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 condition of the vessels. The diameter decreases and the blood flow is not hampered 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 treatment of the disease. The appearance of varicose veins is often due to 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 necessary for risk factors for varicose veins. These include:
- play sports;
- overweight;
- constant orthostatic pressure on the legs;
- pathology of limbs and cardiovascular system.
Compression pressure with varicose veins is necessary to restore tone to 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 limbs affected by varicose veins.
Despite the presence of varicose veins, compression garments may be prescribed after surgery. In cases where varicose veins are treated with 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.
Particularities
Compression underwear is able to remove excess fluid and participate in heat transfer, and is able to create the constant pressure needed to relieve pain in varicose veins. Therapeutic underwear does not contribute to the appearance of allergic reactions, their materials do not participate in the reaction.
The linen material in the necessary places follows the contours of the body and adjusts it perfectly. 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 wearer a compressive pressure.
The use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. Such thoroughness applies only to laundry of 1 to 4 classes with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of damaging 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 certain criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. In counterfeits, inferior materials or poor quality materials are often used. This leads to improper compression or rapid wear of the product.
- The size. Selecting the correct size ensures that the compression therapy is correct.
- Use of 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, companies receive a certificate, which means that the product is actually medicinal and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives are required to have the right to distribute the products. If there is no such document, the product is not original.
There is a separate certification for the anti-embolic underwear class. Since these compression products are used exclusively for the treatment of a medical condition, the companies are certified with a medical standard.
Classification and types
All compression products for the treatment of varicose veins are divided according to the following characteristics: the degree of compression, the form of release and the purpose of the appointment.
During the classification, four classes of products 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 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 year refers to rehabilitation. Most often it is used for the postoperative period, when the vascular system and muscles are not able to independently maintain normal blood flow or there is a risk of causing the appearance of varicose symptoms.
Special purpose:
- Hospital. It is used only under constant medical supervision during the postoperative period.
- Preventive. In cases when 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 33-45 millimeters of mercury. Phlebologists consider this pressure to be optimal for therapy.
The assortment of compression underwear is diverse, manufacturing companies have models for men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Low. The 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. The stockings help keep the blood vessels in the right shape, which prevents the blood vessels from becoming blocked.
- Tights. Compression tights are similar in appearance to regular products. The tights fit perfectly over the entire leg - from toe to waist. The treatment covers: the tibia, thigh and groin. Pantyhose are only recommended in cases where the varicose veins are extensive above the knee joint.
- Knee-highs and leggings. The knee-highs only extend to the bottom of the 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 remove swelling and normalize blood flow. Leggings differ from golf courses only by the absence of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are primarily intended to remove the buildup of lymph fluid, which causes severe swelling of the limb. This often happens after upper body surgery.
- During pregnancy. During pregnancy, compression garments help eliminate swelling in 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 right posture. This promotes a better exchange of oxygen between the fetus and the mother.
How to choose the size?
The size of the compression garment for varicose veins is chosen based on body measurements. It is not recommended to use underwear larger or smaller than prescribed by your doctor. Such wearing is uncomfortable and will aggravate the development of the disease, or not help.
Before buying, you need to measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the bottleneck directly below the knee;
- thigh circumference at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- the total length of the leg from heel to groin;
- waist and hip sizes.
The thigh circumference in people measuring up to 175 centimeters should be performed at the level of 175 centimeters. Above this figure, the countdown drops to 30 centimeters.
Only a phlebologist or a specially trained consultant can choose compression underwear.
After the 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 available, it makes sense to refuse to use tights. Their use will have no effect. It is worth paying attention to leggings or stockings.
Threading recommendations
To achieve the maximum effect from the use of compression garments, this is only possible with proper use. The treatment process will only take place if the jersey is worn correctly.
To do this, you need to follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to put laundry in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the upper part folds like an accordion and stretches from the lower part;
- you must first start dressing by lightly embroidering the location of the foot and toes;
- straightens the material without pulling it over the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or stockings are used, their pull should be limited to their average length when stretched.
If with varicose veins there is edema or underwear with increased pressure is used, a special apparatus should be used for donning.
Maintenance tips
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 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 preventing liquid from getting on this strip, it will worsen skin contact.
It is recommended to use several pairs of compression garments at the same time. Thus, it is possible to prevent rapid wear of the laundry.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all people who experience frequent pressure on the extremities or after surgery, which helps normalize pressure and improve blood flow.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to individually approach the problem of choosing a garment. The care and application of compression underwear for varicose veins is not difficult. If all the rules of operation are observed, it is possible to maintain the therapeutic properties of the material for up to 10 months.