Based on anatomical features, human blood vessels consist of a multilayer wall and valves. With a continuous impact on the leg, an increase in diastolic pressure occurs. Due to their elasticity, vessels 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 state of the circuits. The diameter is reduced, and the blood flow is not impeded by the branching of the blood vessels, the pressure is reduced.
Purpose of compression underwear
In the case of varicose veins, the appointment of compression garments is the first step in 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 complications of varicose veins.
An appointment may be needed for risk factors for varicose veins. Including:
- play sports;
- excess weight;
- constant postural pressure on the legs;
- pathology of the extremities and the cardiovascular system.
Compression with varicose veins is necessary to restore the tone of blood vessels, muscles and joints. In addition, if necessary, normalize blood flow in the vessels and reduce the edema that occurs with varicose veins.
Compression clothing reduces fatigue and soreness in the limbs affected by varicose veins.
Regardless of the presence of varicose veins, compression clothing may be indicated after surgery. The cases of varicocele are treated surgically, the postoperative period will be accompanied by limb compression. This allows the vessels to recover and without wasting elements to stretch, which is enclosed after the procedure.
Specifics
Compression underwear has the ability to remove excess fluid and participate in heat transfer, and is capable of creating the constant pressure needed to relieve pain in varicose veins. Therapeutic underwear does not contribute to allergic reactions, its material does not participate in the reaction.
Linen material where needed follows the contours of the body and hugs it for a snug fit. Over time, the material becomes stiffer and remembers the shape of the body.
The compression bra for varicose veins is sewn from microfiber, stretchy materials: nylon and cotton yarn, lycra. The tensile properties of these materials exert a compressive stress on the wearer.
The use of the product is carried out only with the prescription of a doctor. Such thoroughness applies only to laundry from 1 to 4 layers with a pressure of 24 millimeters of mercury. This is necessary to eliminate the possibility of harm to the ships due to improper use of compression.
Since prophylactic compression products have a pressure of up to 18 mm of mercury, their use is not harmful to health and can be used without consulting a phlebologist.
When choosing underwear, you should be guided by several criteria:
- Originality. It is important that the product comes from the original supplier. In counterfeits, substandard or inferior materials are often used. This leads to incorrect compression or rapid product wear.
- Size. Choosing the correct size ensures that the compression therapy is correct.
- Use the request class. Underwear other than the specified type should not be used.
All companies that produce compression garments for varicose veins are guided by international standards. Before starting production and after passing the tests, companies will receive a certificate, which means that the product is indeed a drug and is used for medical purposes.
All company representatives are required to have the right to distribute the product. Without this document, the product is not original.
There is a separate certification for anti-clogging underwear. Since such compression products are used exclusively for the treatment of medical diseases, the companies are certified with medical standards.
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.
In the classification process, four types of products are distinguished:
- The first type is for varicose veins or for prophylactic purposes. The maximum pressure of the layer is 23 mm of mercury.
- The latter is used to treat varicose veins or thrombophlebitis. The maximum pressure is 33 mm of mercury. The latter, with vasodilatation, applies only to a mild form of the disease.
- The third type is indicated in acute venous insufficiency, as well as violations of cellular metabolism. The maximum pressure is 45 millimeters of mercury.
- The fourth layer deals with rehabilitation. Usually it is used for the postoperative period, when the vascular and muscular systems cannot independently maintain normal blood flow or there is a risk of causing varicose symptoms.
Special purpose:
- Hospital. It is used only during continuous medical supervision in the postoperative period.
- Prevent. In the event that the first signs of diseases of the vascular system appear - varicose veins.
- Therapy. I used to treat chronic diseases of the vascular system, eliminating symptoms.
As a rule, for medical purposes, compression garments are used with a mercury pressure of 33 to 45 mm. Veniologists consider this pressure optimal for therapy.
Compression underwear is very diverse, manufacturing companies have models for both men and women.
It is represented by the following types:
- Sock. This bra has a length that only reaches the thighs. The main purpose of the application is to get rid of puffiness and varicose veins in the legs and thighs. Stockings help keep blood vessels in the correct shape, which prevents blood vessels from becoming blocked.
- Tights. Compression stockings are similar in appearance to conventional products. Tights hug the entire leg - from toe to waist. Treatment includes: shin, thigh and groin area. Stockings are only recommended in cases of extensive varicose veins above the knee joint.
- Knee-length pants and leggings. The knee elevation extends only to the shin area. This allows you to use the point compression method in the formation of varicose veins only in the lower legs. Knee elevation is very common among pregnant women. Stockings eliminate swelling and normalize blood flow. Foot warmers differ only from golf in that they don't have socks. However, the effect is the same.
- Sleeve. They are mainly aimed at removing the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, which causes significant swelling in the extremities. This usually happens after upper body surgery.
- During pregnancy. During pregnancy, compression clothing eliminates leg edema and prevents the onset of varicose veins symptoms.
The use of compression underwear during pregnancy reduces the load on the lumbar region, allowing you to constantly maintain the correct posture. This promotes better oxygen exchange between the fetus and the mother.
How to choose the size?
The size of 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. Wearing this is uncomfortable and will aggravate the development of the disease, or will not help.
Before you buy, you need to measure:
- ankle circumference;
- the circumference of the bottleneck directly below the knee;
- thigh circumference 25 to 30 cm high;
- the total length of the leg from the heel to the groin;
- waist and hip size.
The thigh circumference in people 175 cm or more must be done at 175 cm. On this figure, the countdown increases to 30 cm.
Only a phlebologist or a specially trained consultant can choose compression underwear.
After measuring, it is necessary to compare the results with the size chart. Each manufacturer indicates this data on the packaging.
If the volume of the legs and waist does not correspond to the available sizes, you should refuse to use tights. There will be no effect using them. It is worth noting leggings or stockings.
Recommendations for wearing
To get the maximum effect from the use of compression clothing, it is only possible when used correctly. Processing will only take place if the jersey is properly worn.
To do this, you must follow the recommendations:
- it is necessary to lay the linen in the morning in a horizontal position;
- for convenience, the upper part folds into an accordion and extends from the bottom;
- you must first start dressing by lightly embroidering room for the feet and toes;
- Straighten the material without pulling it along the entire length of the thigh.
If leggings or socks are used, their stretch should be limited to the average length of the stretch.
If you have varicose veins with edema or use pressurized underwear, you should use special equipment to put on.
Care tips
For the long-term use of compression underwear for the treatment of varicose veins, you should adhere to the rules of care for compression underwear:
- laundry should be washed in manual mode only with 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 heat;
- When using products with gel strips, you should avoid getting liquid on the tape, which will worsen skin contact.
You should use more than one pair of compression garments at the same time. This can prevent the laundry from wearing out quickly.
All people who frequently experience pressure in their extremities or after surgery should use compression clothing, whereby pressure is normalized and blood flow is improved.
The variety of models and classifications allows you to approach the problem of choosing an outfit individually. The care and application of compression underwear to treat varicose veins is not difficult. If all the operating rules are observed, it is possible to maintain the therapeutic properties of the material for up to 10 months.