Vienna.
This is half of the circulatory system.
It is also a source of concern for millions of people around the world.
Diseases of the veins are widespread. Scientists have calculated 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 proportion 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 drugs, exercise and special underwear.
We will talk about stockings for varicose veins later. In the meantime, we will assess the danger of the disease and its possible complications.
Varicose veins can affect any part of the venous system, but its favorite target is the vessels of the legs.
The vulnerability of the veins is easy to explain.
When blood flows through the arteries to the organs, it mainly moves downward. That is, the force of gravity helps the blood flow and therefore usually does not accumulate blood in the arteries. It flows through the arteries to the feet. The blood rises back through the veins. At this moment, problems begin - the force of gravity slows down the blood flow, and part of the blood constantly strives to drain down.
The situation is not dire. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has protective mechanisms against such a nuisance.
Inside the vessels, venous valves grow, which close the passage of the flowing blood and return it to the bloodstream. Muscles also help blood flow. They contract and press on the veins, and as a result, blood circulation improves.
In diseased vessels, the movement of blood is impaired. This happens for various reasons:
- Long immobility
- Obesity
- Elderly age
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalance
In varicose veins, the valves are usually weakened or damaged. Therefore, blood accumulates in certain areas of the vessels, presses on the venous walls and causes expansion.
Symptoms are not severe at first:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Blue or purple vessels appear on the skin
- Convulsions
- Edema
- Discoloration of the skin
- 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 varicose veins to develop.
Yes, it can take years for more severe symptoms to appear. But without treatment, complications are inevitable, and they are not at all as harmless as the first manifestations of varicose veins.
The consequences of running varicose veins:
- Trophic ulcers. . . Non-healing wounds next to diseased vessels. The tissues do not receive the necessary nutrients and gradually die off. A symptom of the formation of an ulcer is the area of the skin turns white. To stop the development of complications, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Bleeding. . . Enlarged superficial veins sometimes rupture. Bleeding from such vessels is not very strong, but medical attention is still needed.
- Blood clots. . . Dilated vessels are a comfortable environment for blood clots, which doctors call blood clots. These formations interfere with blood circulation. They also sometimes come off and can get into the lungs with blood. This phenomenon is called pulmonary embolism and it often leads to respiratory failure and even death.
The further the disease goes, the higher the risk of complications. Another problem is that developed varicose veins usually cannot be eliminated with conservative treatment and an operation is required.
It is much easier to deal with it early on. Complex treatment using stockings against varicose veins shows excellent results. This underwear is also useful for the prevention of disease.
What are compression stockings for?
Such jersey improves blood circulation in the legs. As a result, pain and swelling that bother many people are reduced. Lingerie also helps against more serious diseases, such as reducing 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 leg. The jersey gently squeezes the veins. Usually, the underwear puts the strongest pressure on the ankles, and up the leg 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 on the vessels, it has several positive effects:
- Reduces the diameter of 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 additional pressure, the blood flow is accelerated and it travels faster from the feet to the heart.
- Prevents bleeding. . . Despite the force of gravity, blood rarely flows down the veins and does not fill the connecting vessels.
Even some athletes use compression hosiery in their workouts. For example, runners and basketball players. The underwear protects tissues from damage and accelerates the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. After training, muscles recover faster.
Of course, shaping stockings for varicose veins cannot be considered a magical artifact that will save you from any problems with blood vessels. Unfortunately, this is not so. Like other medicines, compression hosiery isn't good for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression underwear
Don't buy tight-fitting stockings yourself. First go to your doctor and check what kind of jersey you need.
Find out the size. Compression ratio. And other characteristics of the underwear that you will be wearing for months.
Buying knitwear without a doctor's recommendation can damage blood vessels. For example, stockings press too hard, and as a result, blood circulation in the veins is even more impaired. The result is that the state of the vessels deteriorates.
Sign up for a consultation with a phlebologist regarding the choice of compression underwear. And also check out the indications and contraindications for such stockings.
Indications
Doctors prescribe slimming underwear for diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Phlebeurysm
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
Also, jersey is sometimes prescribed to healthy people who are at risk for vascular disease. The need for stockings arises:
- During pregnancy. . . The body of the expectant mother is exposed to great stress. Hormonal balance is disturbed. From this, the venous walls weaken and often expand. The amount of blood in the body also increases. Because of the child. The increased blood volume greatly increases the load on the vascular walls. The knitwear helps the veins to maintain their normal shape under such strong pressure.
- Due to increased stress on the legs. . . At work, many people have to stand on their feet for a long time and therefore the pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities increases. Frequent exercise can cause varicose veins. Lingerie supports the veins. So they stay healthy even in people who spend their entire working day on their feet.
- With a sedentary lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the more difficult 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. Knitwear stops bloating of veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment depends a lot on the correct recovery of the patient. When the procedure is over, the doctor prescribes knitwear. It must be worn strictly on schedule, since any violation of the regime can lead to a relapse of the disease.
The right choice of elastic underwear is very important. Phlebologists prescribe knitwear of a certain degree of compression and class, 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 leg or pulmonary edema after heart failure
- Allergy to jersey material
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulite
Individual patients simply cannot effectively wear elastic underwear.
Sometimes only temporarily. For example, they have wounds on their leg and need to wait for them to heal.
In other cases, it is permanent. For legs of an unusual shape or with deformation, compression hosiery will not work. It simply does not clasp the limbs properly and therefore will be useless against vein diseases.
How to choose compression stockings
Elastic jersey against varicose veins includes models of different lengths. Some cover their legs entirely. Others are only up to the knee. It depends on the purpose of the compression stockings.
An important characteristic of linen is pressure, which directly affects the efficiency of knitwear. The stockings should fit snugly around the legs, but not hurt.
Some models are specially designed for operated patients. They are not suitable for other people.
The degree of compression of knitted stockings 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 the knitwear at the store. Choose products:
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- No seams
- 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 course of treatment.
Types of compression stockings
All models of slimming knitwear are divided into three types:
- Preventive. . . These products are not considered medical and therefore can be purchased even without a doctor's prescription. They just support the vessels. This underwear reduces fatigue and leg pain. Knitwear weakly presses on the veins and is perfect for the prevention of vascular disease, but does not cure varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. . . The largest group of elastic stockings. For these products, the level of pressure in different areas is different - near the ankle, the underwear squeezes the most, and up the leg the pressure weakens. Medical jersey is prescribed by a doctor. The stockings are intended for people with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Anti-embolic or hospital. . . This linen is prescribed for people who must stay in bed after surgery. It helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. High compression class. The pressure on different parts of the stockings differs, just like with medical devices.
Yes, you can buy elastic underwear on your own for the prevention of vascular diseases. But we still advise you to see a doctor. He will help you choose knitwear. The phlebologist will also tell you about other preventive methods, so you will learn to protect your veins much better.
Compression ratios of compression stockings
According to the pressure level, elastic underwear is divided into four classes:
- Compression up to 22 mm Hg. Art. Such knitwear helps to stop the development of varicose veins - removes edema, spider veins and other signs of varicose veins.
- Pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Art. Class II stockings are prescribed for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Knitwear is also used for prevention by people with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Compression up to 46 mm Hg. Art. These stockings are worn by patients with trophic disorders and congenital defects of the vascular system.
- Pressure up to 50 mm Hg. Art. Doctors prescribe such jersey only for people with severe forms of venous disease. Lingerie is used to treat severe edema.
Correctly selected compression level allows you to successfully fight vascular diseases, while inappropriate knitwear additionally harms the veins.
Choosing the right size for your laundry is equally important.
Compression Stocking Size Chart
Be sure to measure your feet before purchasing your laundry. You need to measure:
- Calf circumference
- Ankle circumference
- Thigh circumference
- Leg length from floor to hip
- Foot 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 cannot be obtained in a standing position due to pressure on the vessels. The recorded leg measurements will come in handy when using the stocking size chart.
| The 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 immediately when lifting. 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 upward.
Smooth out your stockings. They should fit snugly against the skin. Straighten out the folds. The top of the linen must not be folded down, otherwise the jersey will press like a tourniquet, and as a result, blood circulation will be impaired.
It is not recommended to remove compression stockings during the day. Only in the shower or bath. Before going to bed, lie on the bed and raise your legs. Then take off your laundry.
How long should the knitwear be worn?
Ask your doctor. Mild forms of varicose veins can be eliminated in a few months, but chronic diseases are a more serious problem. Sometimes phlebologists recommend that patients wear elastic stockings for several years. In rare cases, all my life.
With a careless attitude, knitwear will not last even several months. Therefore, it is necessary to properly care for it.
Compression hosiery care
Stockings don't look like a durable product. And indeed - usually their service life does not exceed 12 months, and in many cases the laundry breaks and falls into disrepair even earlier.
What to do?
First of all, the stockings must be washed. Including jersey with antimicrobial protection. Remember - you wear elastic underwear all day and dead skin cells constantly accumulate on it. So wash it daily.
Best of all - by hand.
For washing, use baby soap or other delicate products that will not damage the knitwear. The laundry cannot be boiled.
After washing, squeeze the water out of the stockings very carefully. Do not stretch them or damage the fabric. You can wipe off moisture with a towel.
Dry the knitwear on a flat surface, only in cool or warm places, as high heat can destroy the material.
Even with proper care, stockings will sooner or later lose their elasticity. Sometimes after a few months. Less often - after a year.
How to change jersey on time?
The loss of elasticity is easy to notice in the morning when you put on your stockings. Old compression garments pull on very easily. Hence the conclusion - it no longer clasps the legs with the necessary strength and therefore it is necessary to buy a replacement.
How much to wear compression stockings after surgery
Elastic knitwear is not only included in the complex treatment of vascular diseases and is used to prevent varicose veins. Such underwear is also prescribed for patients who have undergone surgery. Sometimes for several days. In other cases, for months.
The timing of wearing stockings is determined by the doctor.
After treatment, knitwear must be used at different times, depending on the procedure:
- Caesarean section - up to three weeks
- Removal of the uterus - two to eight weeks
- Laporoscopy - from three days to a month
- Removal of the kidney - 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 by various methods, which makes them inflamed. The blood circulation in the vessel stops, and after a while the diseased vein completely disappears. Blood moves through other vessels.
The compression hosiery in this case helps keep the treated veins closed and prevents blood from entering them. Therefore, the vessels 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 jersey, and then the doctor can replace it with first-class underwear.
Shaping stockings are also used in other vein surgeries. For example, they are useful for recovering from phlebectomy and miniflebectomy.
But endovasal treatment does not require compression therapy, and the underwear is used only if the signs of venous insufficiency - edema and trophic disorders - persist.
Unfortunately, this information is not universal. It cannot be applied to absolutely every situation and every person. The doctor prescribes knitwear and determines how long patients should wear special stockings.
Reading information about elastic underwear is a good start, but the real fight against vascular disease will flare up only after a visit to the doctor.