Vienna.
This is half of the circulatory system.
It is also a source of concern for millions of people around the world.
Vein diseases 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 share of patients with venous diseases is even higher.
Therefore, many people go to doctors to treat swollen blood vessels. Sometimes with surgery. In other cases, conservative therapy with drugs, exercise and special underwear.
We'll talk about varicose vein socks later. In the meantime, we will assess the risk of the disease and possible complications.
Varicose veins can affect any part of the venous system, but its favorite targets are the veins of the legs.
Vulnerability of veins is easy to explain.
When blood flows through the arteries to the organs, it generally moves downward. 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 flows back through the veins. At this point, problems begin - the force of gravity slows down the flow of blood, and part of the blood is constantly trying to drain.
The situation is not difficult. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has protective mechanisms against such interference.
Venous valves grow inside the veins, closing the passage of liquid blood and returning it to the bloodstream. Muscles also help with blood flow. They constrict and press on the veins, and as a result, blood circulation improves.
Blood movement is difficult in diseased vessels. This happens for a variety of reasons:
- Long immobility
- Obesity
- Older age
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalance
In varicose veins, the valves are usually weakened or damaged. Therefore, blood accumulates in certain areas of the veins, puts pressure on the venous walls and causes it to spread.
Symptoms are not severe at first:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Blue or purple veins 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 simply get used to them. Thus, they enable the development of varicose veins.
Yes, it can take years for more serious symptoms to appear. But without treatment complications are inevitable and are not at all harmless as the first manifestations of varicose veins.
Consequences of running varicose veins:
- Trophic ulcers. . . Non-healing wounds next to diseased veins. The tissues do not receive the necessary nutrients and gradually die. The symptom of an ulcer is whitening of the skin area. To stop the development of complications, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Bleeding. . . Enlarged superficial veins sometimes rupture. Bleeding from such vessels is not severe, but medical attention is still needed.
- Bloody clothes. . . Dilated vessels are a comfortable environment for the formation of blood clots, which doctors call blood clots. These formations interfere with blood circulation. They also sometimes come 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 goes, the higher the risk of complications. Another problem is that developed varicose veins usually cannot be eliminated by conservative treatment and surgery is required.
It is much easier to get rid of this early. Complex treatment using socks against varicose veins shows excellent results. This underwear is also useful for disease prevention.
What are compression socks for?
Such a jersey improves blood circulation in the legs. As a result, the pain and swelling that afflict many people is reduced. Underwear also helps against more serious illnesses, for example, 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 jersey gently compresses the veins. Usually the underwear exerts the strongest pressure on the ankles, and the pressure on the foot decreases.
Doctors prescribe compression stockings for different purposes:
- Vein support
- Preventing blood accumulation
- Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Fight against venous hypertension
- Improving lymphatic drainage
When knitwear presses on the dishes, it has several positive effects:
- Reduces the diameter of the veins. . . Blood flows faster through narrow vessels. Therefore, it rarely accumulates in one place and blood clots almost never form.
- Improves blood flow. . . Thanks to the extra pressure, the 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.
Even some athletes use compression stockings in their workouts. For example, runners and basketball players. Underwear protects tissues from damage and speeds up the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. After training, the muscles recover faster.
Of course, designing socks for varicose veins cannot be considered a magical artifact that will save you from any problems with blood vessels. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Like other medications, compression stockings are not good for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression underwear
Don’t buy tight-fitting socks yourself. Contact your doctor first and check what kind of jersey you need.
Find out the size. Compression ratio. And other underwear features you’ll be wearing for months.
Buying knitwear without a doctor’s recommendation can damage blood vessels. For example, socks press too hard, and as a result, the blood circulation in the veins is even more disturbed. The result is that the condition of the vessel is deteriorating.
Apply for a consultation with a phlebologist regarding the selection of compression underwear. Also check the indications and contraindications for such socks.
Indications
Doctors prescribe underwear for weight loss in diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Phlebeurism
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
Also, the jersey is sometimes prescribed to healthy people who are at risk of vascular diseases. The need for socks arises:
- During pregnancy. . . The body of the future mother is exposed to great stress. Hormonal balance is disturbed. As a result, the venous walls weaken and often dilate. The amount of blood in the body also increases. Because of the child. The increased amount of blood greatly increases the load on the vascular walls. The knit helps the veins maintain their normal shape under such strong pressure.
- Due to increased stress on the legs. . . At work, many people have to stand on their feet for a long time and therefore the pressure on the veins of the lower extremities increases. Frequent exertion can cause varicose veins. Underwear supports veins. So they stay healthy even with people who spend the whole working day on their feet.
- With a sedentary lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the harder it is to pump blood through the veins. Muscles do not work and do not improve blood circulation, so blood often accumulates and dilates blood vessels. Knitwear stops the swelling of the veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment largely depends on the proper recovery of the patient. When the procedure is over, the doctor prescribes knitwear. It must be worn strictly on schedule, because any violation of the regime can lead to 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 disease and the risk factors of the patient.
Contraindications
Compression socks are completely safe for most people. They have only a few limitations:
- Peripheral artery disease is suspected or already diagnosed
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Extensive edema of the legs or lungs after heart failure
- Allergy to knitted fabrics
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulite
Individual patients simply cannot effectively wear elastic underwear.
Sometimes only temporarily. For example, they have wounds on their leg and need to wait for them to heal.
In other cases it is permanent. For legs of unusual shape or with deformations, compression stockings will not work. It simply does not affect the limbs properly and will therefore be useless against venous diseases.
How to choose compression socks
The elastic jersey against varicose veins includes models of different lengths. Some completely cover the legs. They stayed only up to their knees. It depends on the purpose of the compression stockings.
An important characteristic of the fabric is the pressure, which directly affects the efficiency of the knitwear. Socks should fit well around the legs, but not hurt.
Some models are specifically designed for operated patients. They are not suitable for other people.
The degree of compression of knitted socks 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 the consultation.
Check the knitting at the store. Select products:
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- No seams
- With a working life 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.
Types of compression stockings
All models of weight loss knits are divided into three types:
- Preventive. . . These products are not considered medical and can therefore be purchased even without a prescription. They only support vessels. This underwear reduces fatigue and pain in the legs. The knitwear puts little pressure on the veins and is perfect for preventing vascular diseases, but it does not cure varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. . . The most comprehensive group of elastic socks. With these products, the level of pressure in different areas is different - near the ankle, the underwear tightens the most, and the pressure weakens towards the foot. The medical jersey is prescribed by a doctor. The socks are intended for people with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Antimbolic or hospital. . . This bedding is prescribed for people who have to stay in bed after surgery. It helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. High compression class. The pressure on different parts of the socks varies, just like with medical devices.
Yes, you can buy elastic underwear yourself to prevent vascular diseases. But still we advise you to visit a doctor. It will help you in choosing a knitwear. A phlebologist will tell you about other preventive methods, so you will learn much better how to protect your veins.
Compression ratio 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 jersey helps to stop the development of varicose veins - it removes edema, spider veins and other signs of varicose veins.
- Pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Art. Class II socks are prescribed for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis, and varicose veins. Knitwear is also used for prevention in people who have an inactive lifestyle.
- Compression up to 46 mm Hg. Art. These socks are worn by patients with trophic disorders and congenital vascular damage.
- Pressure up to 50 mm Hg. Art. Doctors prescribe such a jersey only to people with severe forms of venous disease. Underwear is used to treat severe edema.
Properly selected compression level allows you to successfully fight vascular diseases, while inappropriate knitwear additionally damages the veins.
Choosing the right size of underwear is equally important.
Compression stocking size chart
Be sure to measure your feet before buying 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 achieve the most accurate results that cannot be obtained in a standing position due to pressure on the dishes. Recorded foot measurements will come in handy when using a sock size chart.
| Size | 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 dress and wear compression stockings
First of all, 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 drops. Gently push the foot inwards and slowly pull the fabric upwards.
Smooth the socks. They should fit well with the skin. Straighten the creases. The upper part of the cloth must not be folded, otherwise the jersey will be pressed like a pocket and as a result, the blood flow will be weakened.
It is not recommended to remove compression stockings during the day. Only in the shower or bathtub. Before going to bed, lie on the bed and lift your legs. Then take off your laundry.
How long should you wear knitwear?
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, a lifetime.
With a careless attitude, knitwear will not last even a few months. Therefore, it is necessary to take proper care of him.
Compression stocking care
Socks don’t look like a durable product. And really - their lifespan usually does not exceed 12 months, and in many cases the laundry breaks and decays even earlier.
What to do?
First of all, socks need to be washed. Including a jersey with antimicrobial protection. Remember - you wear elastic underwear all day long and dead skin cells are constantly accumulating on it. So wash it daily.
Best of all - by hand.
For washing, use baby soap or other sensitive products that will not damage the knit. The laundry cannot be boiled.
After washing, squeeze the water out of the socks very carefully. Do not stretch them or damage the fabric. You can wipe off the moisture with a towel.
Dry the knit on a flat surface, only in cold or warm places, as high heat can destroy the material.
Even with proper care, socks will sooner or later lose elasticity. Sometimes after a few months. Less often - after a year.
How to change the jersey on time?
Loss of elasticity is easy to notice in the morning when you put on socks. Old compression garments are very easy to pull. Hence the conclusion - no longer tightens the legs with the necessary strength and therefore it is necessary to buy a replacement.
How much to wear compression stockings after surgery
Elastic knitwear is not only involved 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 a few days. In other cases for months.
The time of wearing socks is determined by the doctor.
After treatment, the jersey must be used at different times, depending on the procedure:
- Cesarean section - up to three weeks
- Removal of the uterus - two to eight weeks
- Laparoscopy - from three days to a month
- Kidney removal - from five days to four weeks
- Gallbladder removal - from ten days to a month
How much to wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
The number of blood vessels treated by the doctor should be taken into account. During the operation, the phlebologist destroys the inner walls of the veins by various methods, making them inflamed. The blood circulation in the vessel stops, and after a while the diseased vein completely disappears. Blood moves to other vessels.
Compression stockings in this case help to treat the closed veins 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 large number of removed containers should be maintained for longer - six months. Moreover, this is not a full term. So much so that the patient wears a second-class jersey, and then the doctor can replace it with first-class underwear.
Shaping socks are also used in other vein surgeries. For example, they are useful for recovery from phlebectomy and miniphlebectomy.
But endovascular treatment does not require compression therapy, and underwear is used only if the signs of venous insufficiency - edema and trophic disorders - continue.
Unfortunately, this information is not universal. It cannot be applied to absolutely every situation and every person. The doctor prescribes knitting and determines how long patients should wear special socks.
Reading information about elastic underwear is a good start, but the real fight against vascular diseases will flare up only after a visit to the doctor.