According to anatomical features, human blood vessels consist of layered walls and valves. There is an increase in diastolic pressure in the legs with a constant orthostatic effect. Due to their elasticity, the veins form varicose veins.
Compression underwear for varicose veins has the opposite effect. It is possible to normalize the condition of the vessels due to the distribution of pressure on the entire surface of the foot. The diameter is reduced and blood flow is not impeded by branching of the vessels, the pressure is reduced.
The purpose of compressor underwear
In the case of varicose veins, determining the use of compression garments is the first step to treating the disease. Often the reason for the appearance of varicose veins is a violation of blood circulation and lack of muscle tone. The presence of thrombophlebitis and other diseases of the vascular system contributes to the complication of varicose veins.
Appointments may be necessary for risk factors for varicose veins. These include:
- play sports;
- excess weight;
- constant orthostatic pressure in 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. It also normalizes blood flow in the arteries if necessary and reduces edema caused by varicose veins.
Compression garments relieve fatigue and pain in the 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 surgically, the postoperative period is accompanied by compression of the periphery. This allows you to restore the veins and not waste elements for the stretching that accompanies the procedures.
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.
Where necessary, the linen material follows the contours of the body and fits snugly. Over time, the material becomes stronger and remembers the shape of the body.
Compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins is made of microfiber, elastic materials: nylon and cotton fibers, lycra. The tensile properties of these materials give the user compression pressure.
Use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. This versatility only applies to laundries with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury from 1 to 4. This is necessary to rule out the possibility of damage to the arteries due to improper use of compression.
Because 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:
- Authenticity. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. Counterfeit, poor quality materials or poor quality materials are often used. This can lead to incorrect compression or rapid wear of the product.
- Size. Choosing the right size ensures that the compression treatment is correct.
- Use the required class. It is not recommended to use a different class instead of the prescribed underwear.
All companies that produce compression garments for varicose veins are guided by international standards. Before production begins and after testing, companies receive a certificate, which indicates that the product is actually a drug and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives are required to have the right to distribute products. If there is no such document, the product is not genuine.
There is a separate certificate for the class of anti-embolic underwear. Because such compression products are only used to treat medical conditions, companies are certified to 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.
Four product classes are distinguished during the classification:
- The first class is 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 vasodilatation is applied only for mild forms of the disease.
- The third class is indicated in acute venous insufficiency, as well as in disorders of cell metabolism. The maximum pressure is 45 millimeters of mercury.
- The fourth class refers to rehabilitation. It is most often used in the postoperative period, when the vascular system and muscles are unable to maintain normal blood flow independently, or when there is a risk of provoking the appearance of varicose veins.
Special formed:
- Hospital. It is used only in the postoperative period under constant medical supervision.
- Prophylactic. When the first signs of diseases of the vascular system appear - varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. I used to treat chronic diseases of the vascular system, relieve 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 optimal for therapy.
The range of compressor underwear is diverse, with manufacturers having models for both men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Socks. In this form, the medical shirt is only as long as the thigh. The main purpose of the application is to eliminate swelling and varicose veins in the lower leg and thighs. Socks help keep blood vessels in good shape, which prevents clogging of the arteries.
- Tights. Compression tights look like ordinary products. Tights fit snugly all over the foot - from toe to toe. Treatment includes: calf, thigh and groin area. Tights are recommended only in cases where varicose veins are widespread above the knee joint.
- Knee height and leggings. Knee height extends only to the lower leg area. This allows you to use point compression only in the formation of varicose veins in the lower leg. Knee height is very popular among pregnant women. Socks eliminate swelling and normalize blood flow. Foot warmers differ from golfs only in the absence of socks. But the effect is the same.
- Arms. They are primarily designed to eliminate the accumulation of lymph fluid, which causes significant swelling of the joint. This often occurs after upper body surgery.
- During pregnancy. Compression garments during pregnancy help to eliminate swelling of the legs and prevent the symptoms of varicose veins.
The use of compression underwear during pregnancy reduces the load on the lumbar region, allows you to maintain a proper posture at all times. This promotes better oxygen exchange between the fetus and the mother.
How is the size selected?
The size of the compression garment for varicose veins is selected based on body size. It is not recommended to use large or small underwear as prescribed by your doctor. Wearing such clothes is uncomfortable and will not aggravate or help the development of the disease.
Before you buy you need to measure:
- around the ankle;
- around the neck directly below the knee;
- Around the thigh at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- total length of the foot from heel to groin;
- waist and hip sizes.
In people up to 175 centimeters in height, the circumference of the thigh should be 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 measurements, the results should be compared with the measurement table. Each manufacturer indicates this information on the packaging.
If the size of the legs and waist do not fit the existing dimensions, it makes sense to refrain from using tights. Their use will have no effect. Leggings or socks are worth paying attention to.
Recommendations for dressing
Maximum effect from the use of compression garments is possible only with proper use. The treatment process will continue only if the uniform is worn properly.
To do this, you must follow the recommendations:
- in the morning it is necessary to put the canvas in a horizontal position;
- the upper part is folded into an accordion for comfort and extends from the lower part;
- you should first start dressing by sewing a little space for the feet and toes;
- straightens the material without pulling along the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or socks are used, their tightening should be limited to a medium length when tightened.
If there is edema in the varicose veins or if underwear with increased pressure is used, a special device must be used to wear it.
Care advice
For the long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, you should follow the rules of care for compression underwear:
- laundry should be washed only by hand using a low alkaline shampoo;
- the maximum water temperature should be between 30 and 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 the liquid from entering this tape, as it will worsen the contact with the skin.
It is recommended to use several pairs of compression garments at the same time. Thus, it is possible to prevent rapid wear of laundry.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all people who often experience pressure in the surroundings or after surgery, as a result of which the pressure normalizes and blood flow improves.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to take an individual approach to the problem of choosing a piece of clothing. For varicose veins, compression underwear is not difficult to care for and apply. If all the rules of operation are followed, the healing properties of the material can be maintained for up to 10 months.