Among the various preventive methods and therapy of pathological processes of the venous system of the lower extremities, compression garments play a special role. To obtain the desired therapeutic effect, the linen must be properly selected. To know how to choose compression stockings, you need to read the recommendations.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of compression stockings
The underwear in question is a product that is designed to treat and prevent interruptions in the blood circulation of the legs. The stockings will improve microcirculation of blood in tissues and prevent stagnation in blood vessels. People wearing the underwear in question will feel that by the end of the day their legs do not get tired as the underwear puts continuous pressure on the skin, prevents the formation of puffiness, improves oxygen supply in the tissues and eliminates the formation of blood clots.
The stockings in question form compression in a special way. In contrast to the tightening tights in stockings, the pressure is distributed from bottom to top: in the ankle it is greatest, in the knee - moderate, in the thigh - the least. Such an effect will resemble the load created by muscle functioning during movement, which increases the speed of venous blood flow from the legs. In addition, the stockings will not press on the abdominal cavity and have a pleasant appearance.
Such a product will be indispensable for the prevention and therapeutic purposes of varicose veins due to the influence of such circumstances:
- increased content of elastic materials;
- no seams;
- hypoallergenic, breathable materials;
- special weaving that provides pressure in the right places;
- formed foot.
In addition to the preventive and therapeutic goals of varicose veins, the indications for wearing compression underwear will be:
- regular fatigue and pain in the lower limbs;
- swelling;
- constant burning sensation in the heel area;
- excessive weight;
- passive lifestyle;
- stars on the vessels;
- hereditary tendency to varicose veins.
In addition, the products are recommended to be worn for childbirth if a woman feels high pressure in the lower extremities (the expectant mother will avoid difficulties with veins, vessels and capillaries).
Previously, doctors recommended the use of elastic bandages in such situations. However, by their own parameters, they are significantly inferior to compression stockings:
- for a long time and is uncomfortable to apply to the affected areas;
- the degree of contraction will be created by hands;
- the bandages will slip.
Options for choosing compression stockings
Stocking types have certain characteristics. During the selection, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations of specialists and pay attention to the specific parameters of any device.
General criteria
First of all, emphasis should be placed on the following characteristics:
- Compression category.This indicator reflects the total pressure that is applied to the upper part of the skin. The choice is made based on the goals of wearing compression underwear - prevention or therapy of disorders in the veins. In the latter situation, the assessment of the degree of the disease is carried out by a phlebologist, who determines the necessary category of compression and, when necessary, prescribes drug therapy.
- External view. The variety of compression underwear includes models for male and female patients. Men's sports style, women's have a classic appearance or are complemented by bright lace elastic bands. In addition, stockings are produced in different colors, which will make it possible to wear them under any elements of clothing.
- Material. The fabric for these products is made using special technology. It can be composed of synthetics that provide elasticity and compression effect. The material will not heat up, it is difficult to stretch it. The hypoallergenicity of linen is an extremely important parameter. When the packaging bears the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 mark, this indicates that the product will meet international environmental safety requirements.
- Material texture. This indicator will characterize the density of the material (DEN), the ratio of the length of the threads to their weight. Such a parameter does not affect the compression qualities, because when only a similar indicator is indicated on the stockings without the category of compression, then this is a fake device.
- Place of purchase. On sale you can find many fake products for stockings, so you only need to buy lingerie at special points.
Types of compression hosiery
The difference between the models is in compression and length: to the knee, to the top of the thigh or to the waist. Lingerie is selected taking into account the location of the veins. When the area with affected veins is limited to the lower leg, knee-highs are suitable. In a situation where a complex area is located higher - stockings or underwear will do, it is selected according to the user's preferences. Each model has its own details, colors, material:
- Knee socks. This type is notable for its universalism - it is suitable for patients regardless of gender. Sizes are selected based on personal anatomical indicators. The size of the foot, the volume of the narrow and wide parts of the lower legs, under the knee and the length from the foot to the knee are taken into account. Developers have a slightly different grid size, so you need to look at the packaging.
- Tights and stockings. They are comfortable in that, in addition to the squeezing action, they carry out a tightening effect, a contour is formed and muscle tone is maintained. In devices for pregnant women there are special inserts near the abdomen. Women who have a voluminous top do not use tights in all situations, since they are difficult to pull on. The best solution in this situation would be stockings or knee-highs. There are products sold in 1 piece. - on the right and left leg.
How to choose size
To understand how to choose the size of stockings, you need to measure the following indicators of the lower limbs:
- Girth of the narrowest part of the leg (a).
- Girth of the widest part of the lower leg (b).
- The circumference of the thigh is a few centimeters below the crotch (c).
- Limb length (measured from heel to thigh measurement site (d)).
The best manufacturers of compression stockings - which company to choose
In order for the stockings in question to withstand the required time period of wearing, to be resistant to stretching and to give a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to purchase models from common manufacturers. The strictest quality control during release is enforced by the following developers:
- Medi Bayreuth.
- Ofa Bamberg.
- Julius Zorn.
The products of these developers go through various control procedures and numerous tests. The models comply with the high RAL quality standards, which testify to their therapeutic effect due to physical pressure distribution.
Types of compression stockings
The underwear in question is used as a preventive and therapeutic measure for varicose veins. In the latter situation, taking into account the stage of the pathological process, a certain category of compression (the degree of pressure distribution) is assigned. There are 4 categories, the more severe the disease, the stronger the compression effect is required, therefore the choice is individual and based on the personal characteristics of the patient.
Preventive linen
Compression effect up to 1.8 cm Hg. Normalizes blood pressure, prevents the accumulation of excessive fluid and the formation of edema. Models are prescribed to be worn to prevent blood stagnation, with high fatigue of the lower extremities, when activity is associated with prolonged immobility, with a tendency to diseases of the circulatory system. It is worth noting that such stockings are used by athletes, since the models tighten muscles, prevent friction, and restore at the end of sports activities.
Pros:
- available for purchase at a pharmacy;
- stockings will preserve the proper appearance of the legs and improve their tone;
- improves blood circulation in tissues;
- varicose veins, the formation of blood clots are prevented.
Minuses:
- it is not advised to wring out in a typewriter, the temperature indicators of water during wet processing are not more than 40 degrees.
Compression class 1
Compression effect up to 2.3 cm Hg. The stockings create a graduated compression that is functionally distributed from the foot to the thighs. Such models are recommended for barely perceptible symptoms of the disease: the formation of small asterisks on the vessels, an increase in the walls of the vessels. Also, a similar class is used to prevent circulatory disorders in the legs. The models are quite popular among patients with a passive lifestyle.
Pros:
- underwear will slow down the progression of the disease;
- the general muscle tone of the legs increases due to the massage effect;
- helps the blood to circulate properly;
- swelling decreases.
Minuses:
- it is not recommended to use it at night, as this impairs lymph flow;
- not intended if dermatitis, open wounds, ulcers are diagnosed.
Compression class 2
Compression effect up to 3.3 cm Hg. Due to the proper choice of thread sizes and materials, the laundry will create pressure and support the vessels. Models will not allow the formation of nodes in the vessels. Adaptations can be prescribed in order to eliminate the progressive stages of disease.
Pros:
- prevent varicose veins;
- remove the feeling of heaviness in the limbs;
- blood circulation improves;
- edema is removed;
- long-term healing effect even with everyday wear.
Minuses:
- it is required to tighten from time to time, since they are able to slide and break the compression;
- not intended for skin difficulties.
Compression class 3
Compression up to 4.4 cm Hg. Stockings create strong compression, therefore, it is required to apply only at the insistence of a phlebologist. Under the influence of compression, the venous spaces will narrow, and sagging places will tighten, and circulation will improve. Anti-varicose underwear of this category is distinguished by its density, reliability (practically will not stretch). Certain products use Clima Fresh, which has antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Models are prescribed during significant venous insufficiency with impaired cell nutrition.
Pros:
- models will improve blood flow;
- the development of the disease stops;
- stagnation of blood is prevented;
- tension decreases, movement becomes easier;
- minimizes the risk of blood clots.
Minuses:
- there are limitations: atherosclerosis, endarteritis.
4 class of compression
Compression more than 5 cm Hg. Unpopular product prescribed by a specialist in rare situations. Stockings are intended for the treatment of complex forms of varicose veins, used to relieve lymph flow disorders, severe swelling.
Pros:
- strong slimming effect;
- stockings effectively reduce puffiness;
- discomfort in the limbs decreases;
- improves venous blood flow.
Minuses:
- indications for operation are significantly limited;
- you will need a specialist prescription;
- difficult to find on sale.
What compression stockings to choose
In order to understand how to choose the right underwear, it is important to read the following tips:
- When accessories are purchased to exclude ailment, reduce malaise, you need to purchase preventive stockings with indicators up to 1.8 cm Hg.
- When the initial manifestations of pathology are found: small stars, enlarged veins, painful sensations, then it is optimal to buy category 1 stockings.
- When the pathological process progresses - the asterisks have become very noticeable, there is swelling, nodes appear on the veins that increase during prolonged movement or sitting, then compression garments of the 2nd category are required.
- If the above symptoms are associated with regular intolerable painful sensations, it is optimal to buy category 3 stockings.
- Category 4 is assigned at the last stage of pathology. It is possible to buy such stockings on the recommendation of phlebologists.
How much are compression stockings
To understand how to choose compression stockings for surgery, you need to familiarize yourself with the price range:
- Linen that prevents the formation of pathological processes: 1.4-4.3 thousand rubles.
- Stockings of the 1st category: 1.6-5.3 thousand rubles.
- Lingerie of the 2nd category: 1.8-6.3 thousand rubles.
- Underwear of the 3rd category: 2.6-9.8 thousand rubles.
- Compression underwear of the 4th category: more than 6 thousand rubles.
People often wonder how to choose the right compression stockings. To find out how to purchase a quality product, you should read these recommendations.
