Compression therapy
Compression therapy is a mechanical method of treating varicose veins by applying pressure to the affected lower extremities. The result of the compressive force is:
- reduction in the diameter of blood vessels;
- restoration of valve function.
This activates blood circulation, lymph outflow, reduces stagnation, and improves the activity of the vascular system. Correctly selected treatment does not affect arterial blood flow.
To combat varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and lymphostasis, men and women use clothing made from compression materials. It is bought in pharmacies, specialized online stores, and orthopedic salons.
Rating of quality compression stockings and tights for 2020
Lauftex
Manufacturer: Russia.
The average price is 1,200 rubles.
Knitwear made in Russia, compression class 1. The white product is equipped with a silicone elastic band, and also has an open toe and a matte surface. Suitable for surgery. Sizes - L, M, S, XL, XXL. Composition: polyamide - 75%, elastane - 25%.
Lauftex compression stockings
Advantages:
- unisex;
- inexpensive;
- good quality material;
- with anti-embolic effect;
- hypoallergenic;
- relieve swelling.
Flaws:
- size mismatch.
Tonus Elast
Manufacturer: Latvia.
Average price – 1250 rub.
Preventive universal stockings of the first class, designed for the improvement, prevention and treatment of varicose veins in the presence of a genetic predisposition, overweight, during pregnancy, in the postpartum period, with regular lifting of weights, with prolonged work while sitting or standing. Maximum compression is applied to the ankle, then evenly decreasing in the lower leg area and creating minimal pressure in the thigh area. The model is presented in two shades – beige and black. Sizes – 2, 3, 4, 5. Composition: lycra – 20%, polyamide – 80%.
compression stockings Tonus Elast
Advantages:
- unisex;
- anti-varicose;
- decongestants;
- with a reinforced toe;
- with a matte surface;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- limited color range.
Ergoforma 221
Manufacturer: Italy.
Average price – 1500 rub.
Budget women's stockings of the second category (23032 mmHg), which are produced by a well-known Italian company. This knitwear is available on the market in white, black and brown colors. There are sizes from 1 to 6. Prescribed for varicose veins, multiple dilation of small vessels, acute thrombophlebitis, deep vein phlebothrombosis, acquired and chronic venous insufficiency. Suitable for pregnant women, and also recommended for wearing after surgery on the legs (phlebosclerosis treatment). The product is complemented with a silicone rubber band with an openwork pattern. Composition: 73% - polyamide, 27% - elastane.
compression stockings Ergoforma 221
Advantages:
- transparent texture;
- with anti-varicose function;
- decongestants;
- easy to put on and take off;
- hold compression well;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- without reinforced toe;
- There are only female models.
B.Well
Manufacturer: Switzerland.
Average price – 1,700 rubles.
Phlebological women's stockings rehab class 2 (JW-222), presented on the market in three shades - white, beige and black. Sizes – 2, 3, 4, 5. The model is equipped with a massage foot, lace elastic, as well as reinforced toe and heel. Composition: 68% - polyamide, 32% - elastane.
B.Well compression stockings
Advantages:
- against varicose veins;
- against edema;
- thick knitwear;
- comfortable to put on;
- stays well on the leg;
- do not move while walking;
- Beautiful design.
Flaws:
- wear out quickly.
Orto
Manufacturer: Russia.
Average price - 2,500 rubles.
Male model on a grade 2 silicone band from the Russian brand Orto, which produces orthopedic products. This model has a reinforced toe and a matte surface. Suitable for use in the postoperative period. Sizes - L, M, S, XL, XXL. Composition: 36% - lycra, 34% - microfiber, 30% - polyamide.
Orto compression stockings
Advantages:
- anti-varicose;
- antiembolic;
- against edema;
- relieve fatigue;
- comfortable to wear;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- short service life;
- Difficult to put on without special equipment.
Sigvaris Trombo
Manufacturer: Switzerland.
Average price – 2,500 rubles.
Branded first class open toe stockings, known for their highest quality. Anti-varicose underwear of this brand is distinguished by its original design and is certified in accordance with GOST standards. The range of products varies in length, density and color range. There are even models with a belt fastened at the waist. According to buyers, the key advantage of this underwear is its special sewing technology, which ensures long-lasting wear. Composition: 74% - polyamide, 26% - elastane.
compression stockings Sigvaris Trombo
Advantages:
- unisex;
- with anti-embolic effect;
- unusual design;
- easy to use;
- long-term wear;
- dense;
- provide uniform compression;
- good feedback.
Flaws:
- price.
Idealista
Manufacturer: Russia.
Average price – 2,700 rubles.
Women's model for wide hips, closed toe, second class (ID-300W). For greater durability, the model has a reinforced toe. And the matte surface allows you to wear knitwear under a skirt - the product does not shine or rustle while moving. Graduated compression and flat seams make the stockings as comfortable to wear as possible, and high-quality silicone-based elastic does not allow them to slip and bunch up.
Idealista compression stockings
Advantages:
- against varicose veins;
- with antiemoblic effect;
- relieve swelling and fatigue;
- with flat seams;
- with uniform distribution of compression;
- dense material;
- nice design.
Flaws:
- short-lived.
Medi Duomed
Manufacturer: Germany.
Average price – 4,400 rubles.
Matte beige underwear of the second class, which is suitable for both men and women. This high-quality knitwear is manufactured by a German company. In addition to stockings, the manufacturer produces unisex tights and knee socks. The material “breathes” and therefore does not cause discomfort even in hot weather. Special components in the knitwear prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors and prevent the growth of bacteria during prolonged wear. When used correctly, a German-made product retains its properties for 6 months to 1 year. Meets international quality standards. Sizes – L, M, S, XL, XXL. Composition: 57% - polyamide, 43% - elastane.
Medi Duomed compression stockings
Advantages:
- German quality;
- anti-varicose;
- antiembolic;
- with antibacterial effect;
- suitable for pregnant women;
- convenient to use;
- do not slip;
- distribute pressure evenly;
- do not gather in folds.
Flaws:
- price.
Elegance
Manufacturer: Germany.
Average price – 7,100 rubles.
When deciding which company is better to buy stockings, you should pay attention to the products of a manufacturer such as Elegance, known for the high quality of its products. This model, mediven Elegance, has a closed toe and is defined by the second compression class. Sizes – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The universal beige stockings have a lace elastic band that prevents them from slipping and bunching up. The elegant design makes it possible to wear knitwear openly with any clothing options. The pressure is distributed in such a way that even after a long stay in a standing position, fatigue in the legs is practically not felt. Regular wearing of the product helps prevent the development of varicose veins, speed up recovery after surgery, and relieve swelling.
compression stockings mediven Elegance
Advantages:
- against varicose veins;
- with anti-embolic effect;
- with a reinforced toe;
- with a matte surface;
- durable;
- pleasant appearance;
- hold compression well.
Flaws:
- no data on composition;
- without reinforced heel;
- price.
Bauerfeind VenoTrain Micro
Manufacturer: Germany.
Average price - 7,500 rubles.
Women's model with a matte surface of the first compression class. The Bauerfeind brand is one of the leaders in the medical underwear market. Many years of experience and the use of innovative technologies determine the popularity of high-quality therapeutic knitwear from Bauerfeind. The manufacturer's assortment includes models of various colors and categories. Sizes - L, M, S, XL. Composition: 65% - polyamide, 35% - elastane.
Bauerfeind VenoTrain Micro compression stockings
Advantages:
- against varicose veins;
- with anti-embolic function;
- against edema;
- universal colors;
- quality material;
- high strength;
- do not bunch up;
- comfortable;
- long service life.
Flaws:
- price.
The principle of positive impact
Varicose veins have curved walls. Its valves do not close, which is why the blood begins to move not only up, but also down, which leads to stagnation.
How compression clothing works
The positive impact of knitted products is manifested in the following:
- serves as an additional frame that protects the veins from high stretching;
- stimulates the narrowing of the lumen, normalizes the functioning of the valves, reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- compression (compression) ensures the physiological distribution of blood pressure in the venous bed;
- creates an obstacle to fluid retention, which reduces swelling and eliminates muscle pain.
The principle of operation of anti-varicose stockings is to create uneven pressure on the limb.
Compression is maximum in the ankle area and is 100%. Its intensity decreases upward: below the knee - 70%; in the hip area - 40%; at the groin level - 20%.
How to find out your size
The final result of wearing therapeutic underwear depends on how correctly the size is calculated. To obtain the necessary data, a centimeter tape is used, with which the following circumferences are measured:
- hip - measurement point 25 cm above the knee, or 5 cm below the level of the gluteal fold;
- shin - measured in the widest zone of the calf muscle;
- ankle - a centimeter above the bone (the smallest size is at the bottom of the shin).
The resulting numbers are a guide when choosing a size. You can also use the size chart for a standard body type.
Size | 1(S) | 3M) | 2(L) | 4(XL) |
Ankle circumference, cm | 19-22 | 22-25 | 25-28 | 29-32 |
Shin circumference, cm. | 29-37 | 34-42 | 38-46 | 41-51 |
Thigh circumference, cm | 44-52 | 50-58 | 56-64 | 60-72 |
It is important not only to take accurate measurements, but also to choose the right size. If it cannot be determined, consult a doctor. For people with a non-standard physique, determining size is even more difficult. You’ll have to forget about saving on yourself - the more expensive the brand, the more products in different sizes there are in the range and it’s easier to choose the best option.
When to use an elastic bandage
Elastic bandages are a type of product with compression properties. Unlike varicose stockings, they are a stretchable woven tape made of cotton, latex, and polyester fibers.
Bandaging is used for injuries, venous pathologies, after operations, and during childbirth. This affects soft tissues and fixes damaged joints.
The main disadvantage of the bandage is that in order to eliminate the ERV, it is necessary to create a dosed, specially distributed compressive load over the surface, and bandaging does not perform this function.
The doctor will apply the bandage correctly, but when walking it may move and the compression will be impaired.
When fighting varicose veins, it is better to use compression stockings. It is advisable to bandage in case of dislocations and the need to apply a bandage.
Stocking manufacturing companies and patient reviews
What are the best compression stockings for varicose veins:
- Medi is a German manufacturer. The high cost is justified by the excellent quality of the product. Many different styles, long-term compression, durability - these are the advantages of Medi Corporation products.
- Venoteks - the company is famous for its sports line for the prevention of disease in athletes. Stockings are of good quality, durable and beautifully designed.
- Ergoforma is an Italian manufacturer. The main advantage of this brand is reasonable cost and excellent quality. You can choose a product “according to your wallet” without compromising its medicinal properties.
- Relaxan is a brand of compression garments from Italy. In the price segment, this manufacturer has no equal; you can select stockings based on personal preferences and medical indications. However, there is a significant drawback - the compression properties last no more than a month.
- Intex is a Russian brand with a huge selection of compression stockings. In comparison with imported manufacturers, Intex's products are not inferior in quality, but their price is several times lower. In addition, they can be worn throughout the year without compromising their compression properties.
- Sigvaris is a Swiss manufacturer. A brand with fairly high prices, but also excellent quality. Wear resistance and preservation of compression properties are possible throughout the year.
- Valento is an Italian brand. The main and very important difference from all famous corporations is the use of natural flax fibers in production. In addition to compression properties, the stockings also provide a massage effect at an affordable price.
- Ofa Bamberg is the only brand that produces stockings with lace inserts. The German company uses natural and artificial ingredients when creating products.
- Orto is a Spanish brand with very high demand. According to customer reviews, the compression effect is more pronounced than in other brands.
Reviews about each brand are mostly positive. The only main negative point is the cost of the stockings. Patients note good air circulation in each product, since they have to wear compression stockings for a long time.
Many customers praise and thank the employees of orthopedic salons, since choosing the right compression stockings is the most important step in the treatment of varicose veins.
Some buyers complain that the silicone rubber begins to slide down the leg or become curled in the summer. In this case, the problem is not in the product itself, but in the incorrectly selected size. When purchasing, it is very important to take into account all the measurements taken in order to anticipate such incidents in advance.
Contraindications
Anti-varicose clothing is contraindicated to be worn by patients with a disease aggravated by the following conditions:
- phlebitis complicated by sepsis;
- polyneuropathy, including those arising as a consequence of diabetes mellitus;
- the presence of trophic ulcers of non-venous origin;
- heart failure;
- diseases of peripheral arteries leading to their narrowing;
- allergic reactions.
Compression products are not prescribed to children or bedridden patients.
Compression clothing is contraindicated for bedridden patients.
Absolute contraindications for medical textiles include heart attack, stroke, and hypotension. Limiting factors are infections (necrosis, abscess, erysipelas), trauma, fractures, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, bedsores, skin changes of unknown origin.
Anti-varicose clothing can worsen the situation due to squeezing and mechanical friction. They begin to wear it after the integrity of the skin has been restored.
Compression clothing - what is it?
Compression clothing is a very elastic garment that, due to its special structure, tightly fits individual parts of the body, providing compression and support. This effect on the body significantly reduces stress and improves blood circulation.
The following types of compression clothing are available:
- for feet and legs - socks, knee socks, stockings, monostockings;
- for legs and waist - tights, leggings, tights;
- for areas from hip to waist - breeches, shorts;
- for hands - sleeves, gloves;
- for the face – masks.
Foot products – what are they?
Compression hosiery is a medical knitwear that is used for the prevention and treatment of various trophic disorders and pathologies of venous circulation - thanks to compression, the diameter of the veins decreases, which accelerates venous blood flow and increases the efficiency of vein valves. As a result, blood pressure increases, due to which blood flows to the heart, and the amount of “stagnant” blood in the legs decreases.
The use of compression garments for the legs helps prevent deep vein thrombosis, reduce swelling, reduce heaviness and pain in the legs, including during travel.
It is also often worn by athletes during training in order to reduce muscle clogging and speed up the recovery process after exercise.
Model types:
- preventive - doctors recommend them to prevent the development of vein diseases for representatives of those professions who are forced to stand on their feet or in a sitting position for a long time. Prophylactic knitwear, which comes in different colors and styles, can also be used during pregnancy;
- medicinal - the need for their use is determined by a phlebologist who prescribes medicinal knitwear in case of detection of severe pathologies;
- hospital - recommended for use during childbirth or surgery to prevent the development of thrombosis. Most often they are white with an open toe to monitor blood circulation in the limb during surgery;
- anti-ulcer - prescribed for the treatment of trophic ulcers.
Next, we will consider the main selection criteria in order to determine which stockings are better.
Classification
Underwear made from compressive elastic fabric is available for women and men. According to purpose, it is divided into types:
- Preventive. It is worn constantly to prevent the development of defects.
- Medicinal. To achieve the result, tights are produced with different degrees of compression.
- Hospital. Used during operations, childbirth, as well as in the pre- and postoperative periods.
Based on the magnitude of the compressive force, textile medical products are divided into five classes.
Compression textile classes
The pressure created by stockings for varicose veins is usually indicated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Categories according to the degree of compression are shown in the table.
Category | Pressure, mm Hg | Purpose | |
Preventive effect | 10-15 | VRV warning. | |
Therapeutic effect | I | 18-22 | tights for varicose veins are used in the initial stages of symptoms; |
II | 23-32 | the presence of pronounced signs of the disease; | |
III | 33-46 | manifestations of severe pathological forms. | |
Super strong effect | more than 46 | elephantiasis, lymphedema. |
Compression clothing made from high quality materials
Hosiery for medicine is made from high-quality cotton, nylon, elastane using circular or flat knitting technologies.
Compression stockings after surgery
Hospital knitwear is indispensable after surgery. Good compression garments during the postoperative period of treatment of varicose veins can eliminate a number of possible complications. Wearing hospital underwear reduces the risk of congestion and deep vein thrombosis.
!
The optimal compression pressure for this type of underwear is 15-18 mmHg.
The compression of the recovery garment is designed taking into account that the patient will be in a horizontal position. Therefore, this type of underwear is not suitable as everyday compression hosiery.
Postoperative compression garments can be selected for any part of the body. The following types of linen can be distinguished:
- knee socks, tights;
- spine corsets;
- bandages.
A distinctive feature of postoperative compression garments is that they must be worn (without removal) for the first few days. Therefore, hospital linen must be highly elastic, seamless, hypoallergenic and provide an antimicrobial effect.
Women's compression garments
Basically, women's hospital compression underwear is usually understood as cosmetic knitwear. It is used after plastic surgery, significantly facilitating and shortening the rehabilitation period. The most common type of such underwear is a compression bra after mammoplasty (Mammoplastica). During the rehabilitation period after surgery to correct the shape of the breast, it is important to wear fixing compression garments that:
- prevents scar formation;
- will help relieve postoperative swelling;
- reduce pain;
- will relieve the feeling of heaviness in the operated area.
The required compression class of the bodice is adjusted with fasteners. Sometimes, along with a compression bra, an additional compression belt is used to create postoperative underwear maximum compression on the necessary areas of the body.
The doctor determines how to choose and how long to wear compression garments for women. Wearing the wrong underwear can harm your body.
How to choose
For varicose veins, the purpose of wearing compression tights will be achieved if they are suitable for the patient in size and purpose.
In order to choose a product wisely, they are based on the following criteria:
- Purpose (prevention, treatment or during surgery).
- Height, typ.
- The degree of compression (determined by a phlebologist).
- Size. The manufacturer provides a size chart on the packaging. To select it, you need to measure the circumference of the lower leg, calf, thighs, under the kneecap, under the buttocks.
Branded manufacturers use the most modern technologies and high-quality raw materials. Such products have certificates of conformity. It looks attractive and is visually no different from ordinary products. The rankings of the best manufacturing companies include:
- Tonus Elast
- Relaxsan
- Tiana
What is compression knitwear and how is it different from regular knitwear?
Compression hosiery is a type of therapeutic underwear made using a special technology for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with varicose veins and some types of lymphedema. In addition to those who are already sick, the doctor can also recommend such products to people who are at risk - those who have undergone certain operations, pregnant women, those who are overweight, etc.
Externally, compression hosiery may be no different from the usual stockings, tights and golf. Some models have openwork elastic and a wide range of colors. The main difference is the effect on the body - well-chosen medical underwear has the following effects:
- help reduce the diameter of deep and superficial veins;
- increase blood flow speed;
- ensure proper outflow of venous blood.
The product is created in such a way that the greatest compression is on the ankle, and the least on the upper thigh. This pressure distribution allows you to set the blood flow in the desired direction, and returns the liquid part of the blood from the edematous tissues back into the blood vessel. As a result, already in the first days of use, a person notices a decrease in swelling, the disappearance of the feeling of pain and heaviness in the legs. True, such an effect is possible only with the right choice.
Ordinary stockings and tights, even thick ones (from 100 den and above) or with a tightening effect, do not give a similar result. The pressure of the material is insignificant and is distributed incorrectly over the surface of the leg, so we cannot even talk about a preventive effect.
How to wear
Anti-varicose textiles will only be beneficial if they are worn following the rules:
- Tights are pulled on in the morning without getting out of bed. Sometimes it is advised to move a little after waking up to restore blood circulation, then lie down for 15-20 minutes.
- The skin is cleansed.
- To prevent the formation of snags, nails should be cut short, and calluses and corns should be treated with a nail file.
- To prevent damage to the material, remove jewelry (rings, bracelets) from your hands and put on latex gloves.
Pulling up tights can be problematic due to the fact that they have a dense elastic structure. People with long experience do this manually. Specific devices make it easier to put on.
Special device for putting on underwear
Correct use allows you to extend the service life to 6-10 months.
Manually
The tights are put on manually in the following sequence:
- Turn the golf inside out, slowly assemble it from the toe to the hand, forming a cuff at the heel of the product.
- Lie down, slightly raise your legs.
- Having fixed the toe and heel on the leg, begin to pull the golf up. You need to make sure that it does not twist, straighten the folds in the area of the lower leg and thighs.
- To pull above the knee, slightly raise the body.
Properly worn knitwear distributes the load from the pelvis to the ankles and ensures normal blood supply.
With special equipment
The following aids make it easy to put on tights or tights made of elastic fabric:
- Spray for sliding - it is applied to the back surface. The product protects against spoilage, helps reduce swelling, and improve blood circulation.
- Soft rubber cuff with tapered riser - provides a smooth golf swing without applying significant effort.
- Butler - makes it easier for those who find it difficult to bend over.
Butler is a metal or plastic structure in the form of arcs, attached to a durable base.
Algorithm of actions:
- Pull the stocking over the arches so that the heel is directed towards the person.
- Install the device on the floor.
- Insert the foot into the stocking up to the toe.
- Slowly lift the device by the handles to knee level or slightly higher, then lower them. Next, pull with your fingers.
It is better to wear compression hosiery with gloves.
To avoid damaging the material, do not jerk.
The use of rubber gloves will further reduce the likelihood of damage to the product.
How to wear
This illustration will help you roughly evaluate the rules for putting on underwear:
Some rules must be followed:
- Any type of product is put on immediately after sleep, without getting out of bed;
- This should be done carefully and slowly;
- Having previously assembled the upper part into an accordion, you need to insert your palms into the “sock” and carefully pull it onto your foot;
- Gradually straightening the product, you should put it on completely;
- The tights are put on while lying down, for which the pelvis is raised as it approaches the belt.
There are also special devices designed to help those who have difficulty putting on underwear for varicose veins.
And in conclusion, we suggest watching a video about this treatment method:
Medical knitwear is not capable of eliminating the manifestations of varicose veins alone : complex therapy is required. By paying attention to all aspects of treatment, you will achieve the desired result.
Can I wear compression garments all the time?
According to the protocols, in case of varicose veins, the duration of wearing compression stockings is determined by a phlebologist, depending on the severity of the violation. This usually lasts 6 months.
If the condition improves, the doctor will recommend switching to products with less compression. For exacerbations (for example, thrombophlebitis), the duration of therapy is increased with a gradual decrease in the level of compression.
To obtain results, anti-varicose tights are worn daily for at least six months. They only wear them during the day and take them off at night. Otherwise, the product causes discomfort, disrupts blood flow, and harms proper rest. In emergency conditions, round-the-clock wearing of hospital types is prescribed, but for no more than 3 days.
Average prices
The comparison is shown in this table:
Manufacturer's brand | View | Cost (depending on series and compression class) |
Medi |
|
|
Intex |
|
|
Relaxsan |
|
|
Venoteks |
|
|
Luomma Idealista |
|
|
Orto |
|
|
Compression hosiery from Orto, Relaxsan and Luomma Idealista is relatively inexpensive, but is inferior in strength and durability to products from Venoteks and Medi. It may be better to buy not something that is cheaper, but something that will last longer.
High-quality and properly selected compression products will help improve the patient’s condition, but are not a panacea in the treatment of varicose veins. To obtain a long-lasting and lasting effect, it should be worn in combination with drug therapy and a healthy lifestyle.
Author of the article: Yulia Dmitrieva (Sych) - In 2014, she graduated with honors from Saratov State Medical University named after V. I. Razumovsky. Currently working as a cardiologist at the 8th City Clinical Hospital in the 1st clinic.
Possible complications
Highly elastic fiber items may be harmful to some patients.
Complications are possible in the following cases:
- If a higher compressive force is prescribed than required. Then the canvas significantly affects the compression of the limbs.
- When disorders progress rapidly. In order not to speed up the process, it is necessary to adjust the compression in time.
- With chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine abnormalities, the patient’s well-being is likely to worsen. To prevent the development of disorders, mandatory consultation with a specialist is necessary.
- In pathological conditions during pregnancy, wearing anti-varicose tights is associated with risk. The decision about this need is made by the phlebologist and the doctor observing the pregnancy.
In some situations, a comprehensive clarifying examination by specialized specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, and dermatology is required.
Tips for choosing
- The effect of use is possible only if the product meets quality standards. The quality of the material plays a big role - fabrics such as cotton, lycra, nylon, microfiber should be used to make linen.
- It is important to pay attention to the product labeling. The best products have special designations with all the necessary data - who the manufacturer is, what materials were used, what category the underwear belongs to, its size and care requirements;
- Compression stockings are available for both women and men. But at the same time, there is no fundamental difference between them - women's models can be worn by men, and men's models can be worn by women. It’s just that when producing women’s products, more attention is paid to design, because they involve open wearing. There are also unisex models.
Where can I buy?
Compression products are a specific product, and therefore they should be purchased exclusively in specialized stores, so as not to buy a low-quality product, which not only will not be effective, but can also cause harm.
You can also order knitwear online in an online store, but before doing this you should make sure that the distributor has all quality certificates.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Thanks to compression, the stockings provide support to the walls of the veins;
- Prevents the development of varicose veins and other vascular diseases;
- Hypoallergenic, and therefore the products can be worn by allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin;
- Helps reduce pain, swelling and fatigue after a long working day;
- Durable when used correctly due to special production technology;
- Have an antibacterial effect;
- Can be worn even in summer, as the material is highly breathable;
- They have an attractive appearance and modern design.
Flaws:
- High price;
- Medical contraindications - cannot be worn if you have atherosclerosis, diseases of the lower extremities, Buerger's disease, diabetes mellitus, as well as if there are open wounds on the legs, inflammation of the veins, infectious pathologies, heart failure;
- Models of classes 2, 3 and 4 must be prescribed by a doctor.
Main characteristics
Number | Characteristics | Recommendations |
1 | Manufacturer | The best manufacturers of therapeutic knitwear are Medi Bayreuth, Sigvaris, Bauerfeind, Ofa Bamberg, Intex. Popular models are produced by Ergoforma 221, MEDI THROMBEXIN 18, JUZO Soft, Tonus Elast. |
2 | Material | Ideally, underwear should be made from natural fabrics. However, most of the products on the market are based on synthetics - polyamide and elastane. Some models are complemented with microfiber and lycra. |
3 | Size | Size charts from different manufacturers most often differ, and therefore, every time you buy, you need to check your sizes with those indicated on the packaging. Also, to avoid mistakes, you can use the help of a specialist. |
4 | Color | The color of the stockings must be selected in accordance with the characteristics of use and the method of wearing. |
5 | Special devices | Used to facilitate the process of putting on a compression product without the risk of damaging it. |
6 | Features of care | In order for the knitwear to last as long as possible and at the same time retain its medicinal qualities, it is important to follow the recommendations for caring for the product, which are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Of these, the main tips boil down to the following: you need to wash your clothes every two to three days, using soft products and preferably by hand. |
7 | What is the price | The price of compression products varies depending on the category, period of wear and manufacturer. On average, stockings cost from 3,000 to 5,000 thousand rubles. |
What are the benefits for athletes?
Vascular disease is not a ban on sports. Clothing with specific characteristics minimizes the risk of harm from physical exercise.
Compression clothing for athletes
The benefits of using compression equipment by athletes are due to:
- prevention of injuries during exercise with varicose veins: compression knitwear weakens the impact on muscles and ligaments, protects them from damage;
- normalization of blood circulation due to improved blood flow and, as a result, weakening of overloads of the heart muscle, rapid removal of lactic acid, increased endurance;
- improved body streamlining due to the elimination of air resistance;
- protection from cold and wind.
Exercises for varicose veins are not performed without compression garments, which help reduce muscle fatigue and quickly restore the body.
Classification and types of linen
Anti-varicose jersey is available in seven types:
Name | Description | In what cases should it be used? |
Socks | Cover the leg up to the ankle | To improve blood circulation in the ankle area |
Knee socks | Completely hides the leg up to the knee | If blood flow in the legs is impaired, there are models with zippers |
Gaiters | Same knee socks, but without a foot | For varicose veins of the leg |
Stockings | Ends at the hips | To prevent blood stagnation in the veins of the lower extremities, a good option for summer |
Tights (shorts) | Start from the foot and end at the waist | For varicose veins of the inguinal veins, congestion in the pelvis, hemorrhoids |
Sleeves | Worn on the upper limbs from wrist to shoulder | To eliminate postoperative lymphostasis, hand injuries, arthritis |
Knee pads | Cover the knee and the areas above and below it | In the initial stages of varicose veins in the area |
Bandages | Can be applied to any problem area | Mainly used at home |
You need to choose underwear so that it ends 1-2 cm above the affected area.
Compression knitwear is used to treat existing problems with venous blood flow, as a preventive measure for physical inactivity, genetic predisposition, during pregnancy and the postpartum period, after surgical interventions, for sports and fitness (both male and female).
Before choosing anti-varicose compression garments, you should definitely consult your doctor.
Acceptable types of physical activity
People suffering from varicose veins are allowed to engage in certain sports:
- Dancing (Latin American, ballroom). A combination of rhythmic movements and gymnastics can improve blood circulation.
- Yoga. Taking the “plow” and “birch tree” poses helps reduce swelling.
- Swimming, water aerobics. Exercising in water does not put stress on the lower body.
- Race walking (Nordic or track). Outdoor activity at the right pace (up to 10 km/h) does not lead to unnecessary overload.
- Fitness. The trainer's control reduces the danger.
- Jogging or running on a treadmill. Exercises without load at a moderate pace activate the processes of hematopoiesis and blood supply.
Moderate physical activity without weights reduces the likelihood of stagnation and prevents the transition of valvular insufficiency to varicose veins.