Human limbs, arms and legs are the most mobile parts of the body. They are under constant pressure. Most of all, our legs can withstand the load - the weight of our body. In addition, they are constantly in an upright position. In this position and under a certain weight, there is an increase in blood flow, while the pressure on the walls of blood vessels increases.
And if we take into account that due to harmful environmental factors, our malnutrition, being overweight, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, it is clear that this leads to their stretching. Nodes are forming. And then the first signs of varicose veins appear - the so-called asterisks on the skin, weight and swelling of the legs. The next stage is already a specific disease - protruding nodes, veins. All this is accompanied by painful sensations.
Anti-varicose socks: types
To cure varicose veins, you need to radically change your lifestyle, revise your diet and pay enough attention to the problem of stress. And of course, consider wearing compression, anti-varicose jerseys.
Products from it can be divided into the following types:
- tights - the most comfortable look, but it takes a little effort to get dressed;
- socks - recommended for pregnant women and those whose veins above the knee are not affected;
- golfs - very comfortable to wear for men;
- leggings - recommended for those whose varicose veins affect a small part of the legs;
- elastic bandage - is the most affordable type, but the disadvantage is the inconvenience of use.
It is worth mentioning the fact that after the operation it is recommended to wear such items of medical orthopedic clothing. Attention! Socks should not be worn after the operation, but should be chosen by a specialist.
What are compression stockings and tights against varicose veins?
Specialized orthopedic compression products are made from compression socks. Their purpose is purely medical. This type of clothing supports blood vessels and prevents them from stretching, improves microcirculation. In accordance with the conclusions of doctors, such socks are today a fairly effective method of fighting the disease, but also its prevention.
A bonus to such compression stockings or socks is the prevention of blood clots. Compression jersey products are made of a porous, viscous material in its structure, which provides the effect of breathability in hot weather. Such products use materials with increased evaporation and water balance.
Compression socks: impact characteristics
A feature of the action of such socks is that they create an additional framework that supports the veins and protects them from stretching. In addition, compression of the lower leg tissue protects our legs from fatigue, muscle pain and swelling, and prevents blood stagnation.
The pressure in compression stockings is distributed from the bottom up as follows:
- on the ankles - maximum, ie up to 100%;
- kneeling - reduced to 70-75%;
- on the hips - about 50%;
- in the groin - up to 20%;
- no pressure on the hips and abdomen.
This increases the rate of outflow of blood from the veins of the legs.
Anti-varicose compression stockings are preventive and therapeutic. When you decide to buy anti-varicose socks or stockings, decide for what purpose you need them: for prevention in pregnancy and after childbirth, for the treatment of varicose veins. You can choose prophylaxis in pharmacies according to your size. They don't need a certificate.
With medical treatment, the situation is completely different. They are harder to choose. There must be a medical certificate for them and the doctor must choose them for you according to your parameters and stage of the disease. Based on ultrasound data, the phlebologist will assess the stage of the disease, the condition of the veins. The size must be chosen very carefully, because the leggings hardly stretch. Too big will not be effective, and small size is inconvenient, uncomfortable.
If you have been diagnosed with the disease and you do not have the opportunity to seek medical advice on buying compression stockings, then first buy prophylactic socks, and only then be guided by your feelings and body reaction to one or another type or size.
According to the international standard, there are 4 classes of compression socks.
- The first compression class is 18-22 mm Hg. Art. - at the initial degree of damage to superficial veins, the appearance of arachnoid veins. Such socks significantly reduce pain at the end of the working day and alleviate swelling.
- The second compression class is 23-32 mmHg. Art. - damage to deep veins. In addition to pain and swelling, night cramps also occur. It is recommended for thrombophlebitis of varicose veins of moderate severity. Doctors recommend wearing such tights constantly.
- The third compression class is 33 to 45 mm Hg. Art. it is bought only with a prescription from a phlebologist. Doctors recommend wearing such socks in case of deep vein thrombosis and other serious cases.
- Fourth compression class - exceeds 50 mm Hg. Art. - it is recommended to wear it in violation of lymph flow and to eliminate edema.
Attention!
- Don't confuse plain elastic tights with compression ones. The density of curative and preventive measures is measured in millimeters of mercury, not in densities.
- Medical socks have a wearing period. No more than 6 months. Washing and daily wear makes them unusable.
- High-quality compression stockings against varicose veins are not cheap.
- If you are in doubt about which brand to buy leggings or socks, buy them with the RAL label - they meet international quality standards.
How to wear medical compression stockings against varicose veins for women
There are rules on how to wear compression stockings that are different from ordinary wardrobe items.
- Put it right after waking up, in bed.
- This needs to be done correctly and very carefully, without too much twisting or stretching of the fabric.
- The upper part is carefully assembled into an accordion.
- Then, placing your palms in the sock from the inside, carefully pull the sock over your feet, not forgetting the correct position of the heel.
- Straightening very slowly, pull the lower leg.
- Then, also carefully, gradually pull them over the hips, slightly raising the torso.
Anti-varicose compression stockings can be worn both for the treatment and prevention of venous diseases. At the same time, before buying such underwear, do not forget to consult, because self-medication can have negative consequences for your health. Good luck!