Varicose veins are one of the pressing problems of modern man, which everyone can face due to age, employment and a number of other reasons. Of course, at the slightest suspicion of developing varicose veins, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
To achieve maximum effect, conservative treatment involves an integrated approach that includes the use of medication, physiotherapy, massage and more. Also part of the treatment is wearing special compression garments, which will be discussed.
Application of compression garments
Before you talk about why you need compression underwear, you need to understand what varicose veins are, only then will the principle of action of special socks, tights and golf become clear.
Veins are the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Varicose veins are a disease in which these vessels undergo a number of pathological changes. In particular, the veins lengthen and dilate, their walls become thinner, and the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of vascular nodules.
In addition, varicose veins impair the function of the venous valves, which are designed so that blood can circulate to the heart (upwards). Insufficient valves and deformation of the venous bed leads to blood stasis, which in turn provokes 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 the varicose superficial veins provokes a redistribution of blood flow, directing it into the deep vessels. Therefore, the overload is removed by patients who cannot function normally and blood circulation is restored.
Properly selected underwear puts different pressure on certain parts of the foot. It looks like that:
- The highest degree of compression is in the lowest part of the limb, 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 degree of the disease.
Such an approximate diagram shows that in the lowermost part the pressure must be higher due to the fact that the movement of blood through the veins in this area requires much more effort, ie greater pressure. As the blood increases, the intravenous pressure gradually decreases, respectively the load from the veins is relieved.
Properly selected compression underwear improves blood circulation, which allows you to improve the condition of the patient with varicose veins, to get rid of stagnant processes in the vessels. 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 the wearing of compression underwear is shown, the answer is mainly one - varicose veins. This means that from the first stage of development of the pathological process and ending with the most difficult - the third stage, doctors prescribe the use of such underwear.
But compression underwear may also be needed to prevent varicose veins if the disease is suspected. In general, the following, more specific indications can be distinguished:
- Pregnancy;
- Prevention of the disease, especially in the presence of factors predisposing to its development;
- Diagnosed varicose veins - as part of a comprehensive treatment and to prevent its progression;
- Postoperative period - if operations have been performed to remove severe forms of varicose veins.
Contraindications
Despite the safety and harmlessness 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 last stage of varicose vein progression;
- Active inflammatory processes in the lower extremities of various etiologies, especially purulent;
- Aortic arteritis;
- Endoarteritis;
- Trophic ulcers;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Skin damage.
It is also very important to choose the right compression products. Underwear should fit the patient and in no case should it press on the legs, as this leads to numbness, even more severe circulatory disorders and even deformity of the lower limbs.
At the same time, a large wash, ie too loose, will not provide the necessary compression, respectively, the therapeutic effect will be negligible or will be reduced to zero.
Types of compression underwear
Depending on the situation in which the compression underwear is used, the nature, the degree of progression of the pathological process, its scale, as well as a number of individual factors, the doctor may prescribe a certain type of underwear. You can conditionally divide the attributes to create compression into 4 types:
- Tights- the most common and very effective type of decoration that has a compression effect. To choose the right size tights, you need to 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 make sure that they do not pinch the legs, thighs, waist. According to patient reviews, tights can be easily removed, but in the process of putting them on, you should make an effort by evenly distributing the product made of compression knitwear. One of the main advantages of tights is that there are special models for women in position.
- Socks- similar in principle to tights, but reach only to the middle of the thigh (the same criterion is a guarantee of the correct size), and also can not help in any way during pregnancy. In other words, socks are designed exclusively for the legs, limited to the thigh. In addition, even with the right product, many patients complain that socks tend to 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 where varicose veins particularly affect the shin part of the leg without rising higher. Pants, like special socks, are used more often than men, but there are also female models. In addition, this type of underwear is more suitable for sports, as the pantyhose partially impedes movement in the lower back, 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 is not necessary to choose according to the size, it is also suitable for people of any body size and is a much cheaper option. To use it, it is enough to tie the affected areas, but in this case it is extremely important to clearly distribute the tension to provide the necessary compression, this factor is a serious drawback.
Note!Underwear for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins is made of special compression stockings. This material is elastic and initially assumes a strict classification, ie separation according to the degree of compression and size. To choose underwear, it is important to consult a doctor and buy it only from a pharmacy.
Characteristics of use
The main advantage of tights, socks and golf is the fact that when you buy them, you immediately receive a product that is guaranteed to perform its functions (provided you choose the right size). This means that it is enough to simply put on the underwear, distribute it evenly, after which it will begin to have a healing effect.
Tights, socks, stockings and socks can be worn all day, regardless of the type of work. However, it is still important to consult a phlebologist on this issue, who will give precise recommendations on the duration of wearing and the subtleties of use, as each case of the disease is unique.
In addition, in order for the laundry to last a long time, it must be handled correctly:
- Wear carefully so as not to damage the compression stockings.
- Wearing underwear should only be on dry skin (if you have used the cream before, wait until it is completely absorbed).
- To evenly wear tights, socks or knee-high, first place your hand in them, then evenly and gradually distribute over the legs.
- Also, experts recommend wearing underwear in the morning immediately after waking up, that is, before getting out of bed.
With the help of a bandage
The elastic bandage is cheaper and at the same time unpretentious means. For its proper use, however, it is important to master at least the basics of the technique of bandaging the limbs in varicose veins. To do this, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- The bandage is rolled from the bottom up, starting from the foot, from the toes, then at the ankle, moving higher. Depending on the nature and extent of the varicose veins, you can start at the bottom of the lower leg without affecting the foot.
- Apply the strips slightly overlapping, this is the maximum efficiency and this technique will also prevent the bandage from slipping or unwinding.
- If the foot is twisted, when moving to the part of the shin, the heel remains free, and at the junction between the ankle and shin, the loop is placed transversely.
- Do not twist the bandage roller too much, it should be assembled, located almost close to the foot, so as not to create excessive tension.
- Remember that the compression should be higher in the lower leg, and the tension will gradually decrease during the climb.
There is a way to check that the bandage is placed correctly. Immediately after wrapping, the toes become cyanotic, which should disappear after 2-3 minutes. If there was no cyanosis at all, the bandage is rolled up too loosely, if the effect continues, you have reached too strong a compression, unscrew the bandage, massage your foot and try again.