Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable component in the complex treatment and postoperative therapy of vascular pathology of the lower extremities.
As you know, varicose veins are venous valve dysfunction, the result of which is blood stasis, vascular defects, and swelling.
To prevent or stop the process of damaging the venous wall, a set of therapeutic measures is required: taking venotonics, vasoconstrictive agents, use of gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased ducts and adjacent tissues 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 the modern diversity? You will find answers to this and other questions in this material.
The essence of the therapeutic effect
How does compression underwear work with varicose veins, how does it help relieve painful symptoms?
The main specificity of knitwear for varicose veins is the distribution of graduated compression compression (i. e. , range, transition) over the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
So, near the heel, at the very bottom of the ankle, the level of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
Rising higher, into the popliteal area, the compression begins to gradually subside, reaching 70% of the index in the knee area.
And finally, in the groin, in the hip area, the level of compression is minimal, equal to about 40%.
Thanks to the graduated compression, the vessels in the legs are provided with the necessary support, venous blood flow is normalized, obtains continuity, uniformity, which has a positive effect on the condition of the vascular wall and the general well -being of the patient.
What happened as a result
When wearing compression stockings, a complex therapeutic effect occurs, expressed by the following positive factors:
- Thanks to mechanical support, the vessel is protected from pathological stretching, and the venous lumen is reduced to normal values.
- Blood stasis that occurs as a result of venous wall deformation is eliminated, the structure becomes less viscous, and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- As a result of vessel compression, the venous valve acquires its previously healthy strength and function, ensuring the continuity of blood circulation from the heart to the bottom and vice versa.
- Capillary blood flow is normalized, as a result of tissue nutrition and oxygen exchange returns to normal, and lymphostasis in the legs is eliminated.
Instructions for use
What is the purpose of medical underwear? The answer is obvious - in the treatment of vascular dysfunction of the lower extremities.
- First of all, compression knitwear is used for varicose veins, at all stages of its development.
- With phlebitis, periphlebitis, such underwear helps prevent deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, wearing good medical knitwear is a guarantee to maintain the health of the veins in the legs, which are at risk due to increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used for athletes, as the lower limbs experience strong pressure during training.
- In addition, therapeutic underwear is recommended for use in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation of venous vessels, surgery to remove blood clots.
- For people who are at risk of getting venous disease in the legs, doctors recommend underwear of small compression levels as a preventive measure against varicose veins.
Various products
How to choose the right underwear for you? You should not solve this problem on your own, as there are several types of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be given by the doctor who is monitoring 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 class
According to the degree of compression (degree of compression pressure), knitwear can be classified as follows:
- 1, or prophylaxis class. It can be purchased at network pharmacies without a prescription, the compression ratio is 18-23 mm. rt. Art. Such underwear is recommended for pregnant mothers and people at risk for varicose veins who want to keep their feet healthy. This product helps well against night swelling, relieves pain in the calves, and prevents the spread of capillary network.
- Class 2, compression is up to 33 mm. rt. Art. This product is used in the treatment of varicose veins in the 2nd and subsequent stages of the disease, in the presence of severe blood stasis, pain, swelling, obvious venous nodes.
- Class 3, the compression level reaches 45 mm. rt. Art. This class of medical underwear is suitable for patients with severe varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, with severe lymphostasis, severely deformed veins, and severe painful swelling.
- Class 4, used very rarely, is recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be from 50 mm. rt. Art. and higher.
Type 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 terms of appearance, they are practically indistinguishable from regular elastic tights, they can also be worn by pregnant women. For this patient category, a model with a low waist was produced. Pantyhose for pregnant women is recommended for use by all pregnant mothers, however, such products are quite different from the general ones. The lumbar part is made in the form of a bandage of increased elasticity, the purpose of which is soft support for the abdomen, without uncomfortable squeezing. In addition, properly selected underwear for pregnant mothers should provide good oxygen exchange.
- Stockings. One of the most practical types of compression products. Such underwear looks good when combined with skirts and dresses, at the same time it does not tighten the abdomen, which is very important during pregnancy.
- Sports compression underwear - gaiters. They are made of special materials that provide optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf area, to prevent damage to blood vessels and tissues due to increased load. Such products are the most durable and practical, because they are produced without the most exposed and wearable part - socks.
- Knee stockings. Suitable for those who suffer from vasodilation in the lower legs. In addition, there are special compression underwear for men, which are also produced in the form of golf. Men's underwear in appearance is indistinguishable from ordinary sock products, it is completely insignificant under casual pants, so it can be worn every day without fear of looking awkward in the eyes of others. Golf is issued several types: regular; with silicone inserts for best fit; equipped with Velcro belt; without socks (gaiters).
Manufacturer
There are many companies that specialize in the production of compression underwear. It should be noted that such products are not selected in regular stores and on the market; medical underwear is sold in specialty medical stores or on the manufacturer’s website.
Before buying, you should pay attention to the packaging. The fact is that all compression products have one unit of density - millimeters of mercury. There is no unit like DEN, be careful to get fake ones!
How to determine the correct size
Compression knitwear will have the right therapeutic effect, provided the most appropriate size is chosen, the product should not be small for the patient, and should not be too large.
How to choose the right size underwear? Equip yourself with a measuring tape, free time and patience.
- Patients taking stockings should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf circumference in popliteal region; foot height from floor to knee.
- When choosing stockings, in addition to the circumference of the ankles and lower legs, you should also measure the circumference of the thighs in the area of 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 tights size, you need to set the ankle circumference, popliteal area, thigh circumference, as well as 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 itself. Ask your doctor for help, he or she will not only choose the size you need, but also give advice on the model, material, and manufacturer needed.
Terms of Use
Wearing underwear properly with varicose veins is a whole science, which may take some time to master.
- The morning before getting out of bed is the best time to put on medical knitwear.
- When wearing at noon, it is necessary to keep the feet in an elevated position for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It should slightly rotate the toes, place on the toes, gradually pulling higher and higher.
- After wearing, you should smooth out all the bumps, achieving maximum comfort.
Basics of care
- Wash knitwear in warm water, with laundry soap, only by hand.
- Strong rounds are not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by placing it on a hard surface, on a terry towel or other absorbent material. Drying on batteries is not welcome.
- If there is a silicone insert, it should be left to dry, moisture can affect its fixing properties. It is better to wipe it a little 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 medical products from unauthorized companies and sellers, including on the market.
By buying a fake one, you are endangering your own health, risking exacerbating a painful condition as a result of losing valuable time for treatment. Hope you are healthy and healthy!