Varicose veins are one of the current problems of a modern person that everyone can face due to age, professional activity and a number of other reasons. Of course, when there is the slightest suspicion of the development of varicose veins, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Conservative treatment with drugs, physiotherapy, massage, etc. to achieve maximum effect. Part of the treatment is to wear special compression garments, which will be discussed.
Application of compression garments
Before talking about why you need compression underwear, you need to understand what varicose veins are, only then the principle of operation of special socks, tights and golfs will become clear.
The arteries are the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Varicose veins are a disease in which these vessels undergo a number of pathological changes. In particular, the vessels stretch and dilate, the walls become thinner, and the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of vascular nodules.
In addition, in varicose veins, the function of the venous valves designed to circulate blood to the heart (upwards) is impaired. Valve failure and deformation of the venous bed cause blood stasis, which in turn leads to an increase in intravascular pressure, a process called varicose veins.
The principle of compression created by special underwear is to apply external pressure to the dilated veins. The constriction of the dilated superficial vessels causes the redistribution of blood flow to the deeper vessels. As a result, patients who are unable to function normally are overloaded and blood circulation is restored.
Properly chosen underwear puts different pressure on certain parts of the foot. It looks like this:
- The highest degree of compression is in the lower part of the limb, in 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;
- As the knee approaches, these rates decrease further, depending on the type of underwear and the degree of disease.
Such an approximate diagram shows that in the lowest part, the movement of blood through the veins in this area must be higher because it requires more effort, ie more pressure. As the blood rises, the intravenous pressure gradually decreases, so the load on the arteries decreases.
Properly selected compression underwear improves blood circulation, improves the patient's condition with varicose veins, allows you to get rid of stagnant processes in the arteries. At the same time, the most natural conditions for blood flow are provided, so this method of treatment is completely safe.
Tips
If we talk about when to wear compression underwear, the answer is basically the same - varicose veins. This means that from the first stage of development of the pathological process to the most difficult stage - the third stage, doctors prescribe the use of such underwear.
If the development of this disease is suspected to prevent varicose veins, compression underwear may also be required. In general, the following, more specific indicators can be distinguished:
- Pregnancy;
- Prevention of the disease, especially when there are factors that contribute to its development;
- Diagnosis of varicose veins - as part of a comprehensive treatment and to prevent its progression;
- Postoperative period - if surgery is 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 vascular thrombosis, which often develop in the final stages of varicose veins;
- Active inflammatory processes, especially in purulent lower extremities of various etiologies;
- Aortoarteritis;
- Endoarteritis;
- Trophic ulcers;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Skin damage.
It is also very important to choose the right compression products. Underwear should be appropriate for the patient and in no case should the legs be compressed, as this can lead to numbness, even more serious circulatory disorders, and even deformity of the lower extremities.
At the same time, large laundry, ie very loose, will not provide the necessary compression, respectively, the therapeutic effect will be insignificant or reduced to zero.
Types of compressed underwear
Depending on the situation in which compression underwear is used, the nature of the pathological process, the degree of progression, the scale and a number of individual factors, the doctor may prescribe a specific underwear. You can conditionally divide attributes into 4 types to create compression:
- Tights- the most common and very effective type of decoration with a compression effect. To choose the right size tights, you need to make sure that they reach the waist, not up or down. In addition, it should not be too loose, but also make sure that your legs, hips, waist do not tighten. According to patients, tights can be easily removed, but in the process of wearing you should make an effort to evenly distribute the product made of compression stockings. One of the main advantages of tights is the availability of special models for women in office.
- Socks- looks like tights, but reaches the middle of the thigh (the same criterion is to ensure the correct size) and can not help in any way during pregnancy. In other words, the socks are designed with only 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 has a negative effect on the distribution of compression.
- Knee socks- Mainly intended for cases where varicose veins affect the particularly delicate part of the foot without rising. Knee pads, like special socks, are used more by men, but there are also female models. In addition, such underwear is more suitable for sports, because tights partially impede movement in the lumbar region, which is unacceptable when doing certain exercises.
- Elastic bandage- does not belong to underwear, but is still a product of compression. The good thing about the bandage is that it doesn't need to be chosen for its size, but it is also suitable for people of any body size and is a cheaper option. It is sufficient to close the affected areas for use, but in this case it is extremely important to distribute the voltage openly to provide the necessary compression, a factor that is a serious shortcoming.
Note!Underwear is made of special compression stockings for the treatment and prevention of varicose veins. This material is elastic and initially involves a strict classification, ie the degree of compression and size. It is important to consult a doctor and only buy from a pharmacy to choose underwear.
Usage features
The main advantage of tights, socks and golfs is that when you buy them, you get a product that is guaranteed to perform its function immediately (if you choose the right size). This means that it is enough to wear underwear, evenly distribute, after which it will begin to have a therapeutic effect.
Tights, socks, knee-length and socks can be worn during the day, regardless of the type of work. However, in this case, it is still important to consult a phlebologist, who will give precise recommendations on the duration of wear and the subtleties of use, because each case of the disease is unique.
Laundry must be handled properly to last a long time:
- Wear compression stockings carefully to avoid damage.
- Wear underwear only on dry skin (if you have used the cream before, wait until it is completely absorbed).
- To wear tights, socks, or knee-highs evenly, first place your hands there, then spread them evenly and gradually over your feet.
- Experts also recommend wearing underwear immediately after waking up in the morning, that is, before getting out of bed.
Using a bandage
Elastic bandage is a cheaper and at the same time unpretentious tool. However, for proper use, it is important to at least master the basics of varicose vein wrapping techniques. To do this, follow these tips:
- The bandage moves from the bottom up, starting at the foot, to the toes, and then up to the ankle. Depending on the nature and spread of varicose veins, you can start from the lower part of the lower leg without affecting the foot.
- Apply a little overlapping strips, this is the maximum productivity, and this technique also prevents the bandage from slipping or opening.
- If the foot is bent, the heel is released as it passes through the belt and is placed across the curve at the junction between the ankle and the thigh.
- Do not bend the bandage too much, it should be placed almost close to the foot to avoid creating excessive tension.
- Keep in mind that the compression in the lower leg should be higher and the tension will gradually decrease during the ascent.
There is a way to check that the bandage is applied properly. Immediately after wrapping, the toes become cyanotic and should go away after 2-3 minutes. If there was no cyanosis, the bandage is wrapped very loosely, if the effect persists, you have a very strong compression, open the bandage, massage your foot and try again.