Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable component of the complex treatment and postoperative therapy of vascular pathologies of the lower extremities.
As you know, varicose veins is a dysfunction 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 set of therapeutic measures is needed: taking venotonic, vasoconstrictive agents, 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 knitwear for varicose veins is a graduated (that is, varied, transitional) 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%.
Rising higher, to the popliteal region, the compression begins to gradually subside, 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 approximately 40%.
Thanks to the graduated compression, the vessels on the legs are provided with 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 patient's well-being in general.
What happens as a result
When wearing compression stockings, a complex therapeutic effect occurs, expressed by the following positive factors:
- Thanks to mechanical support, the vessels are protected from pathological stretching, and the venous lumen is reduced to normal values.
- Blood stagnation that occurred 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 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 is the purpose of medical underwear? The answer is obvious - in the treatment of vascular dysfunctions 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 the deterioration of the patient's condition.
- For pregnant women, wearing good medical knitwear is a guarantee of maintaining the health of the veins in the legs, which is at risk as a result of increased stress and hormonal changes.
- Compression products are also used for athletes, because the lower limbs experience strong stress during exercise.
- 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 who are at risk of developing venous disease of the legs, doctors recommend underwear of a small degree of compression as a preventive measure against varicose veins.
Product variety
How to choose the right underwear for you? You should not solve this issue on your own, because there are several varieties of knitwear.
The answer to this question will be provided by the doctor who oversees 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. Can be purchased at the pharmacy chain without a prescription, the compression ratio is 18-23 mm. rt. Art. Such underwear is recommended for expectant mothers and people at risk for varicose veins who want to keep their legs healthy. The products help well against evening puffiness, eliminate soreness in the calves of the legs, and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
- Class 2, compression is up to 33 mm. 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 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, used very rarely, recommended for patients with pathological edema and lymphostasis ("elephantiasis"). The compression of this product can be from 50 mm. rt. Art. and higher.
Production views
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. For this category of patients, models with a low waist are produced. Pantyhose for pregnant women are recommended to be used by absolutely all expectant mothers, however, such products are somewhat 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 tummy, 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.
- Sports compression underwear - gaiters. Made of a special material that provides 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 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 products, it is absolutely not noticeable under casual trousers, so it can be used daily without fear of looking awkward in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued several types: usual; with silicone insert for the best fit; equipped with 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 a regular store and on the market; medical underwear is sold in special medical stores or on the 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 proper 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 measuring tape, free time and patience.
- Patients who pick up stockings should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf girth in the popliteal region; leg height from floor to knee.
- When choosing stockings, in addition to the girth of the ankle and lower leg, you should also measure the girth of the thigh in the area 25-30 cm above the knee, depending on 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 tights, you need to set the circumference of the ankle, popliteal region, 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 purchase the product yourself. Ask your doctor for help, he will not only select the size you need, but also give advice on the required model, material, and manufacturer.
Terms of Use
Wearing underwear correctly with varicose veins is a whole science, which may take some time to master.
- Morning hours before getting out of bed is the best time to put on medical knitwear.
- When putting on 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 should smooth out all the bumps, achieve maximum comfort.
Basics of care
- Wash knitwear in warm water, with laundry soap, only by hand.
- Strong twisting is not allowed.
- It is best to dry the product by laying it out 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 better to lightly wipe them with an alcohol solution.
- Chemical solvents are not recommended for cleaning products from contamination.
Conclusion
Remember - excessive savings often bring losses. Do not purchase medicinal products from unverified companies and sellers, including 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!