Varicose veins mainly occur in women. Experts suggest a complex approach to the problem: the use of various medications, traditional medicines, and wearing compression underwear. Compression underwear comes in different types, sizes, and degrees.
Indications for use
Wearing compression underwear is prescribed by a phlebologist. The reason for the appointment may be due to several factors:
- The appearance of visible blood vessels in the legs.
- the presence of pain.
- Fatigue quickly.
- Edema occurs in the morning.
- Prominent venous knots.
Also, prescribe underwear as a precaution when carrying children and staying in one position for long periods of time (long car trips, sedentary work). Because varicose veins are inherited, experts recommend that those at risk for varicose veins wear underwear occasionally.
working principle
A few years ago, elastic bandages were used as a treatment when clothing specifically designed for varicose veins was not available. Although the principle of operation is similar, elastic bandages have some disadvantages:
- With regular use of this material, elastic bandages can quickly stretch and wear, losing their healing properties.
- They are not aesthetically pleasing. After all, few people want to go out in a bandage.
- Proper technique for applying a bandage takes a long time.
Today, there are many types of compression underwear. According to personal characteristics, everyone can choose the one that suits them. The therapeutic effect of wearing underwear is reflected in the following points:
- Underwear ensures normalization of the veins and vascular system while preventing venous congestion.
- The veins are made more elastic due to carcass pressure.
- Creates the necessary pressure at the point of contact between the linen and the damaged area of the skin.
- Prevents the development of thrombosis.
Contraindications to Wearing Compression Bras
Almost every drug or item used to treat a specific condition has some contraindications. Contraindications can be various: strictly prohibited, not recommended, or the wearing of underwear is only recommended after consulting a doctor. Let's take a closer look:
- Under no circumstances should you wear a medical sweater for heart failure.
- The wearing of regular pressure reducing underwear is prohibited.
- Not to be worn by people with atherosclerosis or arthritis.
- Various skin diseases are not recommended to wear underwear. An absolute contraindication is an open wound on the skin.
- If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor.
What material is linen made of?
The main materials for making compression underwear use the following types of fabrics:
- Stretch cotton.
- Nylon fiber.
- superfine fiber.
- Laika.
Among the advantages of sewing underwear, I specifically mention no seams. Wearing this type of underwear will not cause discomfort and will look better. The manufacturer claims that with proper care of the material, the therapeutic effect can last up to six months.
Main linen types
Experts recommend wearing medical underwear only when needed. However, this type of clothing is available in almost any drugstore or specialty store without a prescription. For this reason, even healthy people can buy and wear underwear regularly as a precaution. Consider the main types:
- Knee socks. Compression stockings for varicose veins are designed to treat varicose veins in both women and men. Not every man agrees to wear pantyhose or stockings as therapy. For this reason, manufacturers release compression stockings.
- leggings. Named both male and female. They have the advantage of durability. Since the knitwear is not worn on the foot, it hardly wears out. Suitable for small areas of skin. Fits tightly to the legs and is not visible under main clothing.
- Tights or stockings. Varicose compression stockings are used to treat and prevent varicose veins in women. Manufacturers offer not only the standard look of compression stockings and tights, but also more aesthetically pleasing products such as lace. Visually, varicose veins tights are almost indistinguishable from regular tights. It is important to choose tights or stockings strictly by size. If the treatment jersey is too large or too small, in this case, the treatment effect will be significantly reduced. Based on the reviews of most women, we can conclude that this underwear is very comfortable. When asked how to properly wear compression stockings, women responded that the only difficulty was trying to fit tights. This is not easy to do because the knitwear is pressed against the body, especially when women wake up with swollen lower extremities.
elastic bandage
Despite some drawbacks, elastic bandages are a type of compression underwear. This remedy for varicose veins is less effective, but works for people who are struggling financially. To get the most benefit from wearing an elastic bandage, you need it to be properly secured to your leg. Let's take a closer look:
- The bandage starts at the ankle and works gradually upwards.
- To prevent the bandage from slipping off the foot, it is necessary to "fix" it by wrapping the ankle and heel several times.
- The same effort is necessary when using a bandage. This is necessary so as not to form wrinkles. In this case, the elastic bandage will be useless.
- The bandage is unfolded as needed.
- Be careful not to create a "gap" when the bandage is applied to the leg. It is necessary to use slightly overlapping layers of bandages.
- The bandage should end in a healthy place with no signs of damage to the blood vessels or veins.
If you experience pain, discomfort, or numbness in your toes after the bandage is placed on your leg, remove the bandage immediately, rest your legs, and try again later.
compression level
Compression underwear for varicose veins is graded in different mmHg grades. Let's take a closer look:
- First grade. Underwear belonging to this category is recommended to be worn during the initial stages of varicose vein development. As a preventive measure, as well as during pregnancy and with varying degrees of obesity, it is the recommended first level, ranging from 18 to 21 mm. room temperature. Art.
- Second class. Recommended for the diagnosis of "varicose veins of the lower extremities". The second category includes underwear with a compression from 22 to 33 mm. room temperature. Art.
- Third class. Recommended for serious conditions such as venous insufficiency and the presence of blood clots. Compression ranges from 34 to 46 mm. room temperature. Art.
- fourth grade. rarely use. Usually, they are prescribed in preoperative conditions. Compression ranges from 47 to 60 mm. room temperature. Art.
In order to determine which stress is right for you and avoid possible consequences, it is advisable to contact your doctor for advice.
It should be noted that stockings for varicose veins can only remain compressed for six months. For this reason, in case of serious illness, it is recommended to change underwear every 6 months.
How to choose the right underwear
Specialized orthopaedic stores offer a wide variety of compression bras. A question that everyone facing venous lesions asks is, what are the best compression bras for varicose veins? There is no specific answer to this question, as the choice of therapeutic knitwear depends on individual characteristics and the severity of the disease.
For women, knee-length stockings, tights and stockings are provided. To determine the model, first pay attention to the degree of localization of the pathology. If a woman is concerned about venous disease in the thigh or upper thigh, pantyhose should be the first choice. If we're talking about pathologists below or above the knee, you can play golf or wear stockings.
Varicose veins How to choose stockings and tights based on pressure? As mentioned above, the degree of compression required can only be determined by the attending physician. Experts also warn of possible fakes. Therefore, before choosing underwear, be sure to ask the seller to provide proof of this type of underwear. To avoid possible misunderstandings, it is recommended to buy therapeutic anti-varicose knitwear only in pharmacies or specialty stores. If you have any difficulty choosing, a store consultant will help you choose a compression tights for varicose veins.
How to Care for Linen
To maximize the life of therapeutic knitwear, proper care of linen is recommended. Let's take a closer look:
- If you use stockings or tights prescribed by your doctor, it is recommended to purchase two pairs of treated knitwear. This is because the linen needs to be washed regularly.
- It is recommended to wash clothes only by hand and do not use various chemical cleaners. Your best bet is laundry soap. The wash water should be slightly above room temperature.
- Never iron varicose socks.
- Thorough wringing of clothing is not recommended. After washing, lightly soak with a towel and send it to the dryer. You cannot additionally interfere with the quick drying of the linen (using a hair dryer or heater).
- For stockings with silicone strips, try not to get the silicone inserts wet. This may result in property damage. The strips are wiped with a damp cloth.
To keep varicose tights and stockings in place, it is recommended to store them only in a horizontal position in a dry place. The course of treatment with the aid of therapeutic knitwear is determined by the attending physician according to the severity of the disease.