Varicose veins are one of the pressing problems of modern people, which anyone can face due to age, professional work and a number of other reasons. Of course, when there is a slight doubt about the development of 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 includes an integrated approach, including the use of drugs, physical therapy, massage, etc. v. Also, part of the treatment is wearing a special compression garment, which will be discussed.
Application of compression garments
Before talking about why you need compression underwear, you need to understand what causes varicose veins, only then will the working principle 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 several pathological transformations. In particular, the veins lengthen and expand, their walls become thinner, and the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of vascular nodules.
In addition, with varicose veins, the function of the venous valves is disrupted, which are designed to allow blood to flow to the heart (upward). Inefficient functioning of the valves and deformation of the venous layer lead to stagnation of blood, thereby causing an increase in pressure inside the vessels, a process known as varicose veins.
The principle of compression created by specialized underwear is to exert pressure on the dilated vessels from the outside. The compression of the enlarged superficial veins stimulates the redistribution of blood flow, directing it into the deep vessels. Thus, excessive loads are removed from patients who cannot function normally and blood circulation is restored.
Properly chosen underwear will put different pressure on certain parts of the leg. It looks like this:
- The highest degree of compression is in the lowest part of the limb, the lower part of the leg;
- In the middle of the lower leg, the compression is 30% less, which is 70% of the maximum compression;
- The closer to the knee, the more these indicators decrease, … depending on the type of underwear and the severity of the disease.
Such an approximation shows that in the lowest part the pressure will be higher due to the fact that the movement of blood through the veins in this area requires more effort, i. e. more pressure is appliedthan. As the blood rises higher, the venous pressure gradually decreases, so the load from the veins is lessened.
Properly selected compression underwear improves blood circulation, allows you to improve the condition of patients with varicose veins, get rid of stagnation in the vessels. At the same time, creating the most natural conditions for the movement of blood, so this maintenance treatment is completely safe.
Point
If we talk about what cases it is indicated to wear compression underwear, then the answer is mainly one - varicose veins. This means that from the first stage of the pathological development, and ending with the most difficult - the third, doctors prescribe the use of such underwear.
But compression underwear may also be needed to prevent varicose veins, if the development of this disease is suspected. In general, the following signs can be distinguished, more specifically:
- Pregnancy;
- Prevention of the disease, especially in the presence of factors that lead to its development;
- Diagnosed varicose veins - as part of a comprehensive treatment approach and to prevent its progression;
- Postoperative period - if operations are performed to remove severe forms of varicose veins.
Contraindications
Despite the safety and harmlessness of this method of prevention and treatment, there are some contraindications to wearing compression underwear:
- Severe forms of venous thrombosis, which often develop in the late stages of the progression of venous insufficiency;
- Active inflammatory processes in the lower extremities of various etiologies, especially purulent;
- Inflammation of the aorta;
- Endometriosis;
- Nutritional ulcer;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Damage to the skin.
It is also very important to choose the right compression products. Underpants must fit the patient properly and in no case should put pressure on the legs, as this leads to numbness, worse circulation disorders and even deformity of the lower extremities.
At the same time, large laundry, i. e. too loose, will not provide the necessary compression, respectively, the treatment effect will be insignificant or will be reduced to zero.
Types of compression underwear
Depending on the use of compression underwear, 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 specific type of underwear. You can generally divide the attributes to create compression into 4 categories:
- Tights- the most popular and very effective decoration that has a compressive effect. To choose the right size tights, you need to make sure they are waist length, not higher or lower. In addition, they must not be too loose but at the same time make sure not to squeeze your legs, hips, and waist. According to patient reviews, the tights are easy to take off, but in the process of putting them on, you have to make an effort, evenly distributing the product made of compression knitwear. One of the main advantages of tights is that there are special models for women in office.
- Sock- same principle as pantyhose, but only mid-thigh (same criterion is to ensure correct size), and also in no way can help during pregnancy. In other words, socks are designed specifically for the legs, limited to the thighs. Also, even with the right product, many patients complain that socks tend to slip during the day. Not only is this less convenient, but it also negatively affects compression distribution.
- Knee socks- mainly for those cases when varicose veins affect the shin part, especially of the leg without rising higher. Knee-high socks, like specialty socks, are more commonly used by men, but there are women's models as well. In addition, this type of bra is more suitable for sports, since tights somewhat interfere with movement in the waist area, which is unacceptable when performing certain exercises.
- Elastic band- does not apply to underwear, but is still a compression product. The good thing about the tape is that it doesn't have to be selected by size, it also fits people of any body size and is a much cheaper option. To use it, it is enough to force 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 drawback. serious point.
Note!Underwear for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins is made of a special compression knit fabric. This material is elastic, and originally implies a strict classification, that is, division by degree of compression and size. To choose underwear, it is important to consult a doctor and buy it only from the pharmacy.
Usability
The main advantage of tights, nets, and golf socks is that when you buy them, you'll instantly receive a product that's guaranteed to do its job (provided you choose the right size). This means that just put on the underwear, spread it evenly, and then the healing effect will begin.
Socks, knee socks and socks can be worn all day long, no matter what type of job. In this regard, however, it is still important to consult a phlebologist, who will give precise recommendations regarding the duration of wear and the complexity of use, because each casedisease is unique.
In addition, in order for laundry to last a long time, it is necessary to properly handle:
- Wear carefully to avoid damaging compression knitwear.
- Underwear should only be worn on dry skin (if you have used the cream before, wait until it is completely absorbed).
- To wear tights, stockings, or knee-high socks evenly, place your hands on them first, then distribute them evenly and gradually over your legs.
- In addition, experts recommend putting on your underwear in the morning right after you wake up, that is, before getting out of bed.
Use ice
Elastic bandages are a cheaper and at the same time unpretentious tool. However, for proper use, it is important to master at least the basics of varicose vein bandaging techniques. To do this, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Dress the wound from the bottom up, starting from the foot, from the toe, then to the ankle, moving up. Depending on the nature and prevalence of varicose veins, you may be able to start in the lower leg, without affecting the foot.
- Glue the stripes slightly on top of each other, this is for maximum effect, and this technique will also prevent the tape from slipping or coming apart.
- If the foot is wrapped, when moving to the shin, the heel remains free, and at the junction between the ankle and shin, the loop is crossed.
- Do not twist the tape too much, it should be retracted, lying close to the legs so as not to create excessive tension.
- Keep in mind that compression is lower in the lower leg, and the tension will decrease during the ascent.
There is a way to check if the tape has been applied properly. Immediately after wrapping, the toes are purple, which can heal after 2-3 minutes. If there is no cyanosis, the dressing is too loose, if the effect persists then you have applied too much pressure, remove the bandage, massage your foot and try again.