Vienna.
This is one half of the circulatory system.
It is also a source of interest to millions of people around the world.
Varicose veins are widespread. Scientists have calculated that up to 15% of middle-aged men and 30% of women suffer from varicose veins - varicose veins. In the elderly, the proportion of patients with venous disease is even higher.
So many people go to the doctor to treat swollen blood vessels. Sometimes with surgery. In other cases, conservative treatment with drugs, exercise and special underwear.
We will talk about socks for varicose veins later. In the meantime, we will assess the severity of the disease and possible complications.
Varicose veins can affect any part of the venous system, but its preferred target is the vessels in the legs.
The vulnerability of veins is easy to explain.
When blood flows through the arteries to the organs, it mainly moves downward. That is, gravity helps blood to flow and so there is usually no blood buildup in the arteries. It flows through the arteries to the legs. The blood rises again through the veins. At this point, problems start to occur - gravity slows down blood flow and a portion of the blood is constantly trying to get out.
The situation is not serious. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has defense mechanisms against that nuisance.
Inside the vessel, venous valves develop, which play the role of flowing blood and return it to the bloodstream. Muscles also help blood flow. They contract and press on the veins, and as a result, blood circulation is improved.
In diseased vessels, the movement of blood is impaired. This happens for several reasons:
- Immobilized for a long time
- Fat
- Old age
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalance
In varicose veins, the valves are often weakened or damaged. As a result, blood accumulates in certain areas of the vessel, pressing on the vein wall and causing dilation.
Initial symptoms are not serious:
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Blue or purple vessels appear on the skin
- Convulsions
- Edema
- Skin color change
- Itching and burning in the veins
Such signs of the disease often go unnoticed, and sometimes people just get used to them. Thus, they facilitate the development of varicose veins.
Yes, it can take years for more serious symptoms to appear. But without treatment, complications are inevitable, and they are not at all as harmless as the first manifestations of varicose veins.
Consequences of running varicose veins:
- Nutritional ulcers. . . Wounds that do not heal next to diseased vessels. The tissues do not receive the necessary nutrients and gradually die. One symptom of ulcer formation is a white area of the skin. To prevent 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 so intense, but still requires medical attention.
- Blood clots. . . Dilated vessels are a comfortable environment for blood clots, which doctors call a blood clot. These formations impede blood circulation. Sometimes they are also emitted and can enter the lungs with the blood. This phenomenon is called pulmonary embolism and it often leads to respiratory failure and even death.
The more advanced the disease, the higher the risk of complications. Another problem is that varicose veins that have developed often cannot be removed with conservative treatment and require surgery.
It's much easier to deal with it early on. Complex treatment using anti-varicose socks shows excellent results. This underwear is also very useful for disease prevention.
What are compression stockings for?
Such shirts help improve blood circulation in the legs. As a result, the pain and swelling that bothers many people is reduced. Underwear also helps fight more serious conditions, such as reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis and the potential for blood clots to form.
Stretch socks for people with varicose veins are made of special materials, stretch well and fit the legs. The shirt slightly squeezes the veins. Normally, underwear puts the most pressure on the ankle, and on the leg this pressure will decrease.
Doctors prescribe compression stockings for different purposes:
- Vein support
- Prevent blood accumulation
- Prevention of nutritional ulcers
- Against venous hypertension
- Improve lymphatic drainage system
When knitwear presses against the vessels, it has several positive effects:
- Reduces the diameter of the veins. . . Blood flows faster through narrow vessels. So it rarely clumps together, and blood clots almost never occur.
- Improve blood flow. . . Thanks to the additional pressure, blood flow is accelerated and goes faster from the legs to the heart.
- Prevent bleeding. . . Despite the suction, blood rarely flows down the veins and does not fill the vessels.
Some athletes even use knitted fabric during their training. For example, runners and basketball players. Underwear protects tissues from damage and accelerates the delivery of oxygen to the muscles. After a workout, muscles recover faster.
Of course, varicose veins cannot be considered as a miracle artifact that will save you from all vascular problems. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Like other drugs, compression knitting isn't good for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression underwear
Don't buy tight socks yourself. First, go to your doctor and check the type of shirt you need.
Find out the size. Compression ratio. And other features of underwear that you'll wear for months.
Buying knitted clothing without a doctor's recommendation can damage blood vessels. For example, the compression stockings are too strong, and as a result, blood circulation in the veins is further impaired. As a result, the condition of the ships deteriorated.
Sign up for a consultation with a phlebologist about choosing compression underwear. And also examine the indications and contraindications for such socks.
Point
Doctors prescribe slimming underwear for diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Phlebeurysm
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- phlebitis
- Fat sclerosis
In addition, jerseys are sometimes prescribed to healthy individuals at risk for vascular disease. The need for socks arises:
- During pregnancy. . . The body of the expectant mother is under great pressure. Hormonal balance is disturbed. From there, the vein walls weaken and often dilate. The amount of blood in the body also increases. For the child. The increased blood volume greatly increases the load on the vessel walls. Knitwear helps veins maintain their normal shape under such intense pressure.
- Due to increased stress in the legs. . . At work, many people have to stand on their feet for long periods of time and thus the pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities increases. Regular exercise can cause varicose veins. Underwear supports the veins. So they stay healthy even in people who spend all day working on their feet.
- With a sedentary lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the harder it is for the veins to pump blood. Muscles don't work and don't improve blood circulation, so blood often builds up and dilates blood vessels. Knitted clothing prevents the bulging of the veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment largely depends on the correct recovery of the patient. When the procedure is over, the doctor prescribes knitwear. It must be worn on schedule, as any violation of the regimen can lead to a relapse of the disease.
Choosing the right stretchy underwear is very important. Vein specialists prescribe knitwear with a certain degree of compression and grade, depending on the disease and the patient's risk factors.
Contraindications
Compression stockings are completely safe for most people. They have only a few limitations:
- Peripheral artery disease suspected or diagnosed
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Extensive leg edema or pulmonary edema after heart failure suy
- Allergy to knitted fabrics
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulite
The individual patient is not able to wear stretchy underwear effectively.
Sometimes it's just temporary. For example, they have a leg wound and need to wait for it to heal.
In other cases, it is permanent. For irregularly shaped or deformed legs, compression knitwear will not work. It simply does not squeeze the limbs properly and therefore will be useless against diseases of the veins.
How to choose compression socks
Varicose veins t-shirts include models of different lengths. Some cover the legs completely. Others are just knee-high. It depends on the purpose of compression socks.
An important property of linen is pressure, which directly affects the efficiency of knitwear. Socks should fit snugly but not cause pain.
Some models are specially designed for surgical patients. They are not compatible with others.
The degree of compression of knitted socks for varicose veins treatment will be determined by the doctor. Therefore, be sure to make an appointment and only buy stretchy underwear after consulting.
Check out the knitwear in the store. Select product:
- Antibacterial and hypoallergenic
- No seams
- With a lifespan of 12 months
- RAL . quality standards
With proper care, such underwear will last a long time and you won't have to change it until the end of your treatment.
Compression stockings
All models of slimming knitwear are divided into three categories:
- Prevent. . . These products are not considered medical and can therefore be purchased even without a doctor's prescription. They only support ships. This underwear helps to relieve foot fatigue and pain. Knitwear puts a weak pressure on the veins and is perfect for preventing vascular disease, but not curing varicose veins.
- Therapy. . . The most extensive group of elastic socks. For these products, the level of pressure in different areas is different - near the ankle, the underwear presses the most, and on the leg, the pressure is weaker. Medical gown prescribed by a doctor. Stockings for people with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Anti-embolism or hospital. . . This bed linen 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 sock varies, just like with medical devices.
Yes, you can buy stretchy underwear yourself to prevent vascular diseases. But we still recommend that you see your doctor. He will help you choose knitwear. Your phlebologist will also tell you about other prevention methods, so you'll learn even better ways to protect your veins.
Compression ratio of compression socks
According to the degree of pressure, elastic underwear is divided into four types:
- Compression up to 22 mm Hg. Art. Such a vest helps to prevent the development of varicose veins - eliminates edema, spider veins and other signs of varicose veins.
- Pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Art. Class II stockings are indicated for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis, and varicose veins. Knitted clothing is also used as a precaution for people with a sedentary lifestyle.
- Compression up to 46 mm Hg. Art. Patients with nutritional disorders and congenital defects of the vascular system are worn.
- Pressure up to 50 mm Hg. Art. Doctors prescribe such a shirt for people with severe venous disease. Underwear is used to treat severe edema.
The correctly selected degree of compression allows you to successfully fight vascular diseases, while ill-fitting knitted clothing also harms the veins.
Choosing the right size for your underwear is equally important.
Compressed inventory size chart
Be sure to measure your feet before buying your laundry. You need to measure:
- Calf circumference
- Ankle circumference
- Thigh circumference
- Leg length from floor to hip
- Leg 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 the pressure on the vessels. Recorded foot measurements are useful when using an ankle 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 |
| Letter L; L1 | 155 - 175 | 58 - 95 | 113 - 130; 98 - 115 |
| XL | 167 - 180 | 68 - 95 | |
| XXL | 160 - 178 | 85 - 108 |
How to wear and wear compression stockings
First, immediately put on stretchy underwear when lifting. Without even getting out of bed.
Raise your legs. It should be above the level of the heart - in this position, the pressure in the pulse decreases. Gently slide your foot inward and slowly pull the fabric upwards.
Flatten your socks. They should fit snugly against the skin. Straighten the folds. The top of the garment must not be folded down, otherwise the shirt will be compressed like a tourniquet, and as a result, blood circulation will be impaired.
You should not take off compression stockings during the day. Only in the shower or bath. Before going to bed, lie on the bed and elevate your legs. Then take off your laundry.
How long should knitted tops be worn?
Ask your doctor. Mild forms of varicose veins may clear up 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, all my life.
With a careless attitude, knitwear will not last for several months. So it is necessary to take care of it properly.
Compression knitwear care
Vacuum socks are like a durable product. And really - usually their service life is no more than 12 months, and in many cases laundry breaks down and deteriorates even earlier.
For what?
First of all, socks must be washed. Cover jacket with anti-bacterial protection. Remember - you wear stretchy underwear all day and dead skin cells constantly build up on it. So wash it off daily.
Preferably - manually.
For washing, use baby soap or other delicate products that will not damage the knitwear. Laundry should not be boiled.
After washing, wring out the water in the socks thoroughly. Do not strain them or damage the fabric. You can wipe away the moisture with a towel.
Hang knitted garments on a flat surface, only in cool or warm places, as high heat can destroy the material.
Even with proper care, socks will sooner or later lose their elasticity. Sometimes after a few months. Less often - after a year.
How to change jerseys on time?
You can easily notice the loss of elasticity in the morning when you put on tights. Old compressed clothes pull out very easily. Therefore, the conclusion - it no longer grips the leg with the necessary strength and therefore it is necessary to purchase a replacement.
How much to wear compression stockings after surgery
Stretch knitted clothing is not only included 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 duration of wearing socks is determined by the doctor.
After treatment, the knitted garment must be used at different times, depending on the process:
- Caesarean section - up to three weeks
- Hysterectomy - two to eight weeks
- Find your heart - from three days to a month
- Removal of a kidney - from five days to four weeks
- Cholecystectomy - from ten days to a month
How much to wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
It is necessary to take into account the number of pulses that the doctor treats. During surgery, the phlebologist destroys the inner walls of the veins using various methods, causing them to become inflamed. The blood circulation in the vessel stops, after a while the diseased vein disappears completely. Blood moves through other vessels.
The compression knit in this case helps keep the treated veins closed and prevents blood from entering them. As a result, the circuits disappear faster.
Stretchy underwear should be worn for up to four months if your doctor has operated on one or two veins. Larger numbers of scrapped vessels require longer maintenance - six months. Furthermore, this is not an exhaustive term. So much so that the patient wears a second-rate shirt, and then the doctor can change to first-class underwear.
Stockings are also used in other vein surgeries. For example, they are very useful for recovering from varicose veins and minor surgery.
However, endovasal treatment does not require compression therapy and panties are used only if signs of venous insufficiency - edema and nutritional disturbances - persist.
Unfortunately, this information is not universal. It cannot be applied to absolutely every situation and to everyone. The doctor prescribes knitted clothing and determines how long the patient should wear the special socks.
Reading about stretchy underwear is a good start, but the real battle against vascular disease will flare up only after a visit to the doctor.