Compression underwear for varicose veins: which one is better to choose

Compression underwear for varicose veins is an indispensable component of complex treatment and postoperative therapy of vascular pathologies of the lower extremities.

As you know, varicose veins are 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 venotonics, vasoconstrictor agents, the use of gels and ointments for external use, as well as mechanical support for diseased vessels and adjacent tissues of the outside.

For this, special underwear for varicose veins on the legs or compression stockings are produced.

How to choose compression underwear for varicose veins, which one is better for a particular patient, given 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 (ie, varied, transient) distribution of compression compression along the entire length of the leg, depending on the area.

So, near the heel, at the base of the ankle, the degree of compression reaches its maximum value: 100%.

Going higher, to 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 compression level is minimal, equal to approximately 40%.

Thanks to graduated compression, the vessels of the legs receive 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 the 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, their structure becomes less viscous, and the risk of thrombosis is reduced.
• As a result of the 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.
• The capillary blood flow is normalized, as a result of which the nutrition of the tissues and the exchange of oxygen return to normal, and lymphostasis in 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.

1. First of all, compression knitwear is used for varicose veins, at all stages of their development.
2. With phlebitis, periphlebitis, such underwear helps prevent the deterioration of the patient's condition.
3. For pregnant women, wearing good medical tissue is a guarantee of maintaining the health of the veins in the legs, which are at risk from increased stress and hormonal changes.
4. Compression products are also used for athletes, because the lower extremities experience strong stress during exercise.
5. In addition, the use of therapeutic underwear is recommended in the postoperative period after phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, laser coagulation of venous vessels, operations to remove blood clots.
6. For people who are at risk of developing venous leg disease, doctors recommend underwear with a small degree of compression as a preventative measure against varicose veins.

Variety of products

How to choose the right underwear for you? You should not solve this problem on your own, because there are several varieties of knitwear.

The answer to this question will be provided by the doctor supervising 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 (compression pressure degree), knitwear 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. Art. Such underwear is recommended for pregnant women and people at risk of varicose veins who want to keep their legs healthy. The products help well against night swelling, eliminate pain in the calves and prevent the spread of the capillary network.
• Class 2, compression is up to 33mm. rt. Art. This product is used in the treatment of varicose veins at 2 and later 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 50mm. rt. Art. and higher.

types of production

Medical knitwear also differs depending on the type of product. Therefore, the following types of compression underwear are offered to the attention of consumers:

1. Stockings are the most popular type of medical knitwear. In appearance, they are practically indistinguishable from ordinary elastic stockings, they can also be used by pregnant women. For this category of patients, models with a low waist are produced. Pantyhose for pregnant women is recommended for use by absolutely all expectant mothers, however, these 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 a gentle support for the tummy, without uncomfortable squeezing. Also, properly selected underwear for expectant mothers should provide good oxygen exchange.
2. StockingsOne 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 squeeze the stomach, which is especially important during pregnancy.
3. Compression sports underwear - leggings. They are made of a special material that provides optimal air circulation and the necessary compression in the calf region, to prevent damage to blood vessels and tissues due to increased loads. Such products are the most durable and practical, because they are made without the most vulnerable and wearable part - the sock.
4. Knee high 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. The appearance of men's underwear is indistinguishable from ordinary hosiery products, it is not noticeable at all under casual pants, so it can be worn daily without fear of looking uncomfortable in the eyes of others. Golfs are issued in several types: usual; with silicone insert for a better fit; equipped with velcro belt; without socks (gaiters).

Manufacturers

There are many companies that specialize in the production of 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 the websites of manufacturers.

Before buying, you should pay close attention to the packaging. The fact is that all compression products have a single density unit: millimeters of mercury. There is no unit like DEN, beware of buying a counterfeit!

How to determine the correct size

Compression knitwear will have the proper therapeutic effect, as long as the most accurate size is selected, products should not be too small for the patient or too large.

How to choose the right underwear size? Arm yourself with a tape measure, free time, and patience.

1. Patients collecting stockings should measure the following parameters: ankle circumference; calf circumference in the popliteal region; Leg height from floor to knee.
2. When choosing stockings, in addition to the ankle and lower leg circumference, you should also measure the thigh circumference 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.
3. To set the desired size of stockings, you need to set the ankle circumference, popliteal region, thigh circumference and pelvic volume. 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 required model, material and manufacturer.

Terms of use

Wearing underwear correctly with varicose veins is a whole science, which can take some time to master.

• The morning hours before getting out of bed are the best time to put on medical knitwear.
• When placed 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 twist the part of the fingers, put it on the toes, gradually pulling higher and higher.
• After putting on, you need to smooth out all bumps, achieve maximum comfort.

care basics

1. Wash knitwear in warm water, with laundry soap, by hand only.
2. Strong twisting is not allowed.
3. It is best to dry the product by placing it on a hard surface, on a towel or other absorbent material. Drying out of the battery is not welcome.
4. If there are silicone inserts, they must be left dry, moisture can affect their fixing properties. It is better to clean them lightly with an alcohol solution.
5. Chemical solvents are not recommended to clean products from contamination.

Conclution

Remember: excessive savings often lead to losses. Do not buy medicines from unverified companies and sellers, even in the markets.

By buying a fake, you endanger your own health and risk aggravating the painful condition due to the loss of precious time for treatment. Get well and be healthy!