Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable part 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 deformation and swelling.
To prevent or stop the destructive process of stretching the walls of the veins, a complex of therapeutic measures is necessary: taking venotonic agents, vasoconstrictors, using gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support of diseased vesselsand adjacent fabrics from the outside.
For this purpose, special underwear for varicose veins on the legs, or compression stockings, are produced.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which one is best for a particular patient, given modern diversity? You will find the answer to this and other questions in this document.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How do compression underwear work with varicose veins, how do they help eliminate painful symptoms?
The main specificity of knitwear for varicose veins is a graduated (that is, varied, transient) distribution of compression compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
So, near the heel, at the very base of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
Going higher, towards the popliteal region, the compression begins to gradually ease, reaching 70% of the index in the knee region.
And finally, at the base of the thigh, in the hip area, the level of compression is minimal, equal to around 40%.
Thanks to the graduated compression, the vessels of the legs receive the necessary support, the venous blood flow is normalized, acquires continuity, uniformity, which has a positive effect on the condition of the vascular walls and the general well-being of the patient .
What happens as a result
When wearing compression stockings, a complex therapeutic effect occurs, 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 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 the compressive compression of the vessels, the venous valves acquire 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 on the legs is eliminated.
Indications for use
What are medical underwear used for? The answer is obvious - in the treatment of vascular dysfunctions of the lower extremities.
- First of all, compression knits are used for varicose veins, at all stages of their development.
- With phlebitis, periphlebitis, such underwear helps to prevent deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, wearing a good medical knit is a guarantee of maintaining the health of the veins of the legs, which are threatened by increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used for sportsmen, because the lower limbs undergo strong stresses during the effort.
- Also, therapeutic underwear is recommended for use in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation of venous vessels, operations to remove blood clots.
- For people at risk of developing venous leg disease, doctors recommend lightly compression underwear as a preventative measure against varicose veins.
Variety of products
How to choose the underwear that suits you? You should not solve this problem on your own, since there are several varieties of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be provided by the physician supervising 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.
Squeeze course
According to the degree of compression (degree of compression pressure), knitwear can be classified as follows:
- 1, or prophylactic class. It can be purchased in the pharmacy network without a prescription, the compression ratio is 18-23 mm. rt. Art. These underwear are recommended for pregnant women and people at risk of varicose veins who want to keep their legs healthy. The products help well against evening puffiness, eliminate pain in the calves of the legs and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
- Class 2, compression up to 33 mm. rt. Art. This product is used in the treatment of varicose veins in the 2 and subsequent stages 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, very rarely used, recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be 50mm. rt. Art. and higher.
Manufacturing methods
Medical knitwear also differs by product type. Thus, the following types of compression underwear are offered to consumers:
- Tights are the most popular type of medical knitwear. In appearance, they are practically indistinguishable from ordinary elastic tights and can also be used by pregnant women. For this category of patients, low-rise models are produced. Tights for pregnant women are recommended for use by absolutely all pregnant women, however, these products are somewhat different from general products. The lumbar part is made in the form of a bandage of increased elasticity, the purpose of which is gentle support for the stomach, without uncomfortable compression. Also, properly selected underwear for pregnant women should provide good oxygen exchange.
- Low. One of the most practical types of compression products. Such underwear looks great when combined with skirts and dresses, at the same time it does not squeeze the stomach, 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, in order to avoid damage to blood vessels and tissues due to increased loads. These products are the most durable and practical, since they are made without the most vulnerable and wearable part - the sock.
- 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, it is absolutely not noticeable under casual pants, so it can be used daily without fear of appearing awkward in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued several types: usual; with silicone insert for a better fit; equipped with a Velcro belt; without socks (gaiters).
Manufacturers
There are many companies specializing in the production of compression underwear. It should be noted that such products are not chosen in an ordinary store, and in the market, medical underwear is sold in special medical stores or on the websites of manufacturers.
Before buying, you should pay special attention to the packaging. The fact is that all compression products have only one unit of density - millimeters of mercury. There is no such unit as DEN, beware of acquiring a fake!
How to determine the right size
Compression knitwear will have the appropriate therapeutic effect, provided that the most accurate size is selected, 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 picking up stockings should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf circumference in the popliteal region; leg height from floor to knee.
- When choosing stockings, 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 size. The length of the product will be equal to the distance from the floor to the hip joint.
- To define the desired tights size, you must define the circumference of the ankle, the popliteal region, the thigh circumference, as well as the volume of the pelvis. 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. Ask your doctor for help, he will not only select the size you need, but also give you advice on the model, material and manufacturer required.
Terms of use
Correctly wearing underwear with varicose veins is a whole science, which can take some time to master.
- The morning hours before getting out of bed are the best time to put on medical knitwear.
- When setting up in the middle of the day, it is necessary to keep the legs in an elevated position for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It is necessary to slightly turn the toe part, put it on the toes, gradually pulling higher and higher.
- After putting on, you need to smooth out all the bumps, achieve maximum comfort.
The basics of care
- Wash knitwear in lukewarm water, with laundry soap, by hand only.
- A strong twist is not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by spreading it on a hard surface, on a terry towel or other absorbent material. Drying on the battery is not welcome.
- If there are silicone inserts, they should be left dry, moisture can impair their fixing properties. It is best to wipe them lightly with an alcohol solution.
- Chemical solvents to clean products from contamination are not recommended.
Conclusion
Remember - excessive savings often lead to losses. Do not buy drugs from unverified companies and sellers, including in markets.
Buying a fake, you endanger your own health, risking to aggravate the painful condition due to the loss of valuable time for treatment. Get well and be healthy!