Varicose veins are one of the pressing problems facing the modern person that anyone may face due to age, occupation, and a number of other reasons. Of course, at the slightest suspicion of the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
To get the maximum effect, conservative treatment requires an integrated approach that includes the use of medication, physical therapy, massage, and more. The treatment also includes wearing special compression clothing, which will be discussed.
Donning compression stockings
Before talking about why you need compression garments, you need to understand what constitutes varicose veins. Only then will the functional principle of special stockings, tights and golfers 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 widen, their walls become thinner, and the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of vascular nodes.
In addition, the function of the venous valves, which are designed in such a way that the blood can circulate to the heart (upwards), is impaired in varicose veins. Insufficiency of the valves and deformation of the venous bed leads to blood stagnation, which in turn provokes an increase in pressure in the vessels, this process is called varicose veins.
The principle of compression of special underwear consists in exerting external pressure on the enlarged vessels. The compression of the enlarged superficial veins redistributes the blood flow and directs it into the deep vessels. This places undue stress on patients who cannot function normally, and blood circulation is restored.
Correctly selected underwear exerts varying levels of pressure on certain parts of the leg. It looks something like this:
- The highest degree of compression is on the lowest part of the extremity, the lower part of the lower leg;
- In the middle of the lower leg the compression is 30% less, which corresponds to 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 in the lowest section the pressure should be higher, since the movement of blood through the veins in this area requires much more force, that is, more pressure. As the blood rises higher, the intravenous pressure gradually decreases, accordingly the load on the veins is relieved.
Properly selected compression underwear improves blood circulation, which allows you to improve the condition of the patient with varicose veins and get rid of stagnant processes in the vessels. At the same time, the most natural conditions for blood movement are created, which makes this method of maintenance therapy completely safe.
Indications
If we talk about when it is appropriate to wear compression underwear, the answer is mainly one - varicose veins. This means that from the first stage of the development of the pathological process and ending with the most difficult - the third stage - doctors prescribe the use of such underwear.
But compression garments can also be required to prevent varicose veins if there is a suspicion that this disease is developing. In general, the following, more specific indications can be distinguished:
- Pregnancy;
- Prevention of the disease, especially in the presence of factors that predispose its development;
- Diagnosed varicose veins - as part of comprehensive treatment and to prevent their progression;
- Postoperative period - when surgeries have been performed to eliminate 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 garments:
- Severe forms of venous thrombosis, which often develop in the terminal stages of varicose vein progression;
- Active inflammatory processes in the lower extremities of various etiologies, especially purulent;
- Aortoarteritis;
- Endoarteritis;
- Trophic ulcers;
- Arteriosclerosis;
- Damage to the skin.
It is also very important to choose the right compression products. The underwear should fit the patient and in no case press on the legs, as this leads to numbness, even greater circulatory disorders and even deformation of the lower extremities.
At the same time, large laundry, ie too loose, does not offer the required compression or the therapeutic effect is insignificant or is reduced to zero.
Types of compression garments
Depending on the situation in which the compression garment is used, the nature, the progression of the pathological process, its extent, as well as a number of individual factors, the doctor may prescribe a certain type of underwear. You can conventionally divide the attributes for creating a compression into 4 types:
- Pantyhose- the most common and effective type of decoration with compression effect. To choose the right size tights, you need to make sure that they reach your waist, not higher or lower. In addition, they should not be too loose, but at the same time be careful not to pinch your legs, hips, waist. According to the reviews of patients, the tights are easy to take off, but when putting them on, one must try to evenly distribute the product from compression stockings. One of the main advantages of tights is that there are special models for women in position.
- Socks- in principle similar to tights, but only reach the middle of the thigh (the same criterion is a guarantee of the right size) and cannot help in any way during pregnancy. In other words, the stockings are designed for the legs only, limited to the thighs. In addition, even with the right product, many patients complain that stockings tend to slip over the course of the day. Not only is this less comfortable, it also has a negative impact on the distribution of compression.
- knee socks- are mainly intended for those cases in which varicose veins affect the particularly shin part of the leg without rising higher. Knee-high socks, like special socks, are more often worn by men, but there are also female models. In addition, this type of underwear is more suitable for sports, as tights in the waist area partially impede movement, which is unacceptable for 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 have to be selected according to size, it is also suitable for people of all body sizes and is a much cheaper option. To use it, it is enough to tie off the affected areas, but in this case it is extremely important to clearly distribute the tension in order to achieve the necessary compression. This factor is a serious disadvantage.
Notice!Underwear for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins consists of special compression stockings. This material is elastic and initially implies a strict classification, i. e. a division according to the degree of compression and size. To choose underwear, it is important to consult a doctor and only buy it from a pharmacy.
Usage features
The main advantage of tights, stockings and golf is that when you buy it, you get a product that is guaranteed to do its job (assuming the right size). This means that it is enough to simply put on the underwear, evenly distribute it, after which it will have a healing effect.
Tights, stockings, knee highs and socks can be worn all day regardless of the type of work. Nevertheless, in this matter it is important to consult a phlebologist who will give precise recommendations on how long they should be worn and the subtleties of application, because every case of illness is unique.
In order for the laundry to last a long time, it must also be handled correctly:
- Wear carefully to avoid damaging the compression stockings.
- Wearing underwear should only be done on dry skin (if you have used the cream before, wait until it is completely absorbed).
- To put on tights, stockings, or knee socks evenly, put your hand in them first, and then distribute them evenly and gradually over your leg.
- In addition, experts recommend putting on underwear immediately after waking up in the morning, i. e. before getting up.
Use a bandage
Elastic bandage is a cheaper and at the same time unpretentious tool. For the correct application, however, it is important to at least master the basics of the limb bandaging technique for varicose veins. To do this, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- The bandage is wrapped from the bottom up, starting on the foot, on the toes, then on the ankle and higher. Depending on the type and prevalence of varicose veins, you can start on the lower part of the lower leg without affecting the foot.
- Apply the strips with a slight overlap, this is the maximum efficiency and this technique also prevents the bandage from slipping or unwinding.
- When the foot is wrapped, the heel remains free at the transition to the shin and the loop is placed across the junction between the ankle and shin.
- Do not turn the bandage roll too much, it should be collected almost near the leg so as not to create excessive tension.
- Remember that the compression on the lower leg should be higher and the tension will gradually decrease during the ascent.
There is a way to verify that the dressing was applied correctly. Immediately after swaddling, the toes will become cyanotic, which should go away after 2-3 minutes. If there was no cyanosis at all, then the bandage is too loosely wrapped, the effect continues, if you have achieved too much compression, unwind the bandage, massage your leg and try again.