Based on 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 hampered 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 the treatment of 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 varicose vein complications.
The appointment may be necessary due to risk factors for varicose veins. These include:
- do sport;
- overweight;
- constant orthostatic pressure on the legs;
- pathology of the extremities and the cardiovascular system.
Compression pressure with varicose veins is necessary to restore tone to blood vessels, muscles, and joints. And also, if necessary, normalize blood flow in the vessels and reduce the edema that occurs with varicose veins.
Compression garments relieve fatigue and pain in limbs affected by varicose veins.
Despite the presence of varicose veins, compression garments may be prescribed after surgery. In cases in which 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 items for stretching, which is accompanied after the procedures.
Peculiarities
Compression underwear is able to remove excess fluid and participate in heat transfer, and is able to create the constant pressure necessary 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 material of the clothing in the necessary places follows the contours of the body and fits tightly. Over time, the material becomes stronger and remembers the shape of the body.
Compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins is sewn of microfiber, elastic materials: nylon and cotton fibers, lycra. The tensile properties of these materials give the user a compressive pressure.
The use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. Such thoroughness applies only to clothing from 1 to 4 classes with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of damage to the vessels by improper use of compression.
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 a few criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. In counterfeits, substandard or substandard materials are often used. This leads to incorrect compression or rapid wear of the product.
- The size. Selecting the correct size ensures correct compression therapy.
- Using the required class. It is not recommended to wear underwear of a different class instead of the designated one.
All companies that produce compression garments for varicose veins abide 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 truly medicinal and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives must have the right to distribute products. If no such document exists, the product is not original.
There is a separate certification for the class of anti-embolic underwear. Since these compression products are used exclusively for the treatment of a medical condition, the 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: the degree of compression, the form of release and the purpose of the appointment.
During classification, four classes of products 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 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 degree refers to rehabilitation. Most often it is used for the postoperative period, when the vascular system and muscles cannot independently maintain 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. It is 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 optimal for therapy.
The assortment of compression underwear is diversifying, manufacturing companies have models for both men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Stockings The medical shirt in this form is only up to the thigh in length. The main purpose of the application is to eliminate swelling and varicose veins in the lower leg and thigh. Stockings help keep blood vessels in the correct shape, which prevents blood vessels from clogging.
- Tights. Compression stockings are similar in appearance to normal products. The tights fit well over the entire leg, from the toe to the waist. The treatment covers: area of the shin, thigh and groin. Meshes are only recommended in cases where varicose veins are widespread above the knee joint.
- Knee-high tights and leggings. Knee high socks extend only to the lower leg area. This allows you to use point compression on varicose vein formation only in the lower leg. Knee-high stockings are very popular with pregnant women. Socks eliminate swelling and normalize blood flow. Leg warmers differ from golfers only in the absence of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are primarily intended to remove 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 eliminate leg swelling and prevent the appearance of varicose vein symptoms.
Wearing compression underwear during pregnancy relieves the load on the lower back and 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 wear underwear larger or smaller than prescribed by your doctor. Such use is uncomfortable and will aggravate the development of the disease or will not help.
Before buying, you must measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the bottleneck directly below the knee;
- thigh circumference at a height of 25-30 centimeters;
- the total length of the leg from heel to groin;
- Waist and hip sizes.
The circumference of the thigh in people up to 175 centimeters tall 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 measurements, you need to compare the results with the size chart. Each manufacturer indicates these data on the packaging.
If the volume of the legs and waist does not correspond to the available sizes, it makes sense to refuse to wear stockings. There will be no effect from its use. It is worth paying attention to leggings or tights.
Recommendations to wear
To achieve the maximum effect of wearing compression garments, it is only possible with proper use. The treatment process will continue only if the shirt is worn correctly.
To do this, you must follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to put on bedding in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the top is accordion fold and extends from the bottom;
- first you need to start dressing by lightly embroidering the place of the foot and fingers;
- straighten the material without pulling it along the entire thigh.
If leggings or tights are worn, then your pull should be limited to your 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 to put it on.
Care tips
For long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, you must follow the rules for the care of compression underwear:
- clothes should be washed only in manual mode with a shampoo with a low alkali content;
- the maximum water temperature should be in the range of 30-40 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 avoiding liquid to get into this tape, this will worsen the contact with the skin.
It is recommended to wear multiple pairs of compression garments at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to avoid rapid wear of the clothes.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all people who experience frequent pressure on the extremities or after surgery, as a result of which the pressure normalizes and blood flow improves.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to individually approach the problem of choosing a clothing item. The care and application of compression underwear for varicose veins is not difficult. If all the rules of operation are followed, it is possible to maintain the therapeutic properties of the material for up to 10 months.