Vienna.
This is half of the circulatory system.
It is also a source of concern for millions of people around the world.
Vein diseases are prevalent. Scientists have estimated that up to 15% of middle-aged men and 30% of women suffer from varicose veins - vasodilation of the venous system. Among the elderly, the percentage of patients with venous disease is even higher.
Therefore, many people go to doctors to treat swollen blood vessels. Sometimes with surgery. In other cases, conservative therapy with medication, exercise and special underwear.
Later we will talk about stockings for varicose veins. In the meantime, we will assess the risk of the disease and its possible complications.
Varicose veins can affect any part of the venous system, but its preferred target is the leg vessels.
Vein tenderness is easily explained.
When blood flows through the arteries to the organs, it mostly moves down. That is, the force of gravity helps blood flow and therefore there is usually no accumulation of blood in the arteries. It flows through the arteries in the legs. Blood rises again through the veins. At this point, problems begin - the force of gravity slows down blood flow, and a portion of the blood constantly tries to dry out.
The situation is not serious. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has defense mechanisms against such a concern.
Inside the vessels, venous valves grow, which block the passage of flowing blood and return it to the bloodstream. Muscles also help with blood flow. They shrink and compress the veins, and as a result, blood circulation improves.
In diseased vessels, blood movement is impaired. This happens for various reasons:
- Long immobility
- Overweight
- Age of the elderly
- pregnant
- Hormonal imbalance
In varicose veins, the valves are usually weakened or damaged. Therefore, blood accumulates in certain areas of the vessels, compresses the venous walls and causes dilation.
Symptoms are not severe at first:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Blue or purple vessels appear on the skin
- Convulsions
- Edema
- Skin coloring
- Itching and burning in the veins
Such signs of the disease often go unnoticed, and sometimes people just get used to them. Thus, they allow the development of varicose veins.
Yes, it can take years for more severe symptoms to appear. But without treatment, complications are inevitable and they are by no means as harmless as the first manifestations of varicose veins.
Consequences of varicose vein management:
- Trophic ulcer. . . Non-healing wounds near diseased vessels. Tissues do not receive the necessary nutrients and gradually fade. One symptom of the formation of an ulcer is the whitening area of skin. To stop the development of complications, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
- bloodshed. . . Enlarged superficial veins sometimes rupture. Bleeding from such vessels is not very strong, but medical care is still needed.
- Blood clots. . . Enlarged vessels are a comfortable environment for blood clotting, which doctors call blood clots. These formations interfere with blood circulation. They also sometimes come out and can enter the lungs with blood. This phenomenon is called pulmonary embolism and often leads to respiratory failure and even death.
The further the disease goes, the higher the risk of complications. Another problem is that veins with developed varicose veins usually cannot be eliminated with conservative treatment and surgery is required.
Much is much easier to deal with early. Complex treatment using stockings against varicose veins shows excellent results. This underwear is also useful for disease prevention.
What are compression stockings for?
Such a sweater improves blood circulation in the legs. As a result, the pain and swelling that bothers many people is reduced. Underwear also helps against more serious diseases, for example, reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis and the likelihood of blood clots.
Elastic stockings for varicose veins are made of a special material that stretches well and fits the foot. Sweater gently squeeze the veins. Usually, the underwear exerts the strongest pressure on the ankles, and up in the foot the pressure decreases.
Doctors prescribe compression stockings for different purposes:
- Vein support
- Prevention of blood accumulation
- Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Fighting venous hypertension
- Improving lymphatic drainage
When knitwear presses the vessels, it has several positive effects:
- Reduces the diameter of the veins. . . Blood flows faster through narrow vessels. Therefore, it rarely accumulates in one place and blood clots almost never occur.
- Improves blood flow. . . Thanks to the extra pressure, blood flow is accelerated and travels faster from the legs to the heart.
- Prevents bleeding. . . Despite the pulling force, blood rarely flows through the veins and does not fill the connecting vessels.
Some athletes also use compression stockings in their workouts. For example, runners and basketball players. The underwear protects the tissues from damage and accelerates the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. After training, the muscles heal faster.
Of course, shaping stockings for varicose veins can not be considered a magical artifact that will save you from any problems with blood vessels. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Like other medicines, compression stockings are not good for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression footwear
Do not buy tight socks yourself. First go to your doctor and check what kind of T-shirt you need.
Find the size. Compression ratio. And other footwear features that you will wear for months.
Buying knitwear without a doctor's recommendation can damage blood vessels. For example, socks press a lot, and as a result, blood circulation in the veins is even more damaged. The result is that the condition of the ships deteriorates.
Sign up for a consultation with a phlebologist about choosing compression footwear. And also look at the indications and contraindications for such socks.
Indications
Doctors prescribe diluent underwear for diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Flebeurizma
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
Also, the sweater is sometimes prescribed to healthy people who are at risk for vascular disease. The need for socks arises:
- During pregnancy. . . The body of the expectant mother is exposed to great stress. The hormonal balance is disturbed. From this, the venous walls weaken and often dilate. The amount of blood in the body also increases. Because of the child. Increased blood volume greatly increases the load on the vascular walls. Knitted garments help the veins maintain their normal shape under such strong pressure.
- Due to increased stress on the legs. . . At work, many people have to stand for a long time and therefore the pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities increases. Frequent straining can cause varicose veins. The underwear supports the veins. So they stay healthy even in people who spend all their working day on their feet.
- With a sedentary lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the harder it is for the veins to pump blood. Muscles do not work and do not improve blood circulation, so blood often accumulates and dilates blood vessels. Knitted garments stop the swelling of the veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment depends largely on the correct recovery of the patient. When the procedure is over, the doctor prescribes knitted clothes. It should be worn strictly, as any violation of the regime can lead to recurrence of the disease.
Choosing the right elastic footwear is very important. Phlebologists prescribe knitted garments of a certain degree of compression and grade, depending on the disease and the patient's risk factors.
Contraindications
Compression stockings are completely safe for most people. They have only a few limitations:
- Suspected or already diagnosed peripheral arterial disease
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Extensive edema of the leg or pulmonary after heart failure
- Allergy to knitted fabric
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulite
Individual patients simply cannot wear elastic underwear effectively.
Sometimes only temporarily. For example, they have leg wounds and have to wait for them to heal.
In other cases, it is permanent. For feet of an unusual or deformed shape, the compression sock will not work. It just does not catch the limbs properly and will therefore be useless against venous diseases.
How to choose compression stockings
Elastic sweater against varicose veins includes models of different lengths. Some cover the legs completely. The others are just up to the knee. Depends on the purpose of the compression stockings.
An important characteristic of linen is the pressure, which directly affects the efficiency of knitted garments. Socks should fit snugly around the feet, but not sore.
Some models have been created specifically for operated patients. They are not suitable for other people.
The degree of compression of knitted socks for the treatment of varicose veins will be determined by the doctor. Therefore, be sure to make an appointment and buy elastic underwear only after consultation.
Check knitwear at the store. Select products:
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- No stitching
- With a service life of 12 months
- RAL quality standard
With proper care, such underwear will last a long time and you will not have to change it until the end of the treatment course.
Types of compression stockings
All thinning knit fabric patterns are divided into three types:
- PREVENTIVE. . . These products are not considered medical and therefore can be purchased even without a doctor's prescription. They only support ships. This underwear reduces fatigue and leg pain. Knitted clothes weakly press on the veins and are perfect for preventing vascular diseases, but do not cure varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. . . The widest group of elastic socks. For these products, the pressure level in different areas is different - near the ankle, the underwear tightens more and above the foot the pressure weakens. Medical jersey is prescribed by a doctor. Socks are intended for people with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Anti-embolic or hospital. . . This freedom is prescribed for people who need to stay in bed after surgery. Helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. High compression class. The pressure in different parts of the hose varies, just like with medical equipment.
Yes, you can buy elastic underwear for the prevention of vascular diseases. But we still advise you to see a doctor. He will help you choose knitted garments. The phlebologist will also tell you about other preventative methods, so you will learn much better to protect your veins.
Compression stocking compression ratios
According to the pressure level, elastic underwear is divided into four classes:
- Compression up to 22 mm Hg. Such ArtiTriko helps to stop the development of varicose veins - removes edema, spider veins and other signs of varicose veins.
- Pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Class II socks are prescribed for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Knitted clothes are also used for prevention by people with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Compression up to 46 mm Hg. ArtiThese socks are worn by patients with trophic disorders and congenital defects of the vascular system.
- Pressure up to 50 mm Hg. Art Doctors prescribe such a sweater only for people with severe forms of venous disease. Underwear is used to treat severe edema.
Properly selected compression level allows you to successfully fight vascular diseases, while improper knitted clothing also damages the veins.
Choosing the right size for your underwear is just as important.
Compression stocking size chart
Be sure to measure your feet before you buy laundry. You need to measure:
- Calf perimeter
- Ankle circumference
- Thigh circumference
- Leg length from floor to hip
- Leg length
Take all measurements in the morning after waking up. Do not get out of bed - this way you will achieve the most accurate results that can not be obtained in the standing position due to the pressure on the vessels. Recorded foot measurements will come in handy when using the stock size chart.
| Size | Height, cm | Weight, kg | Hips, cm |
| S; S1 | 150 - 162 | 41 - 55 | 90 - 100; 90 |
| M; M1 | 152 - 170 | 55 - 75 | 88 - 100; 98 - 115 |
| L; L1 | 155 - 175 | 58 - 95 | 113 - 130; 98 - 115 |
| XL | 167 - 180 | 68 - 95 | |
| XXL | 160 - 178 | 85 - 108 |
How to put on and wear compression stockings
First of all, put on elastic underwear right when you lift. Without even getting out of bed.
Raise your leg. It should be above the level of the heart - in this position, the pressure in the vessels decreases. Gently slide your foot inward and slowly pull the fabric up.
Soak your socks. They should fit well on the skin. Straighten the folds. The upper part of the linen cloth should not be folded, otherwise the shirt will be pressed like a tunnel, and as a result, blood circulation will be damaged.
It is not recommended to remove compression stockings during the day. Only in the shower or bath. Before going to bed, lie down on the bed and lift your legs. Then remove the laundry.
How long should knitted clothes be worn?
Ask your doctor. Mild forms of varicose veins can be eliminated within a few months, but chronic diseases are a more serious problem. Sometimes phlebologists recommend that patients wear elastic stockings for several years. On rare occasions, my whole life.
With a careless attitude, knitted clothes will not last even a few months. Therefore, it is necessary to take proper care of it.
Caring for compression socks
Socks do not look like a durable product. And indeed - usually their service life does not exceed 12 months, and in many cases the laundry breaks down and breaks down even earlier.
What do I do?
First of all, socks need to be washed. Including T-shirts with antimicrobial protection. Remember - you wear elastic underwear all day and dead skin cells constantly accumulate in it. So wash it every day.
Best of all - by hand.
For washing, use baby soap or other delicate products that will not damage knitted clothes. Clothes can not be caught.
After washing, squeeze the water from the socks very carefully. Do not stretch them or damage the fabric. You can wipe off the moisture with a towel.
Dry knitted garments on a flat surface, only in cool or warm places, as high heat can destroy the material.
Even with proper care, socks will sooner or later lose their elasticity. Sometimes after a few months. Less often - after a year.
How to change the jersey in time?
Loss of elasticity is easily noticed in the morning when wearing socks. Old compression garments are very easily retracted. Hence the conclusion - it no longer catches the legs with the necessary force and therefore it is necessary to buy a replacement.
How to wear compression stockings after surgery
Elastic knitwear is not only involved in the complex treatment of vascular diseases and is used to prevent varicose veins. Such underwear is also prescribed for patients who have undergone an operation. Sometimes for a few days. In other cases, for months.
The time of wearing socks is determined by the doctor.
After treatment, knitted garments should be used at different times, depending on the procedure:
- Cesarean section - up to three weeks
- Removal of the uterus - two to eight weeks
- Laparoscopy - from three days to a month
- Kidney removal - from five days to four weeks
- Removal of the gallbladder - from ten days to a month
How much to wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
It is necessary to take into account the number of vessels treated by the doctor. During the operation, the phlebologist destroys the inner walls of the veins with various methods, which makes them inflamed. The blood circulation in the vessel stops, and after a while the diseased vein disappears completely. Blood moves through other vessels.
Compression stockings in this case help keep the treated veins closed and prevent blood from entering them. Therefore, the dishes disappear faster.
Elastic underwear should be worn for up to four months if the doctor has operated on one or two veins. A larger number of removed vessels need to be maintained longer - six months. Moreover, this is not a full term. So much the patient wears second-class sweater, and then the doctor can replace it with first-class underwear.
Forming socks are also used in other vein surgeries. For example, they are useful for the recovery of phlebectomy and miniflebectomy.
But endovascular treatment does not require compression therapy, and underwear is used only if signs of venous insufficiency persist - edema and trophic disorders.
Unfortunately, this information is not universal. It can not be applied to absolutely every situation and every person. The doctor prescribes knitted clothes and determines how long patients should wear special socks.
Reading information about elastic footwear is a good start, but the real fight against vascular disease will only ignite after a visit to the doctor.