Based on anatomical features, human vessels consist of a wall with layers and valves. With a continuous orthostatic effect on the foot, an increase in diastolic pressure occurs. Due to their elasticity, the vessels form varicose veins.
Compression underwear for varicose veins has the opposite effect. Due to the distribution of pressure over the entire surface of the foot, it is possible to normalize the condition of the vessels. The diameter is reduced, and blood flow is not obstructed by branching of the blood vessels, the pressure is reduced.
The purpose of compression underwear
In the case of varicose veins, scheduling the use of compression stockings is the first step towards treating the disease. Often the reason for the appearance of varicose veins is a violation of blood circulation and lack of muscle tone. The presence of thrombophlebitis and other diseases of the vascular system contribute to complications of varicose veins.
Appointment may be necessary for risk factors for varicose veins. This includes:
- playing sports;
- excess weight;
- constant orthostatic pressure on the foot;
- pathology of the limbs and cardiovascular system.
Compression pressure with varicose veins is needed to restore the tone of blood vessels, muscles and joints. And also, if necessary, normalize blood flow to the vessels and reduce the edema that appears with varicose veins.
Compression garments relieve fatigue and pain in those limbs that are affected by varicose veins.
Despite the presence of varicose veins, compression garments may be prescribed after surgery. In cases where varicose veins are treated with surgery, the postoperative period is accompanied by compression of the limb. This allows the dishes to be recovered and not to lose elements for stretching, which is accompanied after the procedures.
Features
Compression underwear is able to remove excess fluid and participate in heat transfer and is able to create the necessary constant pressure to relieve pain in varicose veins. Therapeutic underwear does not contribute to the occurrence of allergic reactions, its materials do not participate in the reaction.
The linen material in the necessary places follows the contours of the body and fits tightly. Over time, the material becomes stronger and recalls the shape of the body.
Compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins are sewn from microfiber, elastic material: nylon and cotton fiber, lycra. The attractive properties of these materials give the user compression pressure.
Use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. Such a set applies only to clothes from 1 to 4 classes with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of damaging the vessels by improper use of the compress.
Since prophylactic compression products have a pressure of up to 18 millimeters of mercury, their use is not harmful to health and can be used without the advice of a phlebologist.
When choosing underwear, you should be guided by several criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. In forgeries, substandard or weak materials are often used. This leads to incorrect compression or rapid consumption of the product.
- Size. Accurate size selection ensures that compression therapy is accurate.
- Use the required class. It is not recommended to use underwear of another class instead of those specified.
All companies that produce compression garments for varicose veins are guided by international standards. Before starting production, and after passing the tests, companies receive a certificate, which means that the product is truly medicinal and used for medical purposes.
All company representatives should have the right to distribute products. If there is no such document, the product is not original.
There is a special certification for the class of anti-embolic underwear. Since such compression products are used exclusively for the treatment of a medical condition, companies are certified to a medical standard.
Classification and types
All compression products for the treatment of varicose veins are divided into the following characteristics: degree of compression, release form and purpose of appointment.
During the classification, four product classes are distinguished:
- The first class is intended for varicose vein neoplasms or for prophylactic purposes. The maximum class pressure is 23 millimeters of mercury.
- The second class is used to treat varicose veins or thrombophlebitis. The maximum pressure is 33 millimeters of mercury. The second class, with vasodilation, is applicable only to a mild form of the disease.
- The third class is indicated in acute venous insufficiency, as well as in violations of cellular metabolism. The maximum pressure is 45 millimeters of mercury.
- The fourth grade refers to rehabilitation. Most often used for the postoperative period, when the vascular system and muscles are unable to independently maintain a normal blood flow or there is a risk of provoking the onset of varicose symptoms.
Specific purpose:
- Hospitals. Used only during continuous medical supervision during the postoperative period.
- Preventive. In cases where the first signs of diseases of the vascular system appear - varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. Used to treat chronic diseases of the vascular system, eliminates symptoms.
For medical purposes, as a rule, compression garments are used with a pressure of 33 to 45 millimeters of mercury. Phlebologists consider this pressure to be optimal for therapy.
The assortment of compression underwear is varied; manufacturing companies have models for men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Socks. The medical jersey of this shape has a length only up to the thigh. The main purpose of application is to eliminate swelling and varicose veins in the lower leg and thigh. Socks help to keep blood vessels in proper shape, which prevents blockage of blood vessels.
- geta. Compression tights are similar in appearance to ordinary products. Tights fit snugly across the leg - from toe to waist. The treatment covers: the leg, thigh and hip area. Tights are recommended only in cases where varicose veins are spread over the knee joint.
- Knee and leggings. Knee height extends only to the lower part of the foot. This allows you to use point compression in the formation of varicose veins only in the lower part of the foot. Knee tops are very popular among pregnant women. Socks eliminate swelling and normalize blood circulation. Foot warmers differ from golfs only in the absence of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are mainly intended to eliminate the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, which causes significant swelling of the limbs. This often happens after surgery on the upper body.
- During pregnancy. During pregnancy, compression stockings help eliminate swelling of the legs and prevent the onset of varicose vein symptoms.
The use of compression underwear during pregnancy eases the load on the lumbar region, allows you to constantly maintain proper posture. This promotes better oxygen exchange between the fetus and the mother.
How to choose the size?
The size of the compression dressing for varicose veins is chosen based on body measurements. It is not recommended to use underwear that is larger or smaller than your doctor has prescribed. Such clothing is uncomfortable and will worsen the development of the disease, or will not help.
Before you buy, you need to measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the narrow neck directly below the knee;
- thigh circumference at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- the total length of the foot from the heel to the groin;
- waist and hip sizes.
The thigh circumference in humans up to 175 centimeters in height should be performed at the level of 175 centimeters. Above this figure, the countdown increases to 30 centimeters.
Only a specially trained phlebologist or consultant can choose compression underwear.
After the measurements, it is necessary to compare the results with the size graph. Each manufacturer indicates this information on the packaging.
If the volume of the legs and waist does not correspond to the sizes that are available, it makes sense to refuse to use the sweater. There will be no effect from their use. It is worth paying attention to leggings or socks.
Dressing recommendations
To achieve the maximum effect from the use of compression garments, it is possible only with proper use. The treatment process will only continue if the jersey is worn properly.
To do this, you should follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to wear linen in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the upper part is folded into an accordion and extends from the lower part;
- you should first start dressing by embroidering a little space for the foot and toes;
- directs the material without pulling it along the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or socks are used, then their pull should be limited to the average length when stretched.
If there is edema with varicose veins or underwear with increased pressure is used, then a special device for dressing should be used.
Care tips
For long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, you should follow the rules for the care of compression underwear:
- clothes should be washed only in manual mode using a shampoo with low alkali content;
- the maximum water temperature should be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees;
- drying of the product is carried out only in a horizontal position and without direct sunlight, as well as without high temperatures;
- when using products with gel strips, it is worthwhile to prevent liquid from getting into this strip, this will worsen skin contact.
It is recommended to use several pairs of compression garments at the same time. Thus, it is possible to avoid rapid consumption of clothes.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all persons who experience frequent pressure on the limbs or after surgery, as a result of which the pressure is normalized and blood flow is improved.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to individually approach the problem of choosing a piece of clothing. Caring for and applying compression underwear for varicose veins is not difficult. If all the rules of operation are observed, it is possible to preserve the therapeutic properties of the material for up to 10 months.