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 functional disorder of the venous valves, the consequences of which are blood congestion, vascular deformation and swelling.
To prevent or stop the destructive process of stretching the walls of the veins, a number of therapeutic measures are required: taking venotonic, vasoconstrictive drugs, using gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased vessels and adjacent tissues outside.
For this purpose, special underwear for varicose veins on the legs or compression stockings are made.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which one is most suitable for a particular patient, given the modern variety? The answer to these and other questions can be found in this material.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How does compression underwear work with varicose veins, how does it help eliminate painful symptoms?
The main property of knitwear for varicose veins is a graded (that is, varied transitional) distribution of compression compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
Near the heel, at the very foot of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
Increasing higher, up to the popliteal region, the compression gradually begins to decrease and reaches 70% of the index in the knee region.
Finally, the degree of compression at the base of the thigh in the hip area is minimal and is around 40%.
Thanks to the graduated compression, the vessels on the legs receive the necessary support, venous blood flow is normalized, maintaining continuity and evenness, 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, which is expressed in the following positive factors:
- The mechanical support protects the vessels from pathological stretching and reduces the venous lumen to normal values.
- Blood stagnation that arose as a result of deformation of the walls of the veins is eliminated, their structure becomes less viscous, and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- Due to the compressive compression of the vessels, the venous valves regain their former strength and healthy function, ensuring the continuity of blood circulation from the heart to the lower extremities and vice versa.
- Capillary blood flow is normalized, due to which tissue nutrition and oxygen exchange are normalized, and lymphostasis on the legs is eliminated.
Usage Notes
What is medical underwear for? The answer is obvious - in the treatment of vascular dysfunction in the lower extremities.
- Compression knitwear is used primarily for varicose veins at all stages of their development.
- With phlebitis, periphlebitis, such underwear will help prevent the patient's condition from deteriorating.
- For pregnant women, wearing good medical knitwear is a guarantee of keeping the leg veins healthy, which are endangered by increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used by athletes, as the lower limbs are heavily used during sport.
- In addition, 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 disease in the legs, doctors recommend low-compression underwear as a preventive measure against varicose veins.
product variety
How to choose the right underwear for yourself? You should not solve this problem on your own, since there are several varieties of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be given by the doctor who monitors the patient's condition. The specialist will help you choose the right purchase, taking into account the patient's condition, the presence of chronic ailments and other contraindications.
compression classes
According to the degree of compression (degree of compression pressure), knitted fabrics can be classified as follows:
- 1 or prophylactic class. It can be bought in the pharmacy network without a prescription, the compression ratio is 18-23 mm. rt. Arts. This underwear is recommended for expectant mothers and groups at risk of varicose veins who want to keep their legs healthy. The products help well against evening swelling, eliminate calf pain and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
- Class 2, compression is up to 33mm. rt. Arts. This product is used in the treatment of varicose veins in the 2nd and subsequent stages of the disease in the event of severe congestion, pain, swelling and pronounced venous nodules.
- Class 3, the compression level reaches 45mm. rt. Arts. Medical underwear of this class is suitable for patients with severe varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, with strong lymphostasis, severely deformed veins and severe painful swelling.
- Class 4, used very rarely, recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be from 50mm. rt. Arts. and higher.
types of production
Medical knitwear also differs by type of product. Therefore, consumers are offered the following types of compression underwear:
- Pantyhose are the most popular type of medical knitwear. They can hardly be distinguished visually from ordinary elastic tights and can also be worn by pregnant women. Low-waisted models are made for this category of patients. Pantyhose for pregnant women should definitely be used by all expectant mothers, but these products are somewhat different from the general ones. The lumbar region is made in the form of a bandage with increased elasticity, the purpose of which is to provide soft support for the abdomen without uncomfortable squeezing. In addition, properly selected underwear for expectant mothers should ensure good oxygen exchange.
- Socks. 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 tighten the tummy, which is especially important during pregnancy.
- Compression underwear for sports - gaiters. They are made of a special material that ensures optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf area to prevent vascular and tissue damage from increased stress. Such products are the most durable and practical, since they are made without the most vulnerable and wearable 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 made in the form of golf. Men's underwear is indistinguishable in appearance from ordinary hosiery products, it absolutely does not stand out under casual pants, so it can be used every day without fear of looking awkward in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued in several types: ordinary; with silicone insert for best fit; equipped with Velcro; without socks (gaiters).
manufacturer
There are many companies that specialize in manufacturing compression underwear. It should be noted that such products are not chosen in an ordinary store and on the market; medical underwear is sold in special medical stores or on 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, beware of acquiring a fake!
How to determine the right size
Compression knitwear has the right therapeutic effect, provided that the most accurate size is selected, the products should not be small and not too large for the patient.
How do I choose the right underwear size? Arm yourself with a tape measure, free time and patience.
- Patients picking up stockings should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf circumference at the hollow of the knee; Leg height from floor to knee.
- When selecting the stockings, you should measure the circumference of the thighs in the area 25-30 cm above the knee in addition to the circumference of the ankle and lower leg, depending on your height. The length of the product corresponds to the distance from the floor to the hip joint.
- In order to set the desired pantyhose size, you must adjust the circumference of the ankle, the hollow of the knee, the circumference of the thigh and the volume of the pelvis. The length when choosing pantyhose is determined 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 advice, he will not only select the size you need, but also advise you on the model, material and manufacturer you need.
Terms of Use
Properly wearing underwear for varicose veins is a whole science that can take time to master.
- The morning hours before getting up are the best time to put on medical knitwear.
- When applying 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 rotate the toe part, put it on the toes and gradually pull it higher and higher.
- After dressing, you should smooth out any bumps for maximum comfort.
Basics of Nursing
- Hand wash knitwear in warm water with detergent only.
- Heavy twisting is not allowed.
- The best way to dry the product is to lay it out on a hard surface, on a terry towel or other absorbent material. Drying on the battery is undesirable.
- If silicone inserts are present, they should be left dry, moisture can affect the 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 saving often brings losses. Do not buy medicines from unverified companies and sellers, even in markets.
By buying a fake, you jeopardize your own health and risk aggravation of the painful condition due to the loss of valuable treatment time. Get well soon and be healthy!