 months. Washing and dressing daily makes them unusable.
  3. High quality varicose vein compression stockings are not cheap.
  4. If you are unsure which brand to buy tights or socks, buy them with the RAL brand - they meet international quality standards.

How to wear varicose vein medical compression stockings for women

There are rules on how to wear compression stockings that are different from wearing ordinary wardrobe items.

  1. Dress immediately after waking up, in bed.
  2. It is necessary to do this correctly and very carefully, without twisting or stretching the fabric too much.
  3. The top is carefully mounted on an accordion.
  4. Next, inserting the toes into the sock inside, carefully pull the sock over the foot, not forgetting the exact location of the heel.
  5. Running very slowly, pull the leg.
  6. Then, also carefully, gradually pull over the hips, raising the torso slightly.

Anti-varicose socks can be worn for both the treatment and prevention of venous diseases. At the same time, before buying such underwear, do not forget to consult, because self-medication can have negative consequences for your health. Good luck!