Human limbs, arms and legs, are the most mobile parts of the body. They are constantly under pressure. Most of all, our legs withstand the load - the weight of our body. In addition, they are constantly in an upright position. In this position, and under a certain weight, blood flow increases, while pressure increases on the walls of 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. Nodes are formed. 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.
Anti-varicose stockings: types
To cure varicose veins, you need to radically change your lifestyle, revise your diet, and pay enough attention to the issue of stress. And of course, consider wearing compression, anti-varicose knitwear.
Products from it can be divided into the following types:
- tights - the most comfortable look, but when dressing it requires 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 is worth noting the fact that it is recommended to wear such medical orthopedic wardrobe items after surgery. Attention! After the operation, you should not wear any stockings, they should be selected by a specialist.
What are anti-varicose compression stockings and tights?
Specialized 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 the attending physicians, such stockings are today a fairly effective method of combating the disease, as well as its prevention.
A bonus to such compression tights or stockings is the prevention of blood clots. Compression jersey products are made of a porous, 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 features
A feature of the action of such 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%;
- at the hips - about 50%;
- in the groin - up to 20%;
- there is no pressure on the hips and abdomen.
Thus, the rate of outflow of blood from the veins of the legs increases.
Anti-varicose compression stockings are preventive and therapeutic. Having decided to buy anti-varicose stockings or tights, decide for what purpose you need them: for prevention during pregnancy and after childbirth, for the treatment of varicose veins. Prophylactic can be selected in pharmacies according to your size. They don't need a certificate.
The situation is quite different with medical treatment. It's harder to choose them. For them, there must be a medical certificate and the doctor must select them for you according to your parameters and the stage of the disease. The stage of the disease, the condition of the veins, the phlebologist will assess based on ultrasound data. The size must be selected 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, then first buy prophylactic stockings, and only then be guided by your feelings and the reaction of the body to one or another 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 class of compression is 23-32 mmHg. Art. - damage to deep veins. In addition to pain and swelling, night cramps appear. Recommended for thrombophlebitis of varicose veins of moderate severity. Doctors recommend wearing such tights all the time.
- The third compression class is from 33 to 45 mm Hg. Art. it is bought only according to the prescription of the phlebologist. Doctors recommend wearing such tights for deep vein thrombosis and other serious cases.
- The fourth class of compression - exceeds 50 mm Hg. Art. - it is recommended to wear in violation of the lymph flow and to eliminate edema.
Attention!
- Do not confuse ordinary elastic tights with compression ones. The density of curative and prophylactic is measured in millimeters of mercury, not in dens.
- Medical tights have a wear period. Not more than 6 months. Washing and daily wearing makes them unusable.
- High-quality anti-varicose compression stockings are not cheap.
- If you are in doubt about which brand to buy tights or stockings, buy them marked RAL - they meet international quality standards.
How to put on medical anti-varicose compression stockings for women
There are rules about how to put on compression stockings that are different from putting on regular wardrobe items.
- Put on immediately after waking up, in 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 into an accordion.
- Next, inserting the palms into the stocking itself inside, carefully pull the stocking over the foot, while not forgetting about the location of the heel correctly.
- Very slowly straightening, pull on the shin.
- Then, also carefully, gradually pull them over the hips, raising the torso a little.
Anti-varicose compression stockings can be worn both for the treatment and prevention of vein diseases. At the same time, before buying such underwear, do not forget to consult, because self-treatment can have negative consequences for your health. Good luck!