Vienna.
It 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. In the elderly, the proportion of patients with venous disease is even higher.
Therefore, many people see 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 in the legs.
The vulnerability of the veins is easy to explain.
When the blood circulates through the arteries to the organs, it mainly travels downwards. That is, the force of gravity helps the blood flow and therefore there is usually no accumulation of blood in the arteries. It travels through the arteries to the feet. The blood goes back up in the veins. At this time, the problems begin - the force of gravity slows down the blood flow, and some of the blood is constantly straining to flow.
The situation is not dramatic. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has protective mechanisms against such a nuisance.
Inside the vessels, venous valves develop, which close the passage of flowing blood and return it to the bloodstream. Muscles also help with blood circulation. They constrict and press on the veins, which improves blood circulation.
In diseased vessels, the movement of blood is impaired. This happens for a variety of reasons:
- Long immobility
- Obesity
- Age of the elderly
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalance
In varicose veins, the valves are usually weakened or damaged. As a result, blood collects 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
- Skin discoloration
- Itching and burning in the veins
Such signs of the disease often go unnoticed, and sometimes people 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. One symptom of ulcer formation is the area of the skin that turns white. To stop the development of complications, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Bleeding. . . The enlarged superficial veins sometimes rupture. The bleeding from these 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 break off and can enter the lungs with blood. This phenomenon is called pulmonary embolism and it often leads to respiratory failure and even death.
The more the disease progresses, the greater the risk of complications. Another problem is that developed varicose veins usually cannot be removed with conservative treatment and an operation is required.
It is much easier to deal with it from the start. Complex treatment using stockings against varicose veins gives excellent results. This underwear is also useful for disease prevention.
What are compression stockings used for?
This jersey improves blood circulation in the legs. As a result, the pain and swelling that bother many people is reduced. Lingerie also helps against more serious illnesses, 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 adapts to the leg. The jersey gently tightens the veins. Usually, the underwear puts the most pressure on the ankles and the pressure decreases along the leg.
Doctors prescribe compression stockings for different purposes:
- Venous support
- Prevention of blood accumulation
- Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Fight venous hypertension
- Improve lymphatic drainage
When knitting presses on the vessels, this has several positive effects:
- Reduces the diameter of the veins. . . Blood circulates more quickly through narrow vessels. Therefore, it rarely accumulates in one place, and blood clots almost never occur.
- Improves blood circulation. . . With the extra pressure, the blood flow is accelerated and it moves 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.
Even some athletes use compression stockings in their workouts. For example, runners and basketball players. Underwear protects tissue from damage and speeds up the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. After training, the muscles recover faster.
Of course, stocking shaping for varicose veins cannot be considered a magical artifact that will save you from all blood vessel problems. Unfortunately, it is not the case. Like other medications, compression stockings are not suitable for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression underwear
Don't buy tight stockings yourself. First go to your doctor and check what type of bikini line you need.
Find out the size. Compression ratio. And other features of the underwear you'll wear for months.
Buying knits 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 condition of the ships deteriorates.
Sign up for a consultation with a phlebologist regarding the choice of compression underwear. And also consult the indications and contraindications of these stockings.
Indications
Doctors prescribe slimming underwear for diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Phlebeurism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
Additionally, jersey is sometimes prescribed for healthy people who are at risk for vascular disease. The need for stockings is felt:
- During pregnancy. . . The body of the future mother is exposed to great stress. The hormonal balance is disturbed. From there, the venous walls weaken and often dilate. The amount of blood in the body also increases. Because of the child. The increase in blood volume significantly increases the load on the vascular walls. Knitting helps the veins to maintain their normal shape under such heavy pressure.
- Due to increased stress on the legs. . . At work, many people have to stand for a long time, and therefore the pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities increases. Frequent exertion can cause varicose veins. Lingerie supports the veins. Thus, they remain healthy even in people who spend their entire working day standing.
- With a sedentary lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the harder it is for the veins to pump blood. Muscles do not work and improve blood circulation, so blood often collects and dilates blood vessels. Knitwear stops the bloating of the veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment largely depends on the patient's good recovery. When the procedure is complete, the doctor prescribes knits. It should be worn strictly on time, since any violation of the diet can lead to a relapse of the disease.
The right choice of elastic underwear is very important. Phlebologists prescribe knits of a certain degree of compression and class, depending on the disease and risk factors of the patient.
Contraindications
Compression stockings are completely safe for most people. They only have a few limitations:
- Suspected or previously diagnosed peripheral artery disease
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- extensive leg or lung edema after heart failure
- Knit allergy
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulitis
Individual patients simply cannot effectively wear elastic underwear.
Sometimes only temporarily. For example, they have wounds on their legs and have to wait for them to heal.
In other cases, it is permanent. For unusually shaped or misshapen legs, compression stockings will not work. It just does not squeeze the limbs properly and therefore will be useless against diseases of the veins.
How to choose compression stockings
The elastic jersey against varicose veins includes models of different lengths. Some completely cover their legs. Others only go up to the knee. It depends on the purpose of the compression stockings.
An important characteristic of linen is pressure, which directly affects the effectiveness of knits. The stockings should fit snugly around the legs, but not painful.
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 store. Choose products:
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- No seams
- With a shelf life of 12 months
- RAL quality standard
With proper care, these underwear will last a long time and you will not have to change them until the treatment is finished.
Types of compression stockings
All models of slimming knits are divided into three types:
- Preventive. . . These products are not considered medical and therefore can be purchased even without a medical prescription. They just support the ships. This underwear reduces fatigue and leg pain. Knitwear has a weak pressure on the veins and is great for preventing vascular disease, but does not cure varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. . . The most extensive group of elastic stockings. For these products, the level of pressure in different areas is different - near the ankle, the underwear tightens the most, and along the leg, the pressure weakens. The 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 remain bedridden after surgery. It helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. High compression class. The pressure on the different parts of the stockings differs, just like with medical devices.
Yes, you can buy elastic underwear for the prevention of vascular disease yourself. But we still advise you to consult a doctor. He will help you choose knitwear. The phlebologist will also tell you about other preventive methods, so you will learn much better about protecting your veins.
Compression ratio of compression stockings
Depending on the pressure level, elastic underwear is divided into four classes:
- Compression up to 22 mm Hg. From art. This jersey helps stop the development of varicose veins - eliminates edema, varicose veins and other signs of varicose veins.
- Pressure up to 32 mm Hg. From art. Class II stockings are prescribed for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Knitting is also used for prevention by people with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Compression up to 46 mm Hg. From art. These stockings are worn by patients with trophic disorders and congenital anomalies of the vascular system.
- Pressure up to 50 mm Hg. From art. Doctors prescribe such a jersey only for people with severe forms of venous disease. Lingerie is used to treat severe edema.
Correctly selected level of compression allows you to successfully fight vascular diseases, while improper knitting additionally damages the veins.
Choosing the right size for your underwear is just as 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 get the most accurate results that cannot be achieved while standing due to the pressure on the vessels. The recorded leg measurements will be helpful when using the stocking sizing chart.
How to put on and wear compression stockings
First, 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 up.
Smooth your stockings. They should be snug against the skin. Straighten the folds. The top of the laundry should 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 in the bath. Before going to bed, lie down on the bed and raise your legs. Then remove your laundry.
How long should you wear the knitwear?
Ask your doctor. Mild forms of varicose veins can be eliminated in a matter of months, but chronic disease is a more serious problem. Sometimes phlebologists recommend that patients wear elastic stockings for several years. In rare cases, my whole life.
With a careless attitude, knitwear will not last even several months. Therefore, it is necessary to take good care of it.
Maintenance of compression stockings
Stockings don't look like a durable product. And indeed, their service life usually does not exceed 12 months, and in many cases the laundry breaks and deteriorates even earlier.
What to do?
First of all, the stockings should be washed. Including jersey with antimicrobial protection. Remember that you wear elastic underwear all day long, and dead skin cells are constantly building up on them. So wash it everyday.
Best of all - by hand.
For washing, use baby soap or other delicate products that will not damage knits. Laundry cannot be boiled.
After washing, wring out the water from the stockings very carefully. Do not stretch them or damage the fabric. You can wipe off the moisture with a towel.
Dry knits 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 can I change my swimsuit in time?
The loss of elasticity is easy to notice in the morning when you put on your stockings. Old compression garments are very easy to put on. Hence the conclusion - he no longer squeezes the legs with the necessary force, and therefore it is necessary to buy a replacement.
How many compression stockings to wear after surgery
Elastic knits are not only included in the complex treatment of vascular diseases and are 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.
When to wear stockings is determined by the doctor.
After the treatment, knits should be used at different times, depending on the procedure:
- Cesarean - up to three weeks
- Removal of the uterus - two to eight weeks
- Laporoscopy - from three days to a month
- Kidney removal - five days to four weeks
- Gallbladder removal - ten days to one 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, making them inflamed. Blood circulation in the vessel stops, and after a while the diseased vein completely disappears. The blood circulates in other vessels.
Compression stockings in this case help keep the treated veins closed and prevent 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 withdrawn vessels must be maintained for longer - six months. Moreover, this term is not complete. As long as the patient wears a second class undershirt, then the doctor can replace it with first class underwear.
Fitness stockings are also used in other venous surgeries. For example, they are useful in recovering from phlebectomy and miniflebectomy.
But endovasal treatment does not require compression treatment, and the undergarment is only used if signs of venous insufficiency - edema and trophic disorders - persist.
Unfortunately, this information is not universal. It cannot be applied to absolutely all situations and all people. The doctor prescribes knits and determines how long patients need to wear special stockings.
Reading information about elastic underwear is a good start, but the real fight against vascular disease will only intensify after a visit to the doctor.