Compression underwear for varicose veins are an indispensable component of the complex treatment and postoperative therapy 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 destructive process of venous wall alignment, a number of therapeutic measures are needed: taking venotonic agents, vasoconstrictors, the use of gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased vessels and adjacent tissues.
For this purpose special underwear is produced for varicose veins in the legs, or compression stockings.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which is best for a particular patient, given the modern diversity? You will find the answers to this and other questions in this article.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How do varicose vein compression underwear work, how do they help eliminate painful symptoms?
The main specification of knitted garments for varicose veins is the scaled (i. e. , varied, transient) distribution of the compression vein along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
So, near the heel, at the base of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
Rising higher, in the popliteal region, the compression begins to decrease gradually, reaching 70% of the index in the knee region.
And finally, at the base of the thigh, in the hip region, the level of compression is minimal, equal to approximately 40%.
Thanks to the gradual compression, the vessels in the legs are provided with the necessary support, the venous blood circulation is normalized, gains continuity, uniformity, which positively affects the condition of the vascular walls and the well-being of the patient in general. .
What happens as a result
When you wear compression stockings, a complex therapeutic effect appears, 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 that occurred due to deformation of the venous walls is eliminated, its structure becomes less viscous and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- As a result of compressive pressure on the vessels, the venous valves gain 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 leg is eliminated.
Indications for use
What is the purpose of medical underwear? The answer is clear - in the treatment of vascular dysfunctions of the lower extremities.
- First of all, compression knitwear is used for varicose veins, at all stages of its development.
- With phlebitis, periflebitis, such underwear help prevent the deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, wearing good medical knitwear is a guarantee for maintaining the health of the leg veins, which is endangered as a result of increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used for athletes because the lower limbs experience strong stress during exercise.
- In addition, therapeutic underwear is recommended for use in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation of venous vessels, surgeries to remove blood clots.
- For people who are at risk of developing venous foot disease, doctors recommend underwear with a small degree of compression as a preventative measure against varicose veins.
Product variety
How to choose the right underwear for you? You do not have to solve this issue yourself because there are several types 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), knitted garments can be classified as follows:
- 1, or prophylactic class. It can be bought 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 for people at risk for varicose veins who want to keep their feet healthy. The products help well against evening bloating, eliminate pain in the calves of the legs 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 stages 2 and subsequent of the disease, in the presence of severe blood stasis, pain, swelling, pronounced venous nodes.
- 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, rarely used, is recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be from 50 mm. rt. Art. and above.
Types of production
Medical knitwear also varies according to 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. Pantyhose for pregnant women is recommended to be used by absolutely all expectant mothers, however, such products are somewhat different from the general ones. The waist is made in the form of a bandage with added elasticity, the purpose of which is a soft support for the abdomen, without uncomfortable squeezing. In addition, properly selected 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 do not tighten the stomach, which is especially important during pregnancy.
- Compression sports underwear - gates. They are made of a special material that ensures optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf region, to avoid damage to blood vessels and tissues due to the added loads. Such products are more durable and practical, because they are produced without the most tangible and convenient part - the sock.
- Knee socks. Suitable for those suffering 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 no different from ordinary socks products, absolutely not visible under casual pants, so they can be used every day without fear of looking embarrassing in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued several types: common; with silicone inserts for best fit; fitted with Velcro strap; pa çorape (gatera).
PRODUCERS
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 should pay attention to the packaging. The fact is that all compression products have a single density unit - millimeters of mercury. There is no such unit as DEN, beware of getting a fake!
How to determine the right size
Compression knitwear will have the right therapeutic effect, provided 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 tape measure, free time and patience.
- Patients receiving socks should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf perimeter in the popliteal region; foot height from the floor to the knee.
- When choosing socks, in addition to the circumference of the ankle and the lower part of the foot, you should also measure the perimeter 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 popliteal region, the perimeter of the thigh, 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. Seek help from your doctor, he will not only choose the size you need, but will also give advice on the model, material and manufacturer required.
Terms of Use
Properly wearing 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 knitwear.
- When wearing in the middle of the day, it is necessary to keep the legs in an upright position for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It is necessary to slightly turn the part of the finger, place it on the fingers, gradually pulling up and up.
- After dressing, you need to soften all the bumps, to achieve maximum comfort.
Basics of care
- Wash the knitwear in warm water, with laundry soap, only by hand.
- Strong twisting is not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by spreading it on a firm surface, on a towel or other absorbent material. Battery drying is not welcome.
- If there are silicone inserts, they should be left dry, moisture can impair their fixing properties. It is better to wipe them lightly with an alcohol solution.
- Chemical solvents for cleaning products from contamination are not recommended.
Conclusion
Remember - excessive savings often lead to losses. Do not buy medicinal products from unverified companies and retailers, including markets.
By purchasing a fake, you are risking your health, risking worsening the painful condition due to the loss of precious time for treatment. Get well and be healthy!