Varicose veins are one of the urgent problems of a modern person, which everyone can face due to age, professional employment and a variety 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 achieve maximum effect, conservative treatment implies an integrated approach, which includes the use of medication, physiotherapy, massage and more. Also part of the treatment is the wearing of 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 constitutes varicose veins, only then the principle of operation of special socks, sweater and golf will 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 nodes.
In addition, with varicose veins, the function of the venous valves is impaired, which are created so that blood can circulate in the heart (above). Insufficiency of 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 interiors is to exert pressure on the expanded vessels from the outside. Compression of dilated superficial veins provokes a redistribution of blood flow, directing it into deep vessels. Because of this, the excess load is removed by patients who are unable to function normally, and blood circulation is restored.
Properly selected underwear exerts different pressures on certain parts of the foot. It looks something like this:
- The highest degree of compression is in the lower part of the limbs, 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 extent of the disease.
Such a rough diagram shows that at the lower part, the pressure must be higher for the fact that the movement of blood through the veins in this area requires much more effort, i. e. more pressure. As the blood rises higher, the intravenous pressure gradually decreases, accordingly, the load from the veins is relieved.
Properly selected compression underwear improves blood circulation, allowing you to improve the condition of the patient with varicose veins, get rid of the processes stagnant in the vessels. At the same time, the most natural conditions for blood movement are provided, thanks to which this method of maintenance therapy is completely safe.
Indications
If we talk about which cases are shown to wear compression underwear, 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 - in the third stage, doctors prescribe the use of such underwear.
But also compression underwear may be required to prevent varicose veins if there is a suspicion of developing this disease. In general, the following, more specific indications can be distinguished:
- Pregnancy;
- Prevention of the disease, especially in the presence of factors that predispose to its development;
- Varicose veins diagnosed - as part of a comprehensive treatment and to prevent its progression;
- Postoperative period - if 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 underwear:
- Severe forms of venous thrombosis, which often develop in the final stage of varicose vein progression;
- Active inflammatory processes in the lower extremities of various etiologies, especially purulent;
- Aortoarteritis;
- Endoarthritis;
- Trophic ulcers;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Skin damage.
It is also very important to choose the right compression products. The 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 extremities.
At the same time, large laundry, i. e. very loose, will not provide the necessary compression, respectively, the therapeutic effect will be insignificant or will be reduced to zero.
Types of compression underwear
Depending on the situation in which compression underwear is used, the nature, the degree of progression of the pathological process, its degree, as well as a number of individual factors, the doctor may prescribe a particular type of underwear. Conventionally, you can divide the attributes for creating compression into 4 types:
- sweater- the most common and very effective type of decoration that has a compression effect. To choose the right size sweater, you need to make sure that they reach to the waist, not higher or lower. Furthermore, they should not be too loose, but at the same time, make sure that they do not catch your legs, hips, waist. According to patient reviews, sweaters can be easily removed, but in the process of wearing them, you need to make an effort, evenly distributing the product made from compression stockings. One of the main advantages of the sweater is that there are special models for women in position.
- Socks- similar in principle to the sweater, but reach only in the middle of the thigh (the same criterion is a guarantee of the right size), and also in no way can help during pregnancy. In other words, socks are designed exclusively for the feet, limited to the thighs. 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 when varicose veins affect the particularly bright part of the leg, without rising higher. Knees, like special socks, are more often used by men, but there are also female models. Moreover, this type of underwear is more suitable for sports because the sweater partially impedes movement in the waist area, 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 does not need to be sized, it is also suitable for people of any body size and is a much cheaper option. To use it, it is enough to connect the affected areas, but in this case it is extremely important to clearly distribute the voltage to provide the necessary compression, this factor is a serious obstacle.
Note!Underwear for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins is made of special compression stockings. This material is elastic, and also initially implies a strict classification, i. e. 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.
Features of use
The main advantage of sweaters, socks and golf is the fact that when you buy them, you immediately get a product that is guaranteed to fulfill its functions (provided you choose the right size). This means that it is enough to simply wear underwear, distribute it evenly, after which it will begin to have a healing effect.
Sweaters, socks, knees and socks can be worn all day long, regardless of the type of work. However, in this matter, it is still important to consult a phlebologist, who will give accurate recommendations regarding the duration of dressing and complications of use, because each case of the disease is unique.
Furthermore, for clothes to last long, they need to be treated properly:
- Wear carefully to avoid damaging the compression socks.
- 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 knees, first place your hand on them, then spread evenly and gradually over your foot.
- Experts also recommend wearing underwear in the morning immediately after waking up, that is, before getting out of bed.
Using a bandage
Elastic bandage is a cheaper and at the same time not modest tool. However, for its correct use, it is important to know at least the basics of the limb bandaging technique for varicose veins. To do this, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- The bandage is wound from the bottom up, starting from the foot, from the toes, then the ankle, moving upwards. Depending on the nature and spread of varicose veins, you can start from the bottom of the lower leg, without affecting the foot.
- Apply slightly overlapping lines, this is the maximum efficiency, and this technique will also prevent the bandage from slipping or breaking.
- If the foot is rolled, when moving on the back, the heel remains free, and at the junction between the ankle and the spine, the loop is placed transversely.
- Do not turn the bandage too much, it should be gathered, placed 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 if the bandage is applied correctly. Immediately after wrapping, the toes become cyanotic, which should go away after 2-3 minutes. If there was no cyanosis at all, the bandage is wound very loosely, if the effect persists, you have achieved a very strong compression, release the bandage, massage the leg and try again.