Human limbs, arms and legs, are the most mobile parts of the body. They are constantly under pressure. Above all, our legs bear the load - the weight of our body. In addition, they are constantly in an upright position. In this position, and under a certain weight, the blood flow increases, while the pressure increases on the walls of the 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 stretching. Knots form. And then the first signs of varicose veins appear - the so-called asterisks on the skin, heaviness and swelling of the legs. The next stage is already a specific disease - protruding nodes, veins. All this is accompanied by painful sensations.
Varicose vein stockings: types
To cure varicose veins, you need to drastically change your lifestyle, review your diet and pay enough attention to the issue of stress. And of course, consider wearing compression and anti-varicose knitwear.
Products from it can be divided into the following types:
- tights - the most comfortable look, but to dress it takes some effort;
- stockings - recommended for pregnant women and for those whose veins 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 - is the most affordable type, but the disadvantage is the inconvenience of use.
It should be noted that it is recommended to wear such items of medical orthopedic wardrobe after surgery. Warning! After the operation, you should not wear stockings, they must be selected by a specialist.
What are varicose vein compression stockings and tights?
Specialty orthopedic compression products are made from compression stockings. Their purpose is strictly medical. This type of clothing supports blood vessels and prevents them from stretching, microcirculation improves. In accordance with the conclusions of attending physicians, today such stockings are a fairly effective method of combating the disease, as well as its prevention.
A bonus to these tights or compression stockings is the prevention of blood clots. Compression jersey products are made of a porous and viscous material in its structure, which provides a breathable effect in hot weather. In such products, materials with an increased property of evaporation and preservation of the water balance of the skin are used.
Compression stockings: impact characteristics
A feature of the action of these stockings is that they create an additional frame that supports the veins and protects them from stretching. In addition, the compression of the lower leg tissues protects our legs from fatigue, muscle pain and swelling, and prevents blood from stagnating.
The pressure in compression stockings is distributed from bottom to top as follows:
- on the ankles - the maximum, that is, up to 100%;
- kneeling - reduced to 70-75%;
- to the hips - about 50%;
- in the groin - up to 20%;
- there is no pressure on the hips and abdomen.
Thus, the rate of blood outflow from the veins of the legs increases.
Anti-varicose vein compression stockings are preventive and therapeutic. Having decided to buy stockings or pantyhose for varicose veins, decide for what purpose you need them: for prevention during pregnancy and after childbirth, for the treatment of varicose veins. The prophylactic can be selected at the pharmacy depending on your size. They don't need a certificate.
The situation is quite different with medical treatment. It is more difficult to choose them. For them there must be a medical certificate, and the doctor should select them for you based on your parameters and the stage of the disease. The phlebologist will assess the stage of the disease, the condition of the veins based on ultrasound data. The size should be chosen very carefully, since the tights almost do not stretch. Too large will not be effective, and a small size is inconvenient, uncomfortable.
If you have been diagnosed with a disease, but you do not have the opportunity to seek advice from a doctor on the purchase of compression stockings, buy prophylactic stockings first, and then be guided by your feelings andthe body's reaction to either type or size.
According to the international standard, there are 4 classes of compression stockings.
- The first compression class is 18-22 mm Hg. Art. - with the initial degree of damage to the superficial veins, the appearance of spider veins. Such stockings significantly reduce pain at the end of the working day and relieve swelling.
- The second compression class is 23-32 mmHg. Art. - damage to deep veins. In addition to pain and swelling, night cramps appear. Recommended for varicose vein thrombophlebitis of moderate severity. Doctors recommend wearing such tights all the time.
- The third class of compression is 33-45 mm Hg. Art. it can only be bought according to the prescription of the phlebologist. Doctors recommend wearing such tights for deep vein thrombosis and other severe cases.
- The fourth class of compression - exceeds 50 mm Hg. Art. - it is recommended to wear in violation of the lymph flow and eliminate edema.
Warning!
- Don't confuse regular elastic tights with compression tights. The density of curative and preventive measures is measured in millimeters of mercury, not in dens.
- Medical tights have a wearing period. No more than 6 months. Daily washing and wearing renders them unusable.
- High quality varicose vein compression stockings don't come cheap.
- If you don't know which brand to buy tights or stockings, buy them RAL marked - they meet international quality standards.
How to put on medical compression stockings for varicose veins for women
There are rules for how to put on compression stockings that are different from putting on regular wardrobe items.
- Put immediately after waking up, to bed.
- It is necessary to do this correctly and very carefully, without twisting or stretching the fabric too much.
- The upper part is carefully assembled like an accordion.
- Then, inserting the palms into the stocking itself inside, carefully pull the stocking over the foot, not forgetting about the correct location of the heel.
- Very slowly straightening, pull the shin.
- Then, also carefully, gradually pull them to the hips, raising the torso a little.
Anti-varicose vein compression stockings can be worn both for the treatment and for the prevention of venous diseases. At the same time, before buying such underwear, do not forget to consult, because self-treatment can lead to negative consequences for your health. Good luck!