Based on the anatomical features, human vessels consist of a layered wall and valves. With a constant orthostatic effect on the legs, 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 leg, it is possible to normalize the state of the vessels. The diameter decreases, and the blood flow is not impeded by vascular branching, the pressure decreases.
Purpose of compression underwear
In case of varicose veins, the appointment of the use of compression garments is the first step towards treating the disease. Often the reason for the appearance of varicose veins is a violation of blood circulation and a lack of muscle tone. The presence of thrombophlebitis and other diseases of the vascular system contribute to complications of varicose veins.
The appointment may be necessary for risk factors for varicose veins. These include:
- playing sports;
- excess weight;
- constant orthostatic pressure on the legs;
- pathology of the limbs and cardiovascular system.
Compression pressure with varicose veins is necessary to restore the tone of blood vessels, muscles and joints. And also, if necessary, normalize the blood flow in the vessels and reduce the edema that occurs 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 can be prescribed after surgery. In cases where varicose veins are treated by surgery, the postoperative period is accompanied by compression of the limb. This allows the vessels to recover and not waste elements for stretching, which is accompanied after the procedures.
Peculiarities
Compression underwear is able to remove excess fluid and take part in the transfer of heat, and is able to create the necessary constant pressure to alleviate pain in varicose veins. Therapeutic underwear does not contribute to the occurrence of allergic reactions, its materials do not participate in the reaction.
The material of the linen in the necessary places follows the contours of the body and fits it tightly. Over time, the material becomes stronger and remembers the shape of the body.
Compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins is sewn from microfiber, elastic materials: nylon and cotton fibers, lycra. The tensile properties of these materials give the wearer compression pressure.
The use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. Such thoroughness applies only to laundry from 1 to 4 classes with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of harming the vessels by improper use of compression.
Since preventive 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 some criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. In fakes, substandard materials or poor materials are often used. This leads to incorrect compression or rapid product wear.
- The size. The correct size selection ensures that the compression therapy is correct.
- Using the required class. It is not recommended to use underwear of a different class instead of the designated one.
All companies producing compression garments for varicose veins are guided by the international standard. Before the start of production, and after passing the tests, the companies receive a certificate, which means that the product is really medicinal and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives are required to have the right to distribute products. If there is no such document, the product is not original.
There is a separate certification for the class of anti-embolic underwear. Since such compression products are used exclusively for the treatment of a medical disease, companies are certified with a medical standard.
Classification and types
All compression products for the treatment of varicose veins are divided into the following characteristics: the degree of compression, the form of release and the purpose of the appointment.
During the classification, four product classes are distinguished:
- The first class is intended for neoplasms of varicose veins 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 vasodilatation, is applicable only for a mild form of the disease.
- The third class is indicated in acute venous insufficiency, as well as in violation of cellular metabolism. The maximum pressure is 45 millimeters of mercury.
- The fourth grade refers to rehabilitation. Most often it is used for the postoperative period, when the vascular system and muscles are not able to independently maintain a normal blood flow or there is a risk of provoking the appearance of varicose symptoms.
Special purpose:
- Hospital. It is used only during constant medical supervision during the postoperative period.
- Preventive. In cases where the first signs of diseases of the vascular system appear - varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. I am used for the treatment of 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 diversified; the manufacturing companies have models for both men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Stockings. Medical jersey of this form has a length only up to the thigh. The main purpose of the application is to eliminate puffiness and varicose veins in the lower leg and thigh. Stockings help to keep blood vessels in the correct shape, which prevents blood vessels from clogging.
- Tights. Compression tights are similar in appearance to regular products. Tights tightly fit the entire leg - from the toe to the waist. Treatment covers: shin, thigh and groin area. Tights are only recommended in cases where varicose veins are widespread above the knee joint.
- Knee-highs and leggings. Knee-highs extend only to the lower leg area. This allows you to use point compression in the formation of varicose veins only on the lower leg. Knee-highs are very popular among pregnant women. Socks eliminate swelling and normalize blood flow. Leg warmers differ from golfs only in the absence of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are primarily intended to eliminate the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, which causes significant swelling of the limb. This often occurs after upper body surgery.
- During pregnancy. During pregnancy, compression garments help to eliminate leg swelling and prevent the onset of symptoms of varicose veins.
The use of compression underwear during pregnancy relieves the load on the lumbar region, allows you to constantly maintain the correct posture. This promotes better oxygen exchange between the fetus and the mother.
How to choose the size?
The size of the compression garment for varicose veins is selected based on body measurements. It is not recommended to use underwear that is larger or smaller than prescribed by your doctor. Such wearing is uncomfortable and will aggravate the development of the disease, or will not help.
Before buying, you need to measure:
- ankle girth;
- the girth of the bottleneck directly under the knee;
- thigh girth at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- the total length of the leg from heel to groin;
- waist and hip sizes.
The girth of the thigh in people up to 175 centimeters in height must be carried out at the level of 175 centimeters. Above this figure, the countdown increases to 30 centimeters.
Only a phlebologist or a specially trained consultant can choose compression underwear.
After measurements, it is necessary to compare the results with the size chart. Each manufacturer indicates this data 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 tights. There will be no effect from using them. It is worth paying attention to leggings or stockings.
Recommendations for donning
To achieve the maximum effect from the use of compression garments, it is possible only with proper use. The treatment process will proceed only if the jersey is properly worn.
To do this, you must follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to put on linen in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the upper part folds into an accordion and stretches from the lower part;
- you must first start dressing by slightly embroidering the place for the foot and toes;
- straightens the material without pulling it along the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or stockings are used, then their pulling must be limited to their average length when taut.
If with varicose veins there is edema or underwear with increased pressure is used, then a special device should be used for putting on.
Care advice
For long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, you should follow the rules for the care of compression underwear:
- laundry should be washed only in manual mode using a shampoo with a low alkali content;
- the maximum water temperature should be in the range from 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 worth preventing liquid from getting on this tape, this will worsen contact with the skin.
It is recommended to use several pairs of compression garments at the same time. Thus, it is possible to avoid rapid wear of the laundry.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all persons experiencing frequent pressure on the extremities or after operations, as a result of which pressure normalizes and blood flow improves.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to individually approach the problem of choosing a piece of clothing. Care and application of compression underwear for varicose veins is not difficult. If all operating rules are followed, it is possible to maintain the therapeutic properties of the material for up to 10 months.