Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable component of the complex treatment and postoperative therapy of vascular pathologies of the lower limbs.
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 stretching the venous walls, a number of therapeutic measures are required: the intake of venotonic agents, vasoconstrictors, the use of gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased vessels and adjacent tissues from the outside.
For this purpose, special underwear for varicose veins on the legs or compression stockings is produced.
How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which one is best for a particular patient, given the modern diversity? You will find the answer 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 to eliminate painful symptoms?
The main specificity of knitting for varicose veins is a graduated (i. e. varied, transient) distribution of compressive compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.
Then, near the heel, right at the base of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value - 100%.
As you rise higher, in the popliteal region, the compression begins to gradually decrease, 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 about 40%.
Thanks to graduated compression, the vessels of the legs are provided with the necessary support, the venous blood flow normalizes, acquires continuity, uniformity, which has a positive effect on the condition of the vascular walls and on the well-being of the patient in general.
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.
- The stagnation of blood that has occurred due to the deformation of the venous walls is eliminated, its structure becomes less viscous and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
- As a result of the compression of the blood vessels, the venous valves acquire their former strength and healthy functions, ensuring the continuity of blood circulation from the heart to the lower limbs 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 is the purpose of medical underwear? The answer is obvious: in the treatment of vascular dysfunctions of the lower limbs.
- First, compression knitwear is used for varicose veins, at all stages of its development.
- With phlebitis, periplebitis, such underwear helps prevent deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, wearing good medical knitwear is a guarantee of maintaining the health of the leg veins, which is at risk due to increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used for athletes, because the lower limbs experience severe stress during exercise.
- Also, the 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 underwear with a small degree of compression as a preventive measure against varicose veins.
Variety of products
How to choose the right underwear for you? You shouldn't solve this problem on your own, because there are several varieties of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be provided 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 ailments and other contraindications.
Compression classes
According to the degree of compression (degree of compression pressure), knitwear can be classified as follows:
- 1, or prophylactic class. It can be purchased at the pharmacy network without a prescription, the compression ratio is 18-23 mm. rt. Art. Such underwear is recommended for expectant mothers and people at risk of varicose veins who want to keep their legs healthy. The products help against evening swelling, eliminate pain in the calves of the legs and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
- Class 2, the compression is up to 33mm. rt. Art. This product is used in the treatment of varicose veins at 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 45mm. rt. Art. The 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, used very rarely, recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be 50mm. rt. Art. and above.
Types of production
Medical knitwear also differs by 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-waisted models are produced for this category of patients. Tights for pregnant women are recommended for use by all expectant mothers, however, such products are somewhat different from general ones. The lumbar part is made in the form of a bandage of greater elasticity, the purpose of which is a soft support for the belly, without uncomfortable squeezing. In addition, properly selected underwear for expectant 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 stomach, which is especially important during pregnancy.
- Compression sports underwear - gaiters. They are made of a special material that guarantees optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf region, in order to avoid damage to blood vessels and tissues due to increased loads. Such products are the most durable and practical, because they are produced without the most vulnerable and wearable part - the sock.
- Knee socks. Suitable for those suffering from vasodilation of 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 products, it is absolutely not noticeable under casual pants, so it can be used daily without fear of looking awkward in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued of several types: usual; with silicone insert for the best fit; equipped with velcro belt; without socks (gaiters).
Manufacturers
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 will have the correct therapeutic effect, as long as 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 of underwear? Arm yourself with the meter, free time and patience.
- Patients who collect stockings should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf circumference in the popliteal region; leg height from floor to knee.
- When choosing socks, in addition to the circumference of the ankle and lower leg, it is also necessary to measure the circumference 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, it is necessary to set the circumference of the ankle, the popliteal region, the circumference 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 measures, 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
Wearing varicose vein underwear correctly is a whole science, which may take some time to master.
- The morning hours before getting out of bed are the best time to put on medical knitwear.
- When wearing in the middle of the day, you need to keep your legs elevated for 15 minutes before the procedure.
- It is necessary to slightly twist the toe part, put it on the toes, gradually pulling higher and higher.
- After wearing, you should smooth out all the bumps, get maximum comfort.
Basics of care
- Wash the knitwear in warm water, with laundry soap, by hand only.
- Strong twists are not allowed.
- It is recommended 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 must be left dry, humidity can affect their fixing properties. It is best 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 medicines from unverified companies and sellers, even in the markets.
By purchasing a fake you endanger your own health, risking aggravating the painful condition due to the loss of precious time for treatment. Get well and be healthy!