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

The result of the use of compression products affects:

• reducing the load on the legs;
• reduction, and discomfort in general;
• in the general support of the whole organism during pregnancy at any time;
• in solving problems of the musculoskeletal system;
• in improving the performance of sports activities.

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

A pledge of long service life - correct operation

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

When dressing knitwear with bare hands, the following rules should be followed:

• underwear is put on immediately after waking up, but if it is necessary to put on medical knitwear later during the day, then you should still lie down and give your legs a rest;
• nails should be trimmed and filed; the best option is to wear latex gloves on your hands;
• the surfaces of corns and calluses on the legs should also be sanded to avoid hooks;
• before dressing, straighten the linen, turn it inside out to the toe and carefully collect it in your hand;
• you need to pull the product on the leg from the toe, without twisting, gradually putting it on the leg;
• on the hips and put on in the prone position, lifting the body as needed.

How to wear compression stockings without the use of improvised means:

The use of a spray will facilitate the process

It is easiest to put on underwear of the first class of compression, but even when using it, there is some inconvenience when dressing and wearing.

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

Applied to the wrong side of the linen, the aerosol promotes better glide of products when dressing, and also softens and moisturizes the skin during wear and reduces swelling. In pharmacies, the price of these funds is about 500 rubles per bottle.

What are butlers - their varieties

To facilitate the process of putting on and taking off compression products, especially for the elderly or overweight, as well as for 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 on your leg or arm without pinching it with elastic bands, without effort, folds and stretching of the material.

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

Design and principle of operation

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

For convenience, compression underwear can be worn on the butler on the table, given that the calves will be facing the arcuate part of the device.

Therefore, the heel should also be facing the same direction. A medical product is put on the arcs that imitate the leg, creating a safe stretch in the zone of maximum compression. At the same time, 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, it should be evenly distributed in small folds. At this stage, the butler, if it was “charged” on the table, must be firmly placed on the floor, then insert the foot, straighten the toe.

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

If 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 continues with the hands.

The elastic of tights and stockings should be carefully straightened in 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 stockings, the sock is gently pulled off the fingers.

How to properly put on compression stockings without assistance using the Medi Butler Big butler can be found in the video clip:

Fixture cost

Prices depend on the manufacturer and specific butler model:

1. Standard item recommended as an auxiliary accessory for dressing 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 large items. A distinctive design element is the longer handles. In pharmacies, the price of such an accessory is about 5050 rubles.
3. Long- the long handles of this accessory allow you to put on linen (up to size 4) without bending over. The modification of this type of Butler Vario fixtures 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 be from 3000 to 5350 rubles. for overweight people.
5. Travel– folding model is very convenient when traveling, easily folds into a handbag. The cost of the kit reaches 8300 rubles.
6. Special device for tights- very convenient for putting on compression stockings on two legs at once. Sufficiently long handles allow you to put on jersey without bending over, in a standing position. The cost of the device is about 7000 rubles.
7. Hospital- collapsible design of the product makes it easier for bedridden patients to put on linen. It is used in a hospital setting and is convenient for servicing bedridden or postoperative patients. The cost of a butler of such a model is from 1875 to 7000 rubles.
8. For people with reduced mobility different modifications of butlers are produced: with a flatter part for stocking or Reha golf, with adjustable length of Vario handles. Such accessories facilitate the process of putting on underwear for people with excess weight and limited mobility, both independently and with outside help. The price of these devices is up to 7300 rubles.
9. Accessory 2 in 1 is an intermediate in the process of putting on knitwear: it is a special stocking that minimizes friction between the skin and the product. Light and compact, this device is suitable for dressing medical underwear of both standard and short lengths with or without a toe.

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

New from Sigvaris

The manufacturer of compression underwear and accessories for it suggests using a special cone made of sliding material for putting on knitwear.

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

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

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

Doff N Donner can also be used to remove medical knitwear. The cost of accessories is different: with an open cape 1802 rubles, with a closed cape 2652 rubles.

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

Treatment on the legs with the use of bandages and pressure bandages has many decades. Until relatively recently, only

Medical underwear is made using seamless technology using lycra, microfiber, cotton and nylon from a special compression thread and is almost indistinguishable from analogues of ordinary clothing.

About classes

According to the purpose and degree of compression, physicians classify underwear into hospital (used after operations), prophylactic (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, with Like any remedy, such products have a number of contraindications:
  • material allergy;
  • the presence of certain diseases (for example, atherosclerosis);
  • frequent irritations, dermatitis or eczema;
  • cardiopulmonary insufficiency, septic phlebitis, diabetes mellitus.

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

Appointment of compression stockings

Anti-embolic stockings are called a type of hospital compression stockings, which is used after operations related to interference with the functioning of internal organs, the functioning of the lower extremities, the musculoskeletal joint, as well as during childbirth and caesarean section.

The main task of anti-embolic underwear 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 a violation of the processes of nutrition of tissues and organs, the development of tissue necrosis is possible.

Classification of compression stockings

The answer to the question: "How long to wear compression stockings after surgery?" - hides in the existing "classes" of anti-embolic underwear. So, 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 at the initial stages of the development of venous diseases, during pregnancy, swelling or a feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, and is used to recover from surgical operations.

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

The use of compression class III anti-embolic underwear is recommended for patients who wish to prevent the formation of blood clots and accelerate the healing process of ulcers.

Anti-thrombotic knitwear IV degree of compression is used after major operations, when the patient will have a long period of bed rest. Doctors often prescribe this class of stockings to patients with severe varicose veins and impaired lymph flow.

Regardless of the type of compression underwear, consultation with the attending physician is recommended: only he can prescribe the optimal therapy by 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.

So, wearing anti-embolic underwear is assigned to a category of patients with such diseases as, for example, varicose veins, disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and pathologies of blood clotting. Using compression stockingsOKrecommended for women in position, as well as for the elderly.

How long to wear compression stockings after surgery

ToAs noted above, compression stockings can be divided into four categories, depending on the degree of pressure exerted by them on the body area. In addition, there are 3 types of anti-embolic linen, which is prescribed by the doctor according to the patient's developing disease. Thus, the term, determined by the healthcare professional.

Terms of wearing compression underwear

The use of hospital linen is common among patients suffering from serious injuries and diseases that force them to stay in bed. This type of chulOKshould only be used in a horizontal position.How long to wear compression stockings after surgery? Of course, you should follow the instructions of your doctor. Removal of hospital stockingsOKshould occur at least a day after the operation. If there was a surgical intervention on the veins, the period of wearing underwear should last at least 3 days.

Therapeutic jersey is recommended to be worn several days after the operation, when the patient will have access to physical activities associated with independent lifting from a lying position, sitting, walking. Its compression effect is designed for a person 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 undergoing surgery;

a person's lifestyle;

the presence of chronic diseases;

age.

Preventive knitwear (first degree 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 knitwear is on average from 1 to 4 weeks. How long to wear compression stockings after abdominal surgery? 1 to 2 months.It should be noted that patients who have undergone sclerotomy orphlebectomy, timing of wearing anti-embolic underwearnecessaryextend up to four months or six months.

Compression underwear and sports

Lpeople who prefer but have undergone surgery, during physical exertion, it is mandatory to use sports compression stockings.

How long to wear compression stockings after surgeryif there is a need to go in for sports at the same time? Answer: at least a year.

How to care for anti-embolic underwear

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

Putting on stockings correctly

Compression stockings have full effect on the risk zone 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 bed in the hospital, having previously removed jewelry on the fingers and toes, collect the stocking into an accordion. Insert your hand into the opening of the product, and then put the stocking on the foot, firmly fixing it in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe fingers and heels. Gradually pull the stocking up to the ankles 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 a butler, designed to simplify the procedure for placing a stocking on the leg.

Doctors recommend wearing underwear made of compression stockings in everyday life not only for people who have undergone various surgeries, this product will become a real friend to those whose lifestyle is distinguished by such features as wearing high heels, spending most of the day in a sitting position, severe stress on the lower extremities. By the way, compression underwear is considered to be a universal preventive measure for varicose veins, swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs among representatives of not only females, but males. Health has no gender boundaries!

People who are forced to use compression underwear for health reasons speak positively about knitwear that improves 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 of compression stockings gives to those who use this type of medical underwear.

The main thing in your choice is to give preference to products made from natural fabrics, choose an option with the optimal pressure category and the required size (it is recommended to solve such a question at the consultation of the attending physician) and follow the rules for wearing anti-embolic underwear.

The use of compression stockings is one of the conservative methods for the treatment of varicose veins and other vein lesions. Products provide a squeezing effect to maintain the normal position of the vessels and restore blood flow in 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 the venous walls from excessive expansion under the influence of excess blood;
• Restoration of optimal blood circulation and lymph flow;
• 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 with unfavorable heredity.

• Diseases of the vascular system of the legs were diagnosed;
• Regular physical overload;
• Increased accountability and heaviness in the legs during pregnancy;
• Tendency to orthostatic edema;
• Deep vein thrombosis, characteristic of bedridden patients;
• There are varicose "mesh" and "asterisks".

How compression stockings work

Products affect the lower limbs with varying degrees of pressure. The maximum compression falls on the ankle area (100%). In this zone, the greatest pressure is required, since a significant effort is needed to raise the blood up.

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

The action of underwear resembles the consequences 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 with special devices. It is recommended to put on specialized underwear in the supine position, immediately after waking up.

Before pulling on the tights, make sure that there are no rings or other sharp jewelry on the fingers that can break the integrity of the medical knitwear. The most convenient option is to use rubber gloves. It is necessary to carefully hold the product, avoiding excessive stretching and twisting. Excessive force can cause stretching and breaking the integrity of the compression garment.

The upper part of the stockings is going into an accordion. Then the leg is inserted inside the pantyhose. The product is carefully stretched and straightened. It is necessary to wear knitwear on the hips in a prone position. To do this, the patient slightly raises the torso.

How to wear compression stockings

With 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 underwear for 6 months. After that, the patient can be re-examined 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, warm tights should be worn over the stockings. This will help to avoid hypothermia of the body. If the patient puts on compression hosiery over ordinary tights, its therapeutic effect is reduced.

Contraindications for wearing compression stockings

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

The use of medical 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 insufficiency, severe coronary heart disease.

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

Compression stockings (stockings, pantyhose) are used for the prevention of varicose veins, as well as adjuvant therapy. Is it bad to wear compression stockings? How long should they be used? Recommendations for the selection and use of compression stockings, contraindications for the use of medical devices are given below.

How long do you need to wear compression stockings: the nuances of choosing medical underwear

How to wear compression stockings

Wearing compression stockings prevents varicose veins and the appearance of a venous mesh. Stockings and tights support the normal functioning of blood vessels, the tone of the skin of the legs. The use of medical products eliminates pain and discomfort in varicose veins.

Compression stockings can be used alone as a prophylactic, but only after consulting a doctor. Knitwear is 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

edema;

overweight.

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

The first class (18-21 mm Hg) 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) and fourth (from 47 mm Hg) classes are used in the complex treatment of severe diseases.

How long you need to wear compression stockings, the phlebologist determines. The minimum period of use of knitwear is 3 months. If varicose veins are identified, compression stockings may need to be worn constantly.

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

To date, manufacturers of medical devices have invented a wide variety of compression stockings. Such products are stockings, stockings to the thigh and buttocks, tights and just 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. 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?

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 weaving threads and ratios of components, because of which, it was possible to achieve different degrees of compression on the lower limbs.

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

Types of compression stockings

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

To determine it, you need to change several parameters: the circumference of the lower leg in the place where its largest diameter, 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 inguinal region. Further, 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 underwear exerts on the lower limb.

There are several classes of compression underwear:

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 the legs.
2. The first class of compression is compression at the level of 19-22 mm Hg. Art. They are used in the initial stages of varicose veins. Effectively help with the "tired" legs syndrome, edema, minor varicose veins in the lower extremities, vascular network.
3. The second class is a pressure of about 23-32 mm Hg. Art. Used only as directed by a doctor. Indications are pathological conditions accompanied by chronic venous insufficiency, but provided there are no trophic changes on the skin.
4. Third class - compression is 33-45 mm Hg. Art. To use them, you need to get a prescription from a doctor, since it is impossible to buy these stockings just in a pharmacy. Indications for use: pronounced trophic disorders, lymphostasis, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, post-thrombophlebotic 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 doctor.

The mechanism of action of products

Varicose veins are a disease that affects mainly the venous vessels of the lower extremities. Occurs with a strong stretching of the veins due to a decrease in the elasticity of the walls.

In this case, the valves located on the inner side of the vessels lose their ability to completely block the lumen, and the 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 are filled with blood and varicose veins begin to appear on the surface of the skin. Gradually, the liquid begins to seep through the vessels and penetrates into the surrounding tissues. This is how patients develop swelling.

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

• hereditary factors;
• pathology of the circulatory system;
• flat feet;
• rachiocampsis;
• uncomfortable shoes, especially high heels;
• long stay in a sitting position;
• standing work;
• inactive lifestyle.

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

Under the influence of pressure, the work of the valvular 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 has correctly prescribed the compression class, and also on whether the patient adheres to the recommendations for use.

Scientists conducted studies, and based on them meta-analyzes, which proved that medical knitwear is effective in 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 outflow.

Optional 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, cramps in the legs;
6. prevent the formation of trophic ulcers;
7. improve the course of postoperative periods.

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

Stockings, on the other hand, practically do not differ from ordinary clothes and are very easy to use.

Harm from compression underwear

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

With the wrong choice of the degree of pressure on the leg, signs of tissue ischemia may occur. The patient will experience limb numbness, discomfort, or pain. If the compression is low, the effect of this therapy will not appear. Therefore, before using medical knitwear, it is necessary to consult with a vascular surgeon.

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

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

• infectious diseases of the skin;
• open ;
• individual sensitivity to the materials of the product;
• limb wounds;
• burns;
• having a diabetic foot
• obliterating endarteritis;
• cardiovascular insufficiency 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 1500 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 the legs to an elevation, to ensure maximum outflow of blood. Then the underwear is gradually put on, you need to make sure that it does not twist and wrinkles do not form, because in these places there will be additional compression on the skin. Stockings must be worn throughout the day.

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