Vienna.
This is half of the circulatory system.
It is also of concern to 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 percentage of patients with venous disease is even higher.
Therefore, many people go to doctors to treat enlarged blood vessels. Sometimes with surgery. In other cases, conservative therapy with drugs, exercise and special underwear.
We will talk about socks for varicose veins later. In the meantime, we will evaluate the danger of the disease and its possible complications.
Varicose veins can affect any part of the venous system, but its preferred target is the vessels in the legs.
The vulnerability of the veins is easy to explain.
When blood flows through the arteries to the organs, it mainly moves downwards. That is, the force of gravity helps blood flow and therefore there is usually no accumulation of blood in the arteries. It flows through the arteries to the feet. The blood goes up through the veins. At this time the problems begin: the force of gravity slows the blood flow and some of the blood constantly struggles to drain.
The situation is not disastrous. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has protective mechanisms against such a nuisance.
Venous valves grow inside the vessels, closing the passage of flowing blood and returning 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. Thus, blood accumulates in some 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
- Skin discoloration
- Itching and burning in the veins
Such signs of the disease often go unnoticed, and sometimes people get used to them. Therefore, they allow varicose veins to develop.
Yes, it can take years for more severe symptoms to appear. But without treatment, complications are inevitable and by no means as harmless as the first manifestations of varicose veins.
The consequences of running varicose veins:
- Trophic ulcers. . . Wounds that don't heal next to diseased vessels. The tissues do not receive the necessary nutrients and gradually die. One symptom of ulcer formation is the area of the skin that whitens. To stop the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
- bleeding. . . The 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 refer to as blood clots. These formations interfere with blood circulation. Sometimes they break off and can enter the lungs with blood. This phenomenon is called pulmonary embolism and often leads to respiratory failure and even death.
The further the disease progresses, the greater 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 in the beginning. Complex treatment with hosiery against varicose veins shows excellent results. This underwear is also useful for disease prevention.
What are compression stockings used for?
This mesh improves blood circulation in the legs. As a result, the pain and swelling that bother many people are reduced. Linen also helps against more serious diseases, for example, by 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 shirt gently tightens the veins. Usually, the underwear puts the strongest pressure on the ankles and the pressure decreases along the leg.
Doctors prescribe compression stockings for several purposes:
- Venous support
- Prevention of blood accumulation
- Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Combat venous hypertension
- Improve lymphatic drainage
When the knitwear presses on the vessels, it has several positive effects:
- Reduces the diameter of the veins. . . Blood flows faster through the narrow vessels. Therefore, it rarely accumulates in one spot and blood clots almost never occur.
- Improve blood flow. . . Thanks to the additional pressure, blood flow is accelerated and travels faster from the feet to the heart.
- Prevents bleeding. . . Despite the force of attraction, blood rarely flows through the veins and does not fill the connecting vessels.
Some athletes also use compression socks in their workouts. For example, runners and basketball players. The underwear protects the tissues from damage and accelerates the oxygen supply to the muscles. After training, the 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, that's not the case. Like other medicines, compression stockings are not suitable for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression underwear
Don't buy tight socks yourself. First go to your doctor and check what kind of shirt you need.
Find out the size. Compression ratio. And other features of the underwear that you will wear for months.
Buying knitwear without a doctor's recommendation can damage blood vessels. For example, socks press too hard, and as a result, blood circulation in the veins is even more impaired. The result is that the conditions of the ships deteriorate.
Sign up for a consultation with a phlebologist regarding the choice of compression underwear. And also check the indications and contraindications for such stockings.
indications
Doctors prescribe slimming underwear for diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- phlebeurism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
Additionally, knitting is sometimes prescribed to healthy people at risk for vascular disease. The need for socks arises:
- During pregnancy. . . The body of the expectant mother is exposed to great stress. The 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 baby. The increase in blood volume greatly increases the load on the vascular walls. Knitting helps the veins to maintain their normal shape under such strong pressure.
- Due to the increased stress on the legs. . . At work, many people have to stand for a long time and then the pressure on the vessels of the lower limbs increases. Frequent exertion can cause varicose veins. Linen supports the veins. So they stay healthy even in people who spend the entire working day on their feet.
- With a sedentary lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the harder it is for the veins to pump blood. Muscles don't work and don't improve blood circulation, so blood often builds up and dilates blood vessels. Knitwear stops the swelling of the veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment largely depends on the correct recovery of the patient. At the end of the procedure, the doctor prescribes knitwear. It must be worn strictly on schedule, as 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 patient's disease and risk factors.
Contraindications
Compression stockings are completely safe for most people. They only have a few limitations:
- Peripheral arterial disease suspected or already diagnosed
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Extended leg or pulmonary edema after heart failure
- Allergy to knitted fabric
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulitis
Individual patients simply cannot effectively wear elastic underwear.
Sometimes only temporarily. For example, they have leg injuries and have to wait for them to heal.
In other cases, it is permanent. For unusually shaped or deformed legs, compression stockings will not work. It simply does not tighten the limbs well and therefore will be useless against vein diseases.
How to choose compression stockings?
The elastic mesh against varicose veins includes models of different lengths. Some cover their legs completely. Others are knee-length only. It depends on the purpose of the compression stockings.
An important feature of linen is pressure, which directly affects the efficiency of knitting. The socks 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 out the knitwear in the shop. Choose the products:
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- No seam
- With a duration 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 treatment course.
Types of compression stockings
All models of slimming knitwear are divided into three types:
- Price quotation. . . These products are not considered medical and therefore can also be purchased without a prescription. They only support the ships. This underwear reduces leg fatigue and 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 pressure level in the different areas is different: near the ankle, the underwear tightens more and the pressure is weakened on the leg. The medical shirt is prescribed by a doctor. The stockings are intended for people with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Antiembolic or hospital. . . This linen is prescribed for people who need to stay in bed after surgery. Helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. High compression class. The pressure on the different parts of the socks is different, just like with medical devices.
Yes, you can buy elastic underwear yourself for the prevention of vascular diseases. But we still recommend that you consult a doctor. He will help you choose the knitwear. The phlebologist will also tell you about other preventive methods, so you will learn much better about protecting your veins.
Compression ratios of compression stockings
According to the level of pressure, elastic underwear is divided into four classes:
- Compression up to 22 mm Hg. Art. Such a mesh helps to stop the development of varicose veins - removes edema, varicose 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 a mesh only for people with severe forms of venous disease. Linen is used to treat severe edema.
Correctly selected level of compression allows you to successfully fight vascular diseases, while inappropriate knitting further damages the veins.
Choosing the right size for your underwear is just as important.
Compression stockings size chart
Be sure to measure your feet before buying laundry. You need to measure:
- Calf circumference
- Circumference of the ankle
- Circumference of the thigh
- 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 get the most accurate results that cannot be obtained in a standing position due to the pressure on the vessels. The recorded leg measurements will be helpful when using the sock size chart.
| The dimension | 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, immediately put on elastic underwear 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 the socks. They should fit snugly against the skin. Straighten the folds. The top of the underwear must not be folded, otherwise the shirt 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 down on the bed and lift your legs. So 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, my whole life.
With an inattentive attitude, knitting will not even last several months. Therefore, it is necessary to take proper care of it.
Compression stocking care
Socks don't seem like a durable product. And in fact - usually their shelf 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 socks need to be washed. Includes jersey with antimicrobial protection. Remember: you wear elastic underwear all day and dead skin cells constantly accumulate on it. So wash it every day.
Best of all - by hand.
For washing, use baby soap or other delicate products that do not damage the knitwear. Linen cannot be boiled.
After washing, very carefully wring out the water from the socks. Do not stretch them or damage the fabric. You can remove the 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, socks will sooner or later lose their elasticity. Sometimes after a few months. Less often - after a year.
How to change jersey in time?
The loss of elasticity is easy to notice in the morning when wearing the socks. Old compression garments put on very easily. Hence the conclusion: he no longer squeezes the legs with the necessary force and therefore you need 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 the stockings is determined by the doctor.
After treatment, knitwear should be used at different times, depending on the procedure:
- Cesarean section - up to three weeks
- Removal of the uterus - two to eight weeks
- Laporoscopy - from three days to a month
- Removal of a 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. Blood circulation in the vessel stops, and after a while the diseased vein completely disappears. Blood moves through other vessels.
Compression hosiery in this case helps to keep the treated veins closed and prevents blood from entering them. Therefore, the ships 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 must be kept longer - six months. Furthermore, this is not a complete term. So much so that the patient wears a second-class shirt, and therefore the doctor can replace it with first-class underwear.
Shaping stockings are also used in other vein surgeries. For example, they are useful for recovery from phlebectomy and miniflebectomy.
But intravascular treatment does not require compression therapy, and underwear is used only if signs of venous insufficiency persist - edema and trophic disorders.
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 need to wear special socks.
Reading information about elastic underwear is a good start, but the real fight against vascular diseases will only turn on after a visit to the doctor.