At all stages of varicose veins, compression hosiery can be a real salvation. Anti-varicose stockings can completely replace the elastic bandages that were previously used to create pressure on superficial veins. It is no longer necessary to show everyone that you have foot problems. Compression stockings do not visually differ from ordinary stockings, but they perfectly fulfill the function assigned to them.
Who prescribes compression stockings?
Many are accustomed to prescribing their own treatment, guided by the advice of neighbors or intrusive television advertising. This is fundamentally the wrong approach to your he alth! Only a qualified doctor, and not a neighbor or the seller of the nearest pharmacy, can correctly assess the patient's condition and select a set of medical procedures for him.
If you have pain and heaviness in the legs, swelling, burning or a feeling of a warm wave along the veins, darkening or thickening of the skin on the lower leg, then you need to consult a phlebologist. It is this specialist who deals with the treatment and prevention of venous diseases. On your own, without an appointment, you can buy stockings or stockings, the compression ratio of which is less than 18 mm Hg. Art. Such underwear has only a preventive purpose.
Compression stockings: types
Varicose stockings are not chosen for beauty, color and shape, although no one claims that this does not matter. The main indicator when choosing is the degree of elasticity and compression. Stocking height and compression class should be appropriate for the stage of varicose veins. Compression garments can be of particular benefit in the early stages of the disease.
Stockings can be of different heights: up to the knee, above the knee (upper part of the thigh), up to the waist. The height depends on the localization of varicose veins and the neglect of the disease. In addition, compression underwear is divided into men's and women's. The stocking itself can be with a solid toe-heel part or have an open toe and heel.
For men, anti-varicose stockings are available in the form of tight knee-length and waist-length leggings, in the form of tights for both legs or one leg with a wide elastic band.
Points of sale
You should not look for medical underwear in ordinary outlets. Compression stockings should be sold in specialized stores or drugstores. In this case, the manufacturer can guarantee an individual approach to the selection of medical underwear and compliance with the parameters stated on the package.
Classification
Varicose stockings have different compression classes:
- 1 class - exposure up to 21 mm Hg. Art. They are prescribed at the initial manifestations of the disease, whichare expressed in the appearance of capillary "asterisks", pain and heaviness.
- For class 2, leg compression from 22 to 32 mm Hg is acceptable. Art. Anti-varicose stockings (compression class 2) are prescribed for moderate varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- Class 3 stockings compress the limb with a force of up to 46 mm Hg. Art. Such underwear is prescribed for severe forms of varicose veins, venous insufficiency, circulatory disorders due to damage to peripheral nerves.
- 4 class is the maximum. The force in this case is over 50 mm Hg. Art. Such stockings are not often prescribed, mainly for severe varicose veins and impaired lymph flow.
Product pricing varies by brand, material usage and compression grade.
Ergoforma Brand
Anti-varicose stockings Ergoforma is one of the best brands on the market today. All products are of high quality, attractive appearance and pronounced medical effect. They allow you to pay enough attention to the he alth of the legs without compromising the appearance. Stockings are available in black and beige.
If your choice is the Ergoform manufacturer, anti-varicose stockings will meet European quality requirements. Products for women are made of combined synthetic materials. It is a mixture of polyamide and elastane. Openwork elastic band for fixing on the upper part of the thigh - silicone. The toe section is closed so that the product can be worn with shoes.
The canvas for models is honeycomb (cellular). This allows you to qualitatively maintain the required compression class. Thanks to a special weaving and dyeing method, the products do not differ in appearance from standard stockings, and have an increased service life.
Sizing
Compression stockings do not fit standard underwear sizes. Special measurements must be taken prior to purchase. It should be borne in mind that each manufacturer has its own dimensional grid.
Most things you need to know:
- your shoe size;
- circumference of the lower leg over the bone;
- circumference at the widest part of the lower leg;
- circumference at the widest part of the thigh;
- height from hip to heel.
The brand "Ergoforma", for example, produces anti-varicose stockings, the sizes of which are indicated by numbers from 1 to 6.
Proper care
In order for products to perform healing functions and serve for a long time, they must be properly looked after. Compression stockings are washed daily and always by hand. These items are not machine washable.
For washing, gentle means are used. The water temperature is not higher than 30 °C. Do not use bleach or fabric softener on compression stockings.
After washing, anti-varicose stockings do not twist out, but are slightly wrung out. Next, the laundry is laid out on a flat, hard surface away from direct sunlight and electric heaters.
Wet silicone gumduring washing is not recommended, it is wiped with a weak alcohol solution as it gets dirty.
Compression stockings, prescribed by a phlebologist for medical reasons, are worn daily for several months. Buy 2 or more pairs to dry after washing.
