Why do I have to wear compression underwear for varicose veins? So many drugs seem to have been developed to treat venous disease, so is it worth bothering your feet by wearing a special knit? Meanwhile, in the complex therapy of varicose veins, compression underwear has been declared as the number one drug for the prevention of thrombosis and normalization of blood flow in the veins of the lower extremities. What is the secret of the effectiveness of therapeutic knitwear?
Therapeutic effect of compression stockings: how to restore the health of the feet?
Varicose veins are a condition that anyone can experience. In this disease, vascular tone decreases, which naturally leads to blood stagnation and the development of thromboembolic complications. The veins of the legs are most often affected, especially in women who were pregnant and giving birth. Do not avoid varicose veins and men who lead a sedentary lifestyle, as well as those whose work is associated with constant standing.
In addition to venotonics (drugs that normalize the tone of the vascular wall), experts recommend wearing special medical jerseys. There is no doubt about the benefits of compression underwear. Socks and stockings help the blood to move upwards, preventing its stagnation and normalizing the work of the smallest veins. Improving microcirculation, compression stockings and tights prevent the appearance of pain and heaviness in the legs, and also protect against the development of thrombosis and other dangerous complications of varicose veins.
Tip
Don't delay the purchase of compression underwear - it will help you maintain your health for many years to come.
Patients who use therapeutic knitwear notice a significant improvement in their general condition. By the end of the day, your legs get much less tired even when sitting or standing for a long time. No swelling and pain - compression stockings and tights provide the opportunity to return to active life without any restrictions for the patient.
Classification of knitwear
All compression underwear is divided into preventive and therapeutic. Preventive knitwear is recommended to be worn at the first signs of illness. It performs minimal compression on the veins, normalizing the pressure in the veins and preventing blood stasis. Also, elastic stockings prevent the development of edema, remove weight in the legs and protect against disease progression.
For preventive purposes, compression underwear is often prescribed to persons whose work involves permanent immobility (teachers, surgeons, drivers). All pregnant women, even without signs of varicose veins, should also take care of their veins and buy special socks in the early stages. Coagulation of blood in anticipation of the baby leads to the development of thrombosis, which is extremely undesirable for the future mother. Wearing compression underwear allows you to avoid the threat and safely carry the pregnancy until the due date.
Types of medical knitwear
Medical knitwear is selected individually, taking into account the severity of the disease. Unlike preventive models, it cannot be purchased commercially. Therapeutic socks and tights are sold by prescription in special orthopedic salons. According to the degree of compression, there are four classes of medical underwear.
- Class 1 - compression ratio not higher than 20 mm Hg. Art. It is recommended in the initial stages of the disease, with the appearance of veins, edema and heaviness in the legs.
- Class 2 - pressure up to 35 mm Hg. Art. It is recommended for patients with pronounced varicose veins during long flights or bus trips. The second class of compression is also used during surgery to prevent thromboembolic complications.
- Class 3 - compression up to 45 mmHg. Art. It is prescribed for moderate varicose veins complicated by thrombophlebitis.
- Class 4 - pressure above 50 m Hg. Art. It is used for severe lymphatic outflow disorders.
Tip
Do not try to determine the degree of compression yourself. The class of underwear is determined by the doctor after the examination of the veins.
Compression stockings - what is it like?
There are a huge number of knitwear on the market, and sometimes it can be difficult to choose the option that suits you. Which underwear is best? What do you prefer: leggings, socks, stockings or tights? Comparative characteristics of compression underwear types will help answer these questions.
Leggings
Compression tights are one of the most popular types of medical underwear. There are options designed especially for women in the position - with an elastic band that eliminates pressure on the abdomen. Leggings are selected strictly by size. Options that are too long or too short will not provide the desired effect expected from compression stockings. Make sure the chosen model ends exactly at the waist - this will ensure an even distribution of pressure over the entire surface of the legs.
Socks
Lately, socks have become increasingly popular, especially among young women. They work just as effectively on the veins as tights, but at the same time they do not slide down and do not put pressure on the abdomen. In the warm season, many patients prefer socks because they are not so hot. Most therapeutic models are made with an open finger so that you can control the condition of the skin and the degree of compression.
Golfs and socks
Unlike women, men prefer to wear knee-high socks or leggings. The elegant design of modern models allows you not to hide the bedding under your pants. The leggings will fit perfectly into a sporty look on a workout or a walk in the woods, perfectly paired with sneakers or sneakers. The only thing: you can wear such underwear only if the varicose veins have not exceeded the level of the knee. When changing the veins on the thighs, golf will have to give up in favor of leggings or socks.
Elastic bandage
Another type of compression knitwear, which is significantly inferior in terms of comfort compared to other lingerie options. The bandage takes a long time to wrap, does not hold well on the foot and is not suitable for people accustomed to an active lifestyle. It is often used during surgery when the patient is immobile. Of the advantages - cheap price, and therefore the elastic bandage still finds its supporters among patients with varicose veins.
How to choose the right underwear for varicose veins?
Which is better - leggings, socks or stockings? There is no single answer to this question. First of all, it is worth focusing on the degree of dilation of varicose veins. If necessary, cover with a cloth not only the lower legs, but also the thighs, nylons or socks. To alleviate swelling in the ankle area, you can use golf or leggings. Recommendations for choosing one or another type of underwear can be given by a phlebologist after examining and clarifying the condition of the veins.
Before you finally choose compression socks, pay attention to the material from which the underwear is made. High quality socks and leggings are made of cotton or nylon with the addition of elastic fibers and lycra. This material allows the skin to breathe, does not contain seams and does not cause allergic reactions. With proper care, the healing properties of flax last up to 6 months.
Tip
Don't buy denim socks and tights. Special underwear has information on the degree of compression in millimeters of mercury.
Compression underwear should be worn according to a special algorithm common to all models. Every underwear is put on in the morning without getting out of bed. Both socks and tights are first pulled over the toe and then lightly flattened over the entire surface of the foot. Do not stretch and twist the bedding in the process of dressing, and also wrap it in an accordion. Leggings are placed on the hips and waist from a lying position with the pelvis raised.
Contraindications to wearing compression stockings
Compression underwear for varicose veins is not suitable for every patient. It must be abandoned in the presence of the following conditions:
- atherosclerosis and some other arterial diseases;
- ulcers and ulcers;
- dermatitis of any origin.
With caution, compression underwear should be worn for people with sensitive skin, as well as for diabetes mellitus with damage to the blood vessels of the legs.
With proper care, compression underwear will not lose its healing properties for a long time. For regular wear, it is better to have two pairs of knitwear at once - this will allow you not to interrupt the treatment while washing and drying clothes. Six months later, tights, socks and stockings need to be replaced. Buy compression underwear only from official representatives - and your feet will be satisfied with such care.