Varicose veins are one of the burning problems of the modern person that anyone can face due to age, professional employment and a number of other reasons. Of course, at the slightest suspicion of the development of varicose veins, it is necessary as soon as possible to consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
To achieve maximum effect, conservative treatment involves an integrated approach, which includes the use of drugs, physiotherapy, massage and more. Also part of the treatment is wearing special compression clothing, which will be discussed.
Application of compression garments
Before you talk about why you need compression underwear, you need to understand what makes varicose veins, only then will the principle of action of special socks, tights and golf become clear.
Veins are the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood. Varicose veins are a disease in which these vessels undergo a number of pathological changes. In particular, the veins lengthen and widen, their walls become thinner, and the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of vascular nodules.
In addition, in varicose veins, the function of the venous valves is disturbed, which are designed so that blood can circulate in the heart (upwards). Lack of valves and deformation of the venous bed leads to blood stagnation, which in turn causes an increase in pressure inside the vessels, this process is called varicose veins.
The principle of compression created by specialized underwear is to apply pressure to the dilated vessels from the outside. Compression of varicose superficial veins causes a redistribution of blood flow, directing it into the deep veins. Therefore, the excessive load of patients who cannot function normally is removed, and blood circulation is restored.
Properly selected underwear puts different pressure on certain parts of the leg. It looks something like this:
- The highest degree of compression is on the lowest part of the limbs, the lower part of the lower leg;
- In the middle of the lower leg, the compression is 30% lower, which is 70% of the maximum compression;
- Closer to the knee, these indicators decrease even more, and so on, depending on the type of underwear and the extent of the disease.
Such an approximate diagram shows that at the lowest cross section the pressure should be higher due to the fact that the movement of blood through the veins in this area requires much more effort, i. e. higher pressure. As the blood increases, the intravenous pressure gradually decreases, and the load on the veins is relieved accordingly.
Properly selected compression underwear improves blood circulation, allowing you to improve the condition of the patient with varicose veins, get rid of stagnant processes in the veins. At the same time, the most natural conditions for blood flow are provided, thanks to which this method of maintenance therapy is completely safe.
Indications
If we talk about the cases in which wearing compression underwear is indicated, the answer is mostly one - varicose veins. This means that from the first stage of development of the pathological process, to the most difficult - the third stage, doctors prescribe the use of such underwear.
However, compression underwear can also be needed to prevent varicose veins, if there is a suspicion of the development of this disease. In general, the following, more specific indications may be distinguished:
- Pregnancy;
- Prevention of the disease, especially in the presence of factors that predispose its development;
- Diagnosed varicose veins - as part of a comprehensive treatment and to prevent their progression;
- Postoperative period - if operations have been performed to remove severe forms of varicose veins.
Contraindications
Despite the safety and safety of this method of prevention and treatment, there are a number of contraindications to wearing compression underwear:
- Severe forms of venous thrombosis, which often develop in the final stage of progression of varicose veins;
- Active inflammatory processes in the lower extremities of various etiologies, especially purulent;
- Aortoarteritis;
- Endoarteritis;
- Trophic ulcers;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Skin damage.
It is also very important to choose the right compression products. Underwear should suit the patient and in no case should he press his feet, as this leads to numbness, even more severe circulatory disorders, and even deformity of the lower extremities.
At the same time, large underwear, ie too loose, will not provide the necessary compression, ie the therapeutic effect will be insignificant or will be reduced to zero.
Types of compression underwear
Depending on the situation in which compression underwear is used, the nature, the degree of progression of the pathological process, its extent, as well as a number of individual factors, the doctor may prescribe a particular type of underwear. You can conventionally divide attributes to create compression into 4 types:
- Tights- the most common and very effective type of decoration that has a compression effect. To choose tights of the appropriate size, you must make sure that they reach to the waist, and not higher or lower. In addition, they should not be too loose, but at the same time be careful not to be pinched by the legs, hips, waist. According to patient reviews, leggings can be easily removed, but in the process of wearing you must make an effort to evenly distribute the product made of compression stockings. One of the main advantages of tights is that there are special models for women in the position.
- Socks- in principle similar to tights, but they reach only to the middle of the thigh (the same criterion is a guarantee of the correct size), and they cannot help in any way during pregnancy. In other words, the socks are designed exclusively for the legs, limited to the thigh. In addition, even with the right product, many patients complain that the socks slip during the day. This is not only less convenient, but also negatively affects the compression distribution.
- Knee socks- are intended mainly for those cases when varicose veins affect especially the lower leg part of the leg, without rising any more. Knee-high socks, like special socks, are more commonly used by men, but there are also female models. In addition, this type of underwear is more suitable for sports, because tights partially interfere with movement in the waist area, which is unacceptable when performing certain exercises.
- Elastic bandage- does not apply to underwear, but is still a compression product. The good thing about the bandage is that it does not need to be chosen according to size, it is also suitable for people of any body size and is a much cheaper option. For its use it is enough to tie the affected areas, but in this case it is extremely important to clearly distribute the tension to ensure the necessary compression, this factor is a serious drawback.
Note!Underwear for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins is made of a special compression stocking. This material is elastic, and initially implies a strict classification, ie division according to the degree of compression and size. To choose underwear, it is important to consult a doctor and buy it only at the pharmacy.
Characteristics of use
The main advantage of tights, socks and golf is the fact that when you buy them, you immediately get a product that is guaranteed to fulfill its functions (provided you choose the right size). This means that it is simple enough to put on underwear, distribute it evenly, after which it will begin to have a healing effect.
Tights, socks, stockings and socks can be worn during the day, regardless of the type of work. However, on this issue it is still important to consult a phlebologist, who will give precise recommendations regarding the duration of wearing and the complexity of use, because each case of the disease is unique.
In addition, in order for the laundry to last long, it must be handled properly:
- Wear carefully so as not to damage the compression socks.
- Wearing underwear should only be on dry skin (if you have used the cream before, wait for it to be completely absorbed).
- To wear leggings, socks, or knee-length socks evenly, first put your hands in them, and then spread them evenly and gradually over your leg.
- Also, experts recommend wearing underwear in the morning immediately after waking up, or before getting out of bed.
Using a bandage
Elastic bandage is cheaper and at the same time unpretentious tool. However, for proper use, it is important to master at least the basics of limb bandaging techniques for varicose veins. To do this, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- The bandage is wound from the bottom up, starting from the feet, from the toes, then the ankles, moving more. Depending on the nature and prevalence of varicose veins, you can start from the lower leg, without affecting the foot.
- Apply strips that overlap slightly, this is maximum efficiency, and this technique will also prevent slipping or unwinding of bends.
- If the foot is wrapped, the heel remains free when moving to the lower leg, and the loop is placed transversely at the junction of the ankle and lower leg.
- Do not twist the bandage too much, it should be collected, located almost close to the foot, so as not to create excessive tension.
- Remember that the compression should be higher on the lower leg and the tension will gradually decrease during the climb.
There is a way to make sure the bandage is placed correctly. Immediately after the wrap, the fingers become cyanotic, which should disappear after 2-3 minutes. If there was no cyanosis at all, the bandage is wound too loosely, if the effect lasts, you have achieved too much compression, unwind the bandage, massage the leg and try again.