Vienna.
This is half of the circulatory system.
It is also a source of attention of millions of people around the world.
Vascular disease is widespread. Scientists have calculated that up to 15% of middle -aged men and 30% of women suffer from varicose veins - vasodilation of the venous system. Among the elderly, the number of patients with venous disease is higher.
Therefore, many people go to the doctor to treat swollen blood vessels. Sometimes with surgery. In other cases, conservative therapy with medications, exercise and special underwear.
We will talk about stockings for varicose veins later. In the meantime, we will assess the dangers of the disease and its possible complications.
Varicose veins can affect any part of the venous system, but its favorite target is the leg canal.
Vein vulnerability is easily explained.
When blood flows through an artery to an organ, it mainly moves downwards. That is, the force of gravity helps blood flow and therefore there is usually no accumulation of blood in the arteries. It flows through the arteries to the legs. Blood rises back through the veins. At this point, the problem begins - the force of gravity slows down the blood flow, and part of the blood continues to try to flow downwards.
The situation is not terrible. Yes, blood circulation in the veins is difficult, but the body has a protective mechanism against such disorders.
Inside the vessel, a venous valve grows, which closes the flow of blood and returns it to the bloodstream. Muscles also help blood flow. They contract and press on the veins, and as a result, blood circulation improves.
In diseased ducts, blood movement is disrupted. This happens for a variety of reasons:
- Not moving for long
- Obesity
- Old age
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalances
In varicose veins, the valve is usually weak or damaged. Thus, blood accumulates in certain areas of the ducts, pressing on the walls of the veins and causing expansion.
Symptoms are not severe at first:
- Feeling heavy in the legs
- Blue or purple vessels appear on the skin
- Seizures
- Edema
- Discoloration of the skin
- Itching and burning in the veins
The signs of such a disease are often unnoticed, and sometimes ordinary people get used to it. Therefore, they let the varicose veins grow.
Yes, it may take years for more severe symptoms to appear. But without treatment, complications are inevitable, and not at all as dangerous as the first manifestations of varicose veins.
Consequences of running varicose veins:
- Trophic ulcers. . . The wound did not heal on the side of the diseased vessel. Tissues do not receive the necessary nutrients and gradually die. Symptoms of ulcer formation are whitish areas of the skin. To stop the development of complications, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Bleeding. . . The enlarged superficial veins sometimes rupture. Bleeding from such vessels is not very strong, but medical treatment is still needed.
- Blood clot. . . Dilated blood vessels are a comfortable environment for blood clotting, which doctors refer to as blood clotting. This formation interferes with blood circulation. Sometimes they also come out and enter the lungs with blood. This phenomenon is called pulmonary embolism and often leads to respiratory failure and even death.
The farther away the disease is, the higher the risk of complications. Another problem is that developing varicose veins usually cannot be removed with conservative treatment and requires surgery.
It's easier to deal with it from the beginning. Complex treatment using stockings against varicose veins shows excellent results. These underwear are also useful for disease prevention.
What are compression stockings for?
Such a jersey increases blood circulation in the legs. As a result, the pain and swelling that bothers many people is reduced. Underwear also helps fight more serious diseases, for example, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis and the possibility of blood clots.
Elastic stockings for varicose veins are made of a special material that stretches well and fits the foot. The jersey gently squeezed the veins. Usually, underwear puts the strongest pressure on the ankle, and the foot pressure decreases.
Doctors prescribe compression stockings for different purposes:
- Venous support
- Prevention of blood collection
- Prevention of trophic ulcers
- Against venous hypertension
- Improves lymphatic drainage
When knitwear presses on a ship, it has several positive effects:
- Reducing vein diameter. . . Blood flows faster through narrow channels. Therefore, it rarely accumulates in one place and blood clots almost never occur.
- Increases blood flow. . . Thanks to the extra pressure, blood flow is accelerated and moves faster from the legs to the heart.
- Prevents bleeding. . . Despite the traction, blood rarely flows into the veins and does not fill the connecting ducts.
In fact some athletes use compression socks in their training. For example, runners and basketball players. Underwear protects tissues from damage and speeds up the delivery of oxygen to muscles. After exercise, muscles recover faster.
Of course, forming stockings for varicose veins should not be considered a magical artifact that will save you from problems with blood vessels. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Like other medications, compression socks are not good for everyone.
Indications and contraindications for wearing compression underwear
Don't buy tight socks. First see a doctor and check what jerseys you need.
Find out the size. Compression ratio. And another feature of the underwear that you will wear for months.
Buying knitwear without a doctor's recommendation can damage blood vessels. For example, stockings are too strong, and as a result, blood circulation in the veins becomes worse. The result was that the condition of the ship deteriorated.
Sign up to consult a phlebologist about the choice of compression underwear. And also check the instructions and contraindications for such socks.
Guidance
Doctors prescribe underwear for diseases:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Phlebeurysm
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
Also, jerseys are sometimes prescribed to healthy people who are at risk of getting vascular disease. Requirements for embossed socks:
- During pregnancy. . . The pregnant mother's body is exposed to great stress. Hormonal balance is disturbed. From this, the venous wall weakens and often expands. The amount of blood in the body also increases. Because of the child. Increased blood volume greatly increases the load on the vascular wall. Knitwear helps the vein maintain its normal shape under strong pressure.
- Because of the increased pressure on the feet. . . At work, many people have to stand on their feet for long periods of time and therefore the pressure on the vessels at the bottom of the feet increases. Frequent exercise can cause varicose veins. Underwear supports the veins. Therefore, they remain healthy even in people who spend all day working on their feet.
- With an inactive lifestyle. . . The less a person moves, the harder the veins pump blood. Muscles do not function and do not increase blood circulation, so blood often collects and dilates blood vessels. Knitwear stops bloating veins.
- After vascular surgery. . . The success of surgical treatment is highly dependent on the proper recovery of the patient. When the procedure is complete, the doctor prescribes a knitwear. It should be worn strictly according to the schedule, because violation of the regime can lead to recurrence of the disease.
The choice of the right elastic underwear is very important. Phlebologists prescribe knitwear a certain level of compression and class, depending on the disease and risk factors of the patient.
Contraindications
Compression stockings are completely safe for most people. They have only a few limitations:
- Suspected or already diagnosed peripheral artery disease
- Severe peripheral neuropathy
- Extensive leg or lung edema after heart failure
- Allergy to knitted fabrics
- Skin and soft tissue problems: gangrene, dermatitis, severe cellulite
Not every patient can wear elastic pants effectively.
Sometimes only temporarily. For example, they have a wound on their leg and have to wait for it to heal.
In other cases, it remains. For feet with unusual shapes or with deformities, compression socks will not work. It cannot tighten the limbs properly and is therefore not useful in fighting vascular disease.
How to choose compression stockings
Elastic jerseys against varicose veins cover models with different lengths. Some cover their legs completely. The others are only up to the knees. It depends on the purpose of the compression stockings.
An important feature of linen is the stress, which directly affects the efficiency of knitwear. Stockings must pass on the foot, but not hurt.
Some models are specially designed for operated patients. They are not suitable for others.
The degree of compression of knitted stockings for the treatment of varicose veins will be determined by the doctor. So make sure you make an appointment and buy elastic pants only after consultation.
Check out knitwear at the store. Select a product:
- Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic
- No stitches
- With a shelf life of 12 months
- RAL quality standards
With proper care, such underwear will last a long time and you will not have to change it until the end of the treatment.
Types of compression stockings
All models of slimming knitwear are divided into three types:
- prevention. . . This product is not considered medical and therefore can be purchased even without a doctor’s prescription. They only support the ship. These underwear reduce fatigue and leg pain. Knitwear presses the veins weakly and is very suitable for the prevention of vascular disease, but does not cure varicose veins.
- Therapy. . . The widest group of elastic stockings. For this product, the level of pressure in different areas is different - near the ankle, the underwear is the most pressing, and the foot pressure is getting weaker. The medical jersey is prescribed by the doctor. Stockings are intended for people with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Anti-embolic or hospital. . . This linen is provided for people who must sleep in bed after surgery. It helps reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. High compression class. The pressure on the different parts of the stocking is different, just like a medical device.
Yes, you can buy your own elastic pants for the prevention of vascular disease. But we still advise you to see a doctor. She will help you choose a knitwear. The phlebologist will also tell you about other methods of prevention, so you will learn better to protect your veins.
Compression ratio of compression stockings
According to the level of stress, elastic underwear is divided into four classes:
- Compression to 22 mm Hg. Art. Such jerseys help stop the development of varicose veins-eliminating edema, spider veins and other signs of varicose veins.
- Pressure up to 32 mm Hg. Art. Class II stockings are prescribed for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Knitwear is also used for prevention by people with an inactive lifestyle.
- Compression up to 46 mm Hg. Art. These stockings are worn by patients with trophic disorders and congenital defects of the vascular system.
- Pressure up to 50 mm Hg. Art. Doctors prescribe such jerseys only for people with severe forms of venous disease. Underwear is used to treat severe edema.
Properly chosen compression levels allow you to successfully fight vascular disease, while inappropriate knitwear also harms the veins.
Choosing the right size for your underwear is just as important.
Compression Stocking Size Chart
Be sure to measure the feet before buying your clothes. You need to measure:
- Calf circumference
- Ankle circles
- Thigh circumference
- Leg length from floor to hip
- Leg length
Perform all measurements in the morning after waking up. Do not wake up from sleep - this way you will achieve the most accurate results that cannot be obtained in a standing position due to the pressure on the vessel. Recorded foot measurements will be useful when using a sock measurement 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 |
| 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 of all, immediately wear elastic pants while lifting. Without waking up from sleep.
Lift your legs. It should be above the level of the heart - in this position, the pressure in the vessel decreases. Slowly pull your feet in and slowly pull the fabric upwards.
Smooth your socks. They must match the skin. Straighten the folds. The top of the linen should not be folded down, otherwise the jersey will be pressed like a tricycle cloth, and as a result, blood circulation will be disrupted.
It is not recommended to take off compression stockings during the day. Only in the bathroom or shower. Before bed, lie down on the bed and lift your legs. Then remove your laundry.
How long must knitwear be worn?
Ask your doctor. Mild forms of varicose veins can be eliminated 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, throughout my life.
With a sloppy attitude, knitwear will not last even a few months. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of it properly.
Compression sock care
Stockings don’t look like a durable product. And of course - usually their service life does not exceed 12 months, and in many cases the laundry is broken and damaged even earlier.
What to do?
First of all, socks must be washed. Includes a jersey with antimicrobial protection. Remember - you wear elastic underwear all day and dead skin cells always accumulate on it. Therefore, wash every day.
Best - by hand.
For washing, use baby soap or other delicate products that will not damage the knitwear. Laundry should not be boiled.
After washing, squeeze the water of the socks carefully. Do not stretch it or damage the fabric. You can remove moisture with a towel.
Dry the knitwear on a flat surface, only in a cool or warm place, as high heat can crush 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?
Loss of elasticity is easily seen in the morning while you are wearing your socks. Old compression garments pull easily. Hence the conclusion - no longer gripping the foot with the necessary strength and therefore need to buy a replacement.
How much to wear compression stockings after surgery
Elastic knitwear 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 several days. In other cases, for months.
The time to wear stockings is determined by the doctor.
After treatment, knitwear must be used at different times, depending on the procedure:
- Caesarean section - up to three weeks
- Uterine removal - two to eight weeks
- Reportoscopy - from three days to a month
- Kidney removal - from five days to four weeks
- Gallbladder removal - from ten days to a month
How much to wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
It is necessary to take into account the number of vessels treated by the doctor. During the operation, the phlebologist destroys the inner wall of the vein by various methods, which makes it inflamed. The circulation of the blood in the vessels ceases, and after a while the sore veins disappear completely. Blood travels through other channels.
Compression stockings in this case help keep the treated vein closed and prevent blood from getting into it. Therefore, the ship disappears faster.
Elastic underwear should be worn for up to four months if the doctor has undergone one or two veins. A large number of ships produced had to be maintained longer - six months. Moreover, this is not a full term. So many patients wear second -class jerseys, and then doctors can replace them with first -class underwear.
Shaper stockings are also used in other vein surgeries. For example, it is useful for recovering from phlebectomy and miniflebectomy.
But endovasal treatment does not require compression therapy, and underwear is only used if signs of venous insufficiency - edema and trophic disorders - persist.
Unfortunately, this information is not universal. It cannot be applied to every situation and every person. The doctor prescribes the knitwear and determines how long the patient should wear special socks.
Reading information about elastic underwear is a good start, but the real fight against vascular disease will only increase after a visit to the doctor.