Compression garments for varicose veins: which is better? How to choose and wear compression garments. Compression stockings during pregnancy

The result of using compression products is reflected in:

• reducing the load on the legs;
• reduction and discomfort in general;
• in general support of the whole body during pregnancy at any stage;
• in solving problems of the musculoskeletal system;
• in increasing the performance of sports activities.

Medical knitwear can be used not only for those actively involved in sports or those who work mainly on their feet: doctors advise people who lead a sedentary lifestyle to pay attention to such products.

The key to long service is proper operation.

With proper use, medical underwear can correctly perform its functions for 6 or more months. Since the fabric is quite dense, it is quite difficult to put on compression products: experienced users can do this only with their hands, but it is better to put on underwear with a high degree of compression using special devices.

When putting on knitwear with bare hands, you should adhere to the following rules:

• underwear is put on immediately after waking up, but if you need to put on therapeutic knitwear later during the day, you should first lie down and give your legs a rest;
• nails must be cut and filed; the best option is to put on latex gloves;
• the surfaces of corns and calluses on the feet should also be sanded to avoid snags;
• Before putting on, straighten the underwear, turn it inside out to the toe and carefully collect it in your hand;
• you need to pull the product onto your foot from the toe, without twisting, gradually putting it on your foot;
• on the hips and put on while lying down, lifting the body as necessary.

How to put on compression tights without using improvised means:

Using a spray will make the process easier

It is easiest to put on first class compression underwear, but even with its use there is some inconvenience when putting on and wearing it.

Special sprays like Eliva Slide Effect Spray will help make dressing easier and make wearing knitwear more enjoyable.

Applied to the underside of the underwear, the aerosol promotes better sliding of products when dressing, and also softens and moisturizes the skin while wearing and reduces swelling. In pharmacies the price of these products is about 500 rubles per bottle.

What are butlers - their varieties

To facilitate the process of putting on and removing compression products, especially for elderly or overweight people, as well as bedridden patients and pregnant women, it is recommended to use butlers.

Butler is a special device for dressing, which allows you to pull the product onto your leg or arm without squeezing it with elastic bands, without effort, folds and stretches of the material.

The device is convenient to use for people who cannot bend over on their own. The main manufacturer is a German company, as well as Swedish and Russian manufacturers, which produce devices of several modifications.

Design and operating principle

In principle, all butler models are a system of arcs on a stable base. The “home butler” is made of metal (some models are made of plastic), carefully cleaned and coated with paint.

For convenience, compression garments can be put on the butler on the table, taking into account that the calves will be facing the arched part of the device.

Therefore, the heel should also be facing the same direction. A medical product is placed on the arches that imitate the leg, creating a safe stretch in the zone of maximum compression. In this case, the toe and heel hang freely, and the main part of the product is turned inside out, forming a kind of tunnel.

Having collected the entire product on the arc, you should evenly distribute it in small folds. At this stage, the butler, if it was “charging” on the table, must be placed firmly on the floor, then insert the foot and straighten the toe.

To put on underwear, you need to place your foot on the floor and smoothly pull the handles up to a sufficient height (the elastic should be slightly higher than the affected vein).

If they are worn, then the butler helps to put them on to the knees or a little higher. Then the device is removed to the side and further putting on is continued by hand.

The elastic band of tights and stockings should be carefully straightened across the width so that it does not roll down. Models of compression underwear without a toe should be worn with a special sock, which is included with such knitwear. After putting on stockings or knee socks, the sock is carefully pulled off the fingers.

You can learn how to properly put on compression stockings without assistance using the Medi Butler Big from the video:

Cost of devices

Prices depend on the manufacturer and the specific butler model:

1. Standard product recommended as an auxiliary accessory for putting on any type of underwear: golf, stockings or tights. Its price, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from 1200 rubles to 3000 rubles.
2. Big– for dressing items of large sizes. A distinctive design element is the longer handles. In pharmacies the price for such an accessory is about 5,050 rubles.
3. Long– the long handles of this accessory allow you to put on underwear (up to size 4) without bending over. A modification of this type of Butler Vario device is distinguished by the ability to adjust the length of the handles. The cost reaches 4800 rubles.
4. Short and APM– used for dressing and. Depending on the model, the price can range from 3,000 to 5,350 rubles. for overweight people.
5. Travel– the folding model is very convenient for traveling and easily folds into a handbag. The cost of the set reaches 8300 rubles.
6. Special device for tights– very convenient for putting on compression tights on two legs at once. Sufficiently long handles allow you to put on knitwear without bending over while standing. The cost of the device is about 7,000 rubles.
7. Hospital– the collapsible design of the product makes it easier for bedridden patients to put on underwear. It is used in a hospital setting and is convenient for serving bedridden or postoperative patients. The cost of a butler of this model ranges from 1875 to 7000 rubles.
8. For people with limited mobility Various modifications of butlers are produced: with a flatter part for a stocking or Reha golf, with adjustable length of Vario handles. Such accessories make it easier for overweight people with limited mobility to put on underwear, both independently and with assistance. The price of these devices is up to 7300 rubles.
9. 2 in 1 accessory is intermediate in the process of putting on knitwear: it is a special stocking that minimizes friction between the skin and the product. Lightweight and compact, this device is suitable for putting on medical underwear of both standard and short length, with or without a toe.

Butler can be an invaluable helper, saving you time and effort every day when putting on compression stockings. Using this useful accessory will extend its service life.

New from Sigvaris

The manufacturer of compression garments and accessories suggests using a special cone made of sliding material to put on knitwear.

The Doff N Donner device can be used for dressing, and (for models with or without a toe).

First, a device is put on the leg, followed by a product without a toe or a sleeve. With smooth movements of the hands (preferably wearing latex gloves), the stocking or golf is put on the leg. You can remove the device through the open toe by simply pulling the fabric.

Products with a toe are put on in the same order, but the device should be prepared according to the instructions: fold it and attach a strap to special Velcro, by which the device is then pulled out of the stocking or golf.

Doff N Donner can also be used to remove therapeutic knitwear. The cost of accessories varies: with an open cape, 1,802 rubles, with a closed cape, 2,652 rubles.

Briefly about the main thing - why is all this needed?

Treatment on the legs using bandages and pressure bandages goes back many decades. Until relatively recently, only

Therapeutic underwear is made using seamless technology using lycra, microfiber, cotton and nylon from a special compression thread and is practically indistinguishable in appearance from analogues of ordinary items of clothing.

About classes

Doctors, according to the purpose and degree of compression, classify underwear into hospital (used after operations), preventive (pressure up to 18 mm Hg) and therapeutic (from 18 to 60 mm Hg), which in turn is divided into four classes:

• I class– it is recommended for the appearance of spider veins and, during pregnancy, during As with any product, such products have a number of contraindications:
  • allergy to the material;
  • the presence of certain diseases (for example, atherosclerosis);
  • frequent irritation, dermatitis or eczema;
  • cardiopulmonary failure, septic phlebitis, diabetes mellitus.

Surgery is extremely stressful for the body. Surgery is always followed by a long recovery period, which includes medication and physical therapy, bed rest and the use of anti-embolic garments. The latter is a mandatory preventive measure for blockage of arteries with blood clots and the formation of thrombosis in the cardiovascular circulatory system of the human body. Find out how and how much to wear after surgery, what their effect is, and how to choose the right post-operative underwear in the article.

Purpose of compression stockings

Anti-embolic stockings are a type of hospital compression stockings that are used after operations involving intervention in the functioning of internal organs, the functioning of the lower extremities, musculoskeletal joints, as well as during childbirth and caesarean section.

The main task of anti-embolic garments is to protect blood vessels and veins from the formation of blood clots in them. Without timely treatment of the latter, as a result of disruption of the nutritional processes of tissues and organs, tissue necrosis may develop.

Classification of compression stockings

Answer to the question: “How long should I wear compression stockings after surgery?” - hidden in existing “classes” of anti-embolic garments. Thus, the purpose of use predetermines the division of the latter into four classes:

I degree of compression. This type of underwear is often called daily: it is acceptable to wear stockings on a daily basis in the initial stages of the development of venous diseases, during pregnancy, swelling or a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, and used for recovery after surgical operations.

II degree of compression is intended for expectant mothers suffering from stage 2 varicose veins or who have experienced severe injuries to the lower extremities. Prescribed during the postoperative recovery period.

The use of compression class III anti-embolic garments is recommended for patients who want to prevent the formation of blood clots and speed up the healing process of ulcers.

Antithrombosis knitwear of IV degree of compression is used after major operations, when the patient faces a long period of bed rest. Doctors often prescribe this class of stockings to patients with severe varicose veins and impaired lymphatic drainage.

Regardless of the type of compression stockings, consultation with your doctor is recommended: only he can prescribe the optimal therapy, determining how many days to wear compression stockings after surgery.

Key Benefits of Wearing Compression StockingsOK- this is the outflow of blood from the veins, getting rid of edema and preventing the formation of blood clots. An increase in blood viscosity and its loss in large quantities, a decrease in pressure are symptoms observed during and after surgical operations, as well as characteristic of a number of diseases.

Thus, wearing anti-embolic underwear is prescribed for patients with diseases such as, for example, varicose veins, disorders of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and blood clotting pathologies. Using compression stockingsOKRecommended for pregnant women, as well as elderly people.

How long should you wear compression stockings after surgery?

TOAs noted above, compression hosiery can be divided into four categories, depending on the degree of pressure it exerts on an area of ​​the body. In addition, there are 3 types of anti-embolic underwear, which are prescribed by the doctor according to the disease developing in the patient. Thus, the deadline, determined by a medical professional.

Time to wear compression garments

The use of hospital linens is common among patients suffering from serious injuries and illnesses that require them to remain in bed. This type of chulOKshould be used in an exclusively horizontal position.How long to wear compression stockings after surgery? Of course, you should obey the instructions of your doctor. Removing hospital stockingsOKshould occur at least 24 hours after surgery. If surgical intervention on the veins has occurred, the period of wearing underwear should last at least 3 days.

It is recommended to wear therapeutic knitwear several days after the operation, when the patient will be able to perform physical activities such as getting up from a lying position, sitting, and walking. Its compression effect is designed for people with low physical activity. At the same time, clear deadlineshow long to wear compression stockings after surgery, no: in this matter you should focus on factors such as:

degree of complexity and type of operation;

the health status of the patient who underwent surgery;

human lifestyle;

presence of chronic diseases;

age.

Prophylactic knitwear (first degree of compression) is extremely rarely used in postoperative recovery. Much more often such stockings are worn for preventive purposes.

During laparoscopic operations, the duration of wearing compression hosiery is on average from 1 to 4 weeks. How long to wear compression stockings after abdominal surgery? From 1 to 2 months.It should be noted that patients who have undergone sclerotomy orphlebectomy, timing of wearing anti-embolic underwearnecessaryextend to four months or six months.

Compression garments and sports

LPeople who prefer but have undergone surgery should definitely use sports compression stockings during physical activity.

How long to wear compression stockings after surgery, if there is a need to exercise at the same time? Answer: at least a year.

How to care for anti-embolic garments

The reliable service of compression stockings largely depends on how carefully the owner treats them. So, despite the fact that the compression effect provided by the stocking can last from 4 to 9 months, improper care of the knitwear can lead to a reduction in the life of the stockings. The product should be washed in warm water exclusively in manual mode. The drying process should be natural: unfolded on the floor. Using heating elements to speed up the proceduredryingunacceptable!

Putting on stockings correctly

Compression stockings have their full effect on the risk area only if the underwear is worn correctly. The procedure for putting on medical knitwear is as follows: in the morning, without getting out of bed or a bed in the hospital, after removing the jewelry on your fingers and toes, gather the stocking into an accordion. Insert your hand into the hole of the product, and then put the stocking on your foot, firmly fixing it in the area of ​​​​the toes and heel. Gradually pull the stocking up to the ankle or thighs, if necessary, stretch the product higher.The procedure for pulling on compression stockings is greatly facilitated by the use of silk socks or gloves.

Also an integral device in the process of putting on underwear among obese patients is the butler, designed to simplify the procedure for placing stockings on the leg.

Doctors recommend wearing underwear made from compression knitwear into everyday life not only for people who have undergone various types of operations; this product will become a real friend for those whose lifestyle is characterized by such features as wearing high heels, spending most of the day in a sitting position, serious load on the lower limbs. By the way, compression underwear is rightfully considered a universal preventive measure for varicose veins, swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs among representatives of not only women, but men. Health has no gender boundaries!

People who are forced to use compression stockings due to health conditions speak positively about knitted products that help improve blood circulation: they note that the beneficial effect of stockings on health occurs during the first days of wearing. Comfort, slimness and endurance of the legs - this is what hosiery made from compression hosiery gives to those who use this type of therapeutic underwear.

The main thing is to give preference to products made from natural fabrics in your choice, choose an option with the optimal pressure category and the required size (it is recommended to resolve this issue in consultation with your doctor) and follow the rules for wearing anti-embolic underwear.

The use of compression stockings is one of the conservative methods of treating varicose veins and other vein lesions. The products provide a compressive effect to maintain the normal position of blood vessels and restore blood flow to the affected area of ​​the lower extremities.

Efficacy and indications for wearing compression stockings

How do compression stockings work? Regular wearing of therapeutic knitwear ensures the achievement of the following therapeutic effects:

• Constant pressure on the surface of the lower extremities;
• Protection of venous walls from excessive expansion under the influence of excess blood;
• Restoration of optimal blood circulation and lymphatic drainage;
• Improving the process of supplying tissues with oxygen and nutrients;
• Prevention of thrombosis, varicose veins and other abnormalities that occur during physical overload, during pregnancy, or due to unfavorable heredity.

• Diseases of the vascular system of the legs were diagnosed;
• Regular physical overload;
• Increased pain and heaviness in the legs during pregnancy;
• Tendency to orthostatic edema;
• Deep vein thrombosis, typical for bedridden patients;
• Varicose veins and “stars” appear.

How compression stockings work

The products affect the lower limbs with varying degrees of pressure. Maximum compression occurs in the ankle area (100%). This area requires the greatest pressure, since significant force is required to lift the blood upward.

How do compression stockings work? In the lower leg area, the degree of compression of the jersey is reduced to 70%, and on the hips - to 40%. These indicators are considered optimal for ensuring the effect of compressing the venous walls and pushing out stagnant blood.

The effect of underwear is reminiscent of the effects of sports training. As a result of active muscle movements, normal blood circulation and lymphatic drainage are restored.

How to put on compression stockings

Compression stockings can be put on manually or using special devices. It is recommended to wear specialized underwear while lying down, immediately after waking up.

Before pulling on tights, make sure that there are no rings or other sharp decorations on your fingers that could disrupt the integrity of the medical knitwear. The most convenient option is to use rubber gloves. You need to carefully hold the product, avoiding excessive stretching and twisting. Excessive force can cause stretching and damage to the integrity of the compression garment.

The upper part of the stockings is gathered into an accordion. Then the leg is inserted inside the tights. The product is carefully stretched and straightened. It is necessary to put knitwear on your hips while lying down. To do this, the patient slightly raises his torso.

How to wear compression stockings correctly

If you have varicose veins, you need to wear compression stockings at all times. In the case of using knitwear for preventive purposes, it is enough to use the underwear for 6 months. After this, the patient can undergo a re-examination and receive doctor’s recommendations for further preventive therapy.

It is important to wear compression stockings correctly and use the correct compression class. It is recommended to be examined by a doctor every six months and, if necessary, prescribe products with a more pronounced pressure effect to the patient.

It is important to follow the rules of wearing; in winter, you should wear warm tights on top of your stockings. This will help avoid hypothermia. If a patient wears compression hosiery over regular tights, its therapeutic effect is reduced.

Contraindications for wearing compression stockings

• Atherosclerosis. Chronic arterial damage due to impaired lipid and protein metabolism.
• Aortoarteritis. Inflammatory disease of the arteries.
• Endarteritis. Chronic vascular pathology, leading to narrowing and complete closure of the vascular lumens.

The use of therapeutic underwear is possible only after consultation with a specialist if the patient has skin pathologies (dermatitis, eczema), thrombophlebitis with inflammation of the venous wall, complicated diabetes mellitus, cardiopulmonary failure, severe coronary heart disease.

Employees of the specialized network of orthopedic salons ORTEKA help clients choose the right products from compression hosiery. The company's specialists advise customers regarding compression classes, indications and contraindications for wearing products.

Compression hosiery (stockings, tights) is used to prevent varicose veins, as well as as an auxiliary therapy. Is it harmful to wear compression stockings? How long should they be used? Recommendations for the selection and use of compression hosiery, contraindications for the use of medical products are given below.

How long should you wear compression stockings: nuances of choosing therapeutic underwear

How to wear compression stockings correctly

Wearing compression hosiery prevents varicose veins and the appearance of veins. Stockings and tights support the normal functioning of blood vessels and the tone of the skin of the legs. The use of medical products eliminates pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins.

Compression stockings can be used independently as a preventive measure, but only after consultation with a doctor. Knitted products are selected individually, taking into account the length of the foot and the entire leg, the volume of the thigh and lower leg.

Wearing compression tights or stockings is prescribed for the following conditions and diseases:

· pregnancy;

· varicose veins;

· swelling;

· overweight.

According to the degree of pressure, compression knitwear is divided into 4 classes:

The first class (18−21 mmHg) is used as a prophylactic against venous diseases;

The second (22−32 mm Hg) - at the first manifestations of thrombophlebitis, varicose veins;

The third (33−46 mm Hg. Art.) and fourth (from 47 mm Hg. Art.) classes are used in the complex treatment of severe diseases.

How long you need to wear compression stockings is determined by a phlebologist. The minimum period for using knitwear is 3 months. If varicose veins are detected, constant wearing of compression stockings may be required.

The products are put on after waking up, in a relaxed position, like regular stockings or tights. You need to wear them throughout the day, take them off only before going to bed or resting. When wearing compression garments, it is allowed to wear shoes with heels no higher than five centimeters. Otherwise, the course of the disease may worsen.

To date, manufacturers of medical devices have invented a large number of different compression hosiery. Such products are knee socks, thigh-high and buttock-length stockings, tights and simply compression bandages.

These devices have gained wide popularity among patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency and, probably, every vascular surgeon prescribes them for different indications. The stockings are easy to use. Often they are indistinguishable from ordinary tights. But are these products really that safe? Is it harmful to wear compression stockings? It’s worth finding out.

Compression knitwear consists of a fabric base, most often of synthetic origin (for example, polyamide) and elastic fibers (elastane). Manufacturers have invented different types of thread weaving and component ratios, which is why they managed to achieve varying degrees of compression on the lower extremities.

Stockings can be prescribed for preventive or therapeutic purposes for varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, pregnancy, surgical interventions and after thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities.

Types of compression stockings

All companies produce men's and women's underwear. The latter can be complemented with lace or pattern. You can also choose according to the patient’s skin color type. Manufacturers also take into account the fact that people have different heights and weights. There are five sizes of stockings for this purpose.

To determine it, you need to change several parameters: the circumference of the lower leg in the place where its largest diameter is, the circumference of the thigh in its middle third, the length from the beginning of the lower leg to the knees and the distance from the heel to the groin area. Next, according to special tables, the size of the required stockings is determined (XS, S, M, L, LX, XL).

But the main classification is the division according to the degree of compression that the underwear exerts on the lower limb.

There are several classes of compression garments:

1. Preventive - pressure on the limb up to 18 mm Hg. Art. They are used primarily to prevent the development of varicose veins in a group of people who are predisposed to it. These are overweight patients, pregnant women or people whose work involves excessive stress on their legs.
2. The first compression class is compression at the level of 19-22 mm Hg. Art. Used in the initial stages of varicose veins. They effectively help with tired leg syndrome, swelling, minor dilation of the veins in the lower extremities, and vascular mesh.
3. Second class - pressure is about 23-32 mm Hg. Art. Used only as prescribed by a doctor. Indications are pathological conditions accompanied by chronic venous insufficiency, but provided there are no trophic changes in the skin.
4. Third class - compression is 33-45 mm Hg. Art. To use them, you must obtain a prescription from a doctor, since it is impossible to simply buy these stockings at a pharmacy. Indications for use: severe trophic disorders, lymphostasis, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, postthrombophlebotic syndrome.

The last is the fourth class - compression over 45 mm Hg. Art., are used in rare cases and only in surgical hospitals under the supervision of a physician.

Mechanism of action of products

Varicose veins are a disease that primarily affects the venous vessels of the lower extremities. Occurs when veins are severely stretched due to decreased elasticity of the walls.

In this case, the valves located on the inside of the vessels lose their ability to completely close the lumen, and blood begins to flow in the opposite direction. This, in turn, triggers the process of even greater stretching of the venous wall.

The lower extremities become refilled with blood and varicose veins begin to protrude on the surface of the skin. Gradually, the liquid begins to seep through the vessels and penetrates the surrounding tissue. This is how patients develop swelling.

Thickened blood can form clots inside the vessels or embolize away from the primary site of thrombosis. These conditions have life-threatening consequences. The reasons for the development are:

• hereditary factors;
• pathologies of the circulatory system;
• flat feet;
• curvature of the spine;
• uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels;
• prolonged sitting;
• work standing;
• inactive lifestyle.

To prevent the progression of varicose veins, surgeons prescribe the patient to wear stockings. Through the pressure that the product exerts on the leg, an artificial narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels occurs.

Under the influence of pressure, the functioning of the valve apparatus improves and blood regurgitation does not occur.

Useful properties of compression stockings

The benefits and harms of compression stockings depend, first of all, on whether the doctor prescribed the correct compression class, and also whether the patient adheres to the recommendations for use.

Scientists have conducted studies, and based on them, meta-analyses, which have proven that medical knitwear is effective for chronic venous insufficiency.

Stockings perform a number of useful functions - they narrow the lumen of venous vessels and prevent the development of varicose veins in pregnant women. In addition, they reduce swelling in the lower extremities and improve lymph flow.

Additional compression stockings:

1. prevent the development of infectious diseases on the legs;
2. improve skin trophism;
3. prevent thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
4. reduce the risk of developing pulmonary embolism;
5. eliminate pain and cramps in the legs;
6. prevent the likelihood of the formation of trophic ulcers;
7. improve the course of postoperative periods.

In addition, stockings have an advantage over other types of compression garments. For example, elastic bandages require certain skills to use. They may slip during the day, causing discomfort to the patient. Also, bandages do not always match the style of clothing, especially if the patient needs to work in an office and wear a certain uniform.

Stockings are practically no different from ordinary clothes and are very easy to use.

Harm from compression garments

Of course, medical stockings are a useful product, but even they have their negative sides and can harm the patient. Damage to compression hosiery for varicose veins occurs when used incorrectly.

If the degree of pressure is chosen incorrectly, signs of tissue ischemia may occur on the leg. The patient will experience limb numbness, discomfort, or pain. If the compression is low, the effect of this therapy will not appear. Therefore, before starting to use medical knitwear, you should definitely consult with a vascular surgeon.

The length of stay in stockings depends on the degree of chronic venous insufficiency. For example, at the third stage of varicose veins, it is recommended to wear the product constantly, even while sleeping. The most common complications that arise are: ischemia of the underlying tissues, bedsores at the site of compression due to improper dressing, allergic reactions to the material.

Compression products can cause harm when there are contraindications to their use:

• infectious skin diseases;
• open ;
• individual sensitivity to product materials;
• wounds on the limbs;
• burns;
• presence of diabetic foot;
• obliterating endarteritis;
• cardiovascular failure in the stage of decompensation.

But, more patients respond positively to compression stockings. The result becomes noticeable even on the first day of use.

Also positive is the fact of the moderate cost of the product. The average price of stockings is 1,500 rubles.

Rules for using stockings

A large part of the effect depends on whether the patient wears medical knitwear correctly. They need to be put on in the morning before the patient plans to get out of bed. 10 minutes before this, it is recommended to raise your legs to an elevated position to ensure maximum blood flow. Next, the underwear is gradually put on; you need to make sure that it does not twist or wrinkles form, because in these places there will be additional compression on the skin. Stockings must be worn all day.

In order for the product to serve as long as possible, you should properly care for it. Medical knitwear cannot be washed in a machine, only by hand washing. It is not recommended to use aggressive detergents; only laundry soap is allowed. They need to be dried on a horizontal surface, avoiding excessive heat radiation and direct sunlight. Stockings should be stored folded and straightened.