Based on the anatomical features, human vessels consist of a layered wall and valves. With a constant orthostatic effect on the legs, an increase in diastolic pressure is observed. Due to their elasticity, the vessels form varicose veins.
Compression underwear for varicose veins has the opposite effect. Due to the distribution of pressure on the entire surface of the foot, it is possible to normalize the condition of the vessels. The diameter decreases and blood flow is not impeded by vascular branches, the pressure decreases.
Purpose of compression underwear
In the case of varicose veins, the appointment of the use of compression clothing is the first step in the treatment of the disease. Often the cause 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 contribute to the complications of varicose veins.
The appointment may be necessary for risk factors for varicose veins. They include:
- I play sports;
- Overweight;
- constant orthostatic pressure on the legs;
- pathology of the limbs and the cardiovascular system.
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 vessels and reduce the swelling that occurs in varicose veins.
Compression garments relieve fatigue and pain in those limbs that are affected by varicose veins.
Despite the presence of varicose veins, compression garments can 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 rather than waste the stretching elements that accompany 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.
The fabric of the underwear in the necessary places 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 sewn from microfiber, elastic materials: nylon and cotton fibers, lycra. The tensile properties of these materials give the carrier compression pressure.
The use of the product is carried out only with the appointment of a phlebologist. Such depth applies only to washes of grades 1 to 4 with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of damage to the vessels through improper use of compression.
As 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 the case of counterfeits, poor quality materials or poor materials are often used. This leads to improper compression or rapid wear of the product.
- The size. Choosing the right size ensures that compression therapy is right.
- Use the required class. It is not recommended to use underwear of a different class instead of the definitions.
All companies producing compression garments for varicose veins are guided by an international standard. Before starting the 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 representatives of the company are obliged to have the right to distribute products. If there is no such document, the product is not original.
There is a separate certification for the class of anti-embolic underwear. Because such compression products are used exclusively to treat medical illness, 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.
During the classification, four product classes 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 in mild forms of the disease.
- The third class is indicated in acute venous insufficiency, as well as in disorders of cellular metabolism. The maximum pressure is 45 millimeters of mercury.
- The fourth class refers to rehabilitation. It is most often used for 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 under constant medical supervision during the postoperative period.
- Preventive. In cases where the first signs of diseases of the vascular system - varicose veins.
- Therapeutic. Used to treat chronic diseases of the vascular system, eliminates symptoms.
For medical purposes, as a rule, compression garments with a pressure of 33 to 45 millimeters of mercury are used. Phlebologists consider this pressure to be optimal for therapy.
The range of compression underwear is diverse, the manufacturers have models for both men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Socks. The medical leotard of this shape has a length only to the thigh. The main purpose of the application is to eliminate puffiness and varicose veins of the lower leg and thighs. Socks help keep blood vessels in proper shape, which prevents clogging of blood vessels.
- Tights. Compression tights are similar in appearance to ordinary products. Tights fit snugly to the entire foot - from toe to waist. The treatment covers: shin, thighs and groin area. Pantyhose is recommended only in cases where varicose veins are widespread above the knee joint.
- Knee pads and leggings. The knees extend only to the lower leg area. This allows you to use point compression in the formation of varicose veins only on the lower leg. Knee highs are very popular among pregnant women. Socks eliminate swelling and normalize blood flow. Leg warmers differ from golfs only in the lack of socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeves. They are designed primarily to eliminate the accumulation of lymph fluid, which causes significant 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 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 the size?
The size of compression underwear for varicose veins is chosen based on body measurements. The use of underwear that is larger or smaller than prescribed by your doctor is not recommended. Such wearing is uncomfortable and will worsen the development of the disease or will not help.
Before you buy, you need to measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the narrow throat directly below the knee;
- circumference of the thighs at a height of 25 to 30 centimeters;
- the total length of the leg from the heel to the groin;
- waist and hip dimensions.
The circumference of the thigh in people up to 175 centimeters in height should be performed at a 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 measurements it is necessary to compare the results with the size chart. Each manufacturer shall indicate this information on the packaging.
If the volume of the legs and waist does not match the available dimensions, it makes sense to refuse to use tights. There will be no effect from their use. It is worth paying attention to leggings or socks.
Recommendations for dressing
To achieve the maximum effect from the use of compression clothing is possible only with proper use. The healing process will only continue if the T-shirt is worn properly.
To do this, you must follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to put on underwear in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the upper part folds into an accordion and extends from the lower part;
- you must first start dressing by lightly embroidering the area for the foot and toes;
- straightens the material without pulling it along the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or socks are used, then their pulling should be limited to their average length when stretched.
If there is swelling in varicose veins or high-pressure underwear is used, then a special dressing device must be used.
Care tips
For long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, you must follow the rules of care for compression underwear:
- the laundry should be washed only in manual mode, using a shampoo with low alkali content;
- the maximum water temperature should be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees;
- the product is dried only in a horizontal position and without direct sunlight, as well as without high temperatures;
- when using products with gel strips, it is worthwhile to prevent 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. In this way, it is possible to avoid rapid wear of the laundry.
The use of compression garments is recommended for all persons who often experience pressure on the limbs or after surgery, as a result of which the pressure is normalized and blood flow is improved.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to approach the problem of choosing clothes individually. 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.