Based on anatomical characteristics, human veins consist of a layered wall and valves. With a constant orthostatic effect on the legs, there is an increase in diastolic pressure. Due to their elasticity, the veins 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 blood vessels. The diameter is reduced and the blood flow is not obstructed by vascular branching, the pressure is reduced.
Purpose of compression underwear
In the case of varicose veins, naming the use of compression garments is the first step towards treating 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 contributes to the complications of varicose veins.
Appointment may be required due to risk factors for varicose veins. This includes:
- Playing sports;
- extra pounds;
- constant orthostatic pressure on the legs;
- limb and cardiovascular pathology.
Compression pressure in varicose veins is necessary to restore the tone of blood vessels, muscles and joints. And also, if necessary, normalize blood flow in the veins and reduce the edema that occurs in 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 when varicose veins are treated with surgery, the postoperative period is followed by compression of the extremities. This allows the veins to recover, and not to disintegrate the stretching elements, which is followed after the procedure.
Special features
Compression underwear is able to remove excess fluid and participate in heat transfer, and is able to create the necessary constant pressure 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 bedding material follows the contours of the body in the necessary places and fits it firmly. Over time, the material becomes stronger and remembers 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 compression pressure to the carrier.
The use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. Such thoroughness is valid only for laundry from 1 to 4 classes with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary in order to exclude the possibility of damage to blood 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 some criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. Poor quality or poor materials are often used in counterfeits. This leads to improper compression or rapid wear of the product.
- Size. Choosing the right size ensures that compression therapy is right.
- Using the required class. It is not recommended to use second class underwear instead of the indicated one.
All companies that produce compression garments for varicose veins are guided by international standards. Before the start of production, and after passing the tests, the companies receive a certificate, which means that the product is really medicinal and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives must have the right to distribute the product. If such a document does not exist, the product is not original.
There is a special certificate for the class of anti-embolic underwear. Because such compression products are used exclusively to treat medical conditions, companies are certified to the 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 classes of products 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 milder form of the disease.
- The third class is indicated for acute venous insufficiency, as well as for violations of cellular metabolism. The maximum pressure is 45 millimeters of mercury.
- The fourth grade refers to rehabilitation. It is most often used in the postoperative period, when the vascular system and muscles are not able to maintain normal blood flow on their own or there is a risk of provoking the appearance of varicose symptoms.
Special purpose:
- Hospital. It is used only with constant medical supervision in the postoperative period.
- Preventive. In cases when the first signs of diseases of the vascular system appear - varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. It is used to treat chronic diseases of the circulatory system, relieves symptoms.
For medical purposes, compression garments with a pressure of 33 to 45 millimeters of mercury are typically used. Phlebologists believe that this pressure is optimal for therapy.
The range of compression underwear is diverse, manufacturers have models for both men and women.
It is presented in the following types:
- Socks. The medical jersey of this form has a length only up to the thigh. The main purpose of the application is to remove swelling and varicose veins on the lower leg and thighs. Socks help keep blood vessels in proper shape, which prevents clogging of blood vessels.
- Leggings. Compression leggings are similar in appearance to ordinary products. The leggings fit snugly on the whole leg - from the toes to the waist. The treatment covers: the lower leg, thigh and groin area. Leggings are recommended only in cases when the varicose veins are spread above the knee joint.
- Knee pads and leggings. The thighs extend only to the lower leg. This allows you to use point compression in creating varicose veins only on the lower leg. Knee pads are very popular among pregnant women. Socks remove swelling and normalize blood flow. Foot warmers differ from golfs only in the lack of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are primarily intended to remove the accumulation of lymph fluid that causes significant swelling of the extremities. This often happens after upper body surgery.
- During pregnancy. During pregnancy, compression garments help eliminate leg swelling and prevent the symptoms of varicose veins.
The use of compression underwear during pregnancy relieves the load on the lumbar region, allows you to constantly maintain proper posture. This promotes better oxygen exchange between the fetus and the mother.
How to choose a size?
The size of the compression garment for varicose veins is selected based on body measurements. It is not recommended to use underwear that is larger or smaller than prescribed by your doctor. Such wearing is uncomfortable and worsens the development of the disease, or it will not help.
Before buying it is necessary to measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the bottleneck directly below the knee;
- thigh circumference at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- total leg length from heel to groin;
- waist and hip size.
The circumference of the thighs in persons up to 175 centimeters in height must be performed at the level of 175 centimeters. Above this figure, the countdown increases to 30 centimeters.
Only a phlebologist or a specially trained consultant can choose compression underwear.
After the measurement, it is necessary to compare the results with the table of sizes. Each manufacturer states this information on the packaging.
If the volume of the legs and waist does not match the available sizes, it makes sense to refuse the use of leggings. There will be no effect from their use. It is worth paying attention to leggings or socks.
Dressing recommendations
In order to achieve the maximum effect from the use of compression garments, it is possible only with proper use. The treatment process will continue only if the jersey is worn correctly.
To do this, you must follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to put the bedding in a horizontal position in the morning;
- for convenience, the upper part bends into an accordion and extends from the lower part;
- you must first start dressing by gently embroidering the place for the foot and toes;
- straightens the material without pulling along the entire length of the thigh.
If tights or socks are used, their retraction must be limited to their average length when tightened.
If there is edema in varicose veins or underwear with increased pressure is used, then a special wearing device should be used.
Care 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 by hand using a shampoo with a low alkali content;
- the maximum water temperature should be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees;
- drying of the product is done 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, this will worsen the contact with the skin.
It is recommended to use several pairs of compression garments at the same time. This makes it possible to avoid wearing laundry quickly.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all persons who have frequent pressure on the extremities or after surgery, due to which the pressure is normalized and blood flow is improved.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to approach the problem of choosing a piece of clothing individually. Care and application of compression underwear for varicose veins is not difficult. If all the rules of work are followed, it is possible to maintain the therapeutic properties of the material for up to 10 months.