According to 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 hindered by the 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 cure 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 the complications of varicose veins.
The appointment may be needed 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, it normalizes the blood flow in the vessels and reduces the edema that occurs with varicose veins.
Compression garments relieve fatigue and pain in the limbs affected by varicose veins.
Despite the presence of varicose veins, compression garments can be prescribed after surgery. In cases where varicose veins are treated surgically, 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 heat transfer and is able to create the constant pressure needed 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 linen in the necessary places follows the contours of the body and fits perfectly. Over time, the material becomes stronger and resembles 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 a compressive pressure.
The use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. This completeness 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 damage to the vessels with 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 some criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. In fakes, substandard materials or substandard materials are often used. This leads to incorrect compression or rapid wear of the product.
- The dimension. Correct size selection ensures that compression therapy is correct.
- Using the required class. It is not recommended to use underwear of a class other than the designated one.
All companies that produce 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 truly medicinal and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives must have the right to distribute the products. In the absence of this document, the product is not original.
There is a separate certification for the anti-embolic underwear class. Since such compression products are used exclusively for the treatment of a medical disease, the 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 pressure of the class 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 the 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 are unable 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.
- Price quotation. 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 diverse; the manufacturing companies have models for both men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Stockings. The medical shirt of this shape has a length only up to the thigh. The main purpose of the application is to eliminate swelling and varicose veins in the lower leg and thigh. The socks help keep the blood vessels in the correct shape, preventing the blood vessels from clogging.
- Tights. Compression tights look similar to regular products. The tights adapt perfectly to the whole leg, from the tip to the waist. The treatment covers: tibia, thigh and groin area. Tights are only recommended in cases where varicose veins are spread over the knee joint.
- Knee-highs and leggings. The knee-highs only extend into the lower legs. This allows you to use point compression in the formation of varicose veins only on the lower leg. Knee-highs are very popular with pregnant women. Socks eliminate swelling and normalize blood flow. Legwarmers differ from golf only in the absence of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are mainly 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 eliminate swelling of the legs 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 the body measurements. It is not recommended to use underwear that is larger or smaller than what your doctor prescribes. Such wear is uncomfortable and will aggravate the development of the disease or will not help.
Before buying, you need to measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the bottle neck directly below the knee;
- thigh circumference at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- the total length of the leg from the heel to the groin;
- size of the waist and hips.
The circumference of the thigh in people up to 175 centimeters in height should be done at the level of 175 centimeters. Above this figure, the countdown increases to 30 centimeters.
Only a phlebologist or a specialized consultant can choose compression underwear.
After the measurements, you need to compare the results with the size chart. Each manufacturer indicates this data on the package.
If the volume of the legs and waist does not correspond to the available sizes, it makes sense to refuse the use of tights. There will be no effect from their use. It is worth paying attention to leggings or stockings.
Tips for wearing
To get the maximum effect from the use of compression garments, it is only possible with proper use. The treatment process will only proceed if the shirt is worn correctly.
To do this, you need to follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to put on linen in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the top folds like an accordion and extends from the bottom;
- you must first start dressing by slightly embroidering the place for the foot and toes;
- straighten the material without pulling it along the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or stockings are used, their traction should be limited to their average length when they are taut.
If with varicose veins there is edema or underwear with increased pressure is used, then a special device should be used to wear it.
Tips for care
For long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, it is necessary to follow the rules for the care of compression underwear:
- the laundry must be washed only in manual mode using a low alkali content shampoo;
- the maximum water temperature should be 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 the contact with the skin.
It is recommended to use several pairs of compression garments at the same time. In this way, rapid wear of the laundry can be avoided.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all people who experience frequent pressure in the extremities or after surgery, as a result of which the pressure is normalized and blood flow improves.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to individually approach the problem of choosing a piece of clothing. 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.