Among the various methods of prevention and treatment of diseases of the venous system of the legs, compression knitwear occupies a special place. To obtain the desired therapeutic effect, the laundry must be properly selected. With the help of our article you will learn how to choose the right compression stockings.
Content:
The best manufacturers of compression stockings - which company to choose
In order for the compressive underwear to withstand the required time interval for wearing, to be resistant to stretching, puffs and to provide a therapeutic effect, you should choose a product from well-known companies.
The most stringent quality control in the production comply with the following companies:
1. Medi bayreuth
2. Bauerfeind
3. Ofa bamberg
4. Julius zorn
The products of these brands underwent various testing procedures and multiple clinical tests. The products meet the high quality standard of RAL, which testifies to their therapeutic effect due to the physiological distribution of pressure.
You can find out which compression stockings are considered the best from our rating.
The principle of operation and the device of compression stockings
Compression stockings - products for the treatment and prevention of blood flow disorders in the legs. Linen improves microcirculation in the tissues of the lower extremities and prevents venous congestion. For people who wear compression knitwear, in the evening the legs get tired much less, because stockings exert constant pressure on the surface of the skin, prevent the appearance of edema, improve the oxygen supply to the tissues and prevent thrombosis.
Products exerts pressure in a special way. In contrast to the soothing tights in stockings, it is distributed from the bottom up: the pressure in the ankle area is maximum, in the knee area it is average, in the hip area the minimum. This action is reminiscent of the load that is created by the work of the muscles during movement, this contributes to an increase in the rate of blood outflow from the leg veins. In addition, stockings do not put pressure on the stomach and are distinguished by an aesthetic appearance.
This product is indispensable for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins due to the action of the following factors:
- high content of elastic materials;
- lack of seams;
- hypoallergenic, air permeability;
- special weaving that provides pressure in the required areas;
- formed foot.
In addition to the prevention and treatment of varicose veins, indications for wearing compression stockings are:
- constant fatigue and pain in the legs;
- the presence of edema;
- regular burning in the heels;
- excess weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spider veins;
- genetic predisposition to varicose veins.
Also, products are recommended to be worn during pregnancy, when a woman feels an increased pressure in her legs, i.e. future mother will be able to avoid problems with the veins, blood vessels and capillaries.
Previously, doctors recommended the use of an elastic bandage in such cases. But in its characteristics, it is significantly inferior to compression underwear:
- long and uncomfortable to impose on painful places;
- the level is created manually;
- bandages are slipping.
Types of compression stockings
Compression knitwear is used as prevention and treatment of varicose veins. In the latter case, a certain class of compression is assigned depending on the stage of the disease (compression is the level of pressure distribution, measured in mm Hg). In total there are 4 classes.The more neglected the situation, the greater the compression effect is needed, so the choice in each case must be based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
Prophylactic underwear
Compression up to 18 mm Hg. Underwear normalizes blood pressure in the veins, prevents the accumulation of excess fluid in the ankle area and the appearance of edema. Products should be worn for the prevention of venous stagnation, with increased leg fatigue, if the activity is associated with a prolonged static position (standing, sitting), during pregnancy, with a genetic predisposition to varicose veins. Also, compression knitwear is used by athletes, because Products tighten muscles, prevent friction, accelerate recovery after exercise.
Advantages:
- free sale in pharmacies, shops;
- the linen keeps beautiful appearance of legs and improves their general condition;
- improves microcirculation in the tissues, venous and lymphatic outflow;
- quality prevention of varicose veins, thrombosis.
Disadvantages:
- spinning and washing in a washing machine is not recommended, the water temperature during wet processing should not exceed 40 (it is recommended to wash it with liquid soap or shampoo).
1 class of compression
Compression up to 23 mm Hg. Lingerie provides graduated compression of the legs, functionally distributed from the foot to the thigh. These products are recommended for subtle manifestations of varicose veins: the appearance of small spider veins, dilatation of the venous walls. Also, this class is used to prevent disorders of the circulatory system in the lower extremities. Products are quite in demand among sedentary people and pregnant women.
Advantages:
- the product slows the progression of the disease;
- increases the overall muscle tone of the lower limbs due to the massage effect;
- promotes proper blood circulation;
- reduces swelling and tired feeling in the legs.
Disadvantages:
- It is not recommended to use at night, because it can worsen the flow of lymph and blood to the legs;
- products are contraindicated in dermatitis, open wounds, trophic ulcers.
2 compression class
Compression to 33 mm Hg. Due to the correct selection of the texture of the thread and materials, linen creates pressure on the skin of the legs and supports the veins perfectly. Products do not allow the appearance of nodes in the vessels. Linen is recommended for the treatment of progressive forms of the disease: varicose veins and thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the internal venous walls with the appearance of a thrombus in the vein lumen).
Advantages:
- prevent varicose veins;
- eliminates the feeling of heaviness in the legs;
- improves blood flow;
- removes puffiness;
- long therapeutic effect even with daily wear.
Disadvantages:
- it is necessary to periodically tighten, because stockings can crawl down and disturb the pressure uniformity;
- not recommended for severe dermatological problems.
3rd class compression
Compression up to 44 mm Hg. Lingerie has a strong compression effect, so it should be used only on the advice of a doctor. Under the influence of pressure, the venous openings narrow, and sagging areas with stagnant blood are tightened, so blood circulation is improved. Anti-varicose stockings of this class are distinguished by their density, opacity, and durability (they barely stretch). Some models use Clima Fresh technology (a thread coated with silver ions is woven into linen), which has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Products are prescribed for severe venous insufficiency with impaired cellular nutrition, deep vein thrombosis.
Advantages:
- products improve blood flow from the periphery to the center;
- stop the progression of the disease;
- prevent blood stagnation;
- reduce the load, facilitate walking;
- minimize the likelihood of vein thrombosis.
Disadvantages:
- contraindications: atherosclerosis, aortoarteritis, thromboangiitis obliterans, endarteritis.
4th compression class
Compression ≥ 50 mm Hg. This is not the most common knitwear product, which is prescribed by a doctor in exceptional cases. Linen is intended for the treatment of severe forms of varicose veins, is also used to correct disorders of lymph outflow, strong edema. Sometimes, instead of this kind of trekking, elastic bandages with low extensibility are used.
Advantages:
- strong dragging effect;
- the product effectively reduces swelling;
- reduces pain and heaviness in the legs, the diameter of the dilated veins;
- improves venous outflow and oxygen supply to muscle tissue.
Disadvantages:
- indications for use are sharply limited;
- a doctor's prescription is required;
- underwear is hard to find on sale.
Compression stocking selection options
What to pay attention to
1. Compression class
This parameter indicates the total pressure exerted on the skin surface. It is necessary to choose on the basis of the goal of socks compression stockings - prevention or treatment of venous disorders. In the latter case, the phlebologist will help to assess the degree of pathology, who will determine the required compression class and, if necessary, prescribe medication.
2. Appearance
In the assortment of compression underwear there are products for men and women. The first often have a sporty style. The latter may have a classic appearance or be supplemented with elegant lace rubber bands. In addition, stockings are available in various colors that will allow you to wear them under any clothing.
3. Material
Fabric for compression knit fabricated by special technology. It contains synthetics, which provides elasticity and compression effect. The material does not heat, it is not hot in it, it hardly stretches. Hypoallergenicity of the product is also an important parameter. If the packaging is marked Oeko-Tex Standard 100 - this means that the product conforms to the European standard for environmental safety.
4. Material texture
This parameter displays the density of the fabric (DEN), i.e. the ratio of the length of the threads to their mass. This characteristic does not affect the compression properties of the product, so if only this parameter is shown on stockings without a compression class, then the product is a fake.
5. Place of purchase
A huge number of fakes for compression underwear are found on the market; therefore, it is necessary to purchase products only in specialized outlets.
How to choose size
In order to determine the size of stockings, it is necessary to measure the following parameters of the legs:
1. Girth of the narrowest point of the leg (a).
2. Girth of the widest area of the leg (b).
3. Hip circumference 5 cm below the perineum (c).
4. Leg length (measure from heel to measurement of thigh circumference (d)).
The measurement results should be compared with the following table, which will help you to find out your size:
| The size | a | b | c | d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18-21 | 27-30 | 42-45 | 65-68 |
| M | 22-25 | 30-34 | 46-51 | 69-72 |
| L | 26-28 | 34-38 | 52-56 | 73-75 |
| XL | 29-31 | 38-40 | 57-61 | 76-77 |
| XXL | 32-34 | 40-42 | 62-66 | 78-79 |
| XXXL | 35-37 | 42-46 | 66-69 | 80-82 |
What compression stockings to choose
1. If compression underwear is acquired to prevent varicose disease of the legs, for sports or to reduce fatigue and heaviness in the legs, then prophylactic stockings with compression up to 18 mm Hg should be selected.
2. If the first manifestations of varicose disease are noticeable: small spider veins, spider veins, dilated veins, heaviness and pain in the legs, then it is better to purchase compression class 1 underwear.
3. If the disease is in a progressive form - the stars on the legs become more visible, there are swelling, there are blue venous nodes, which increase with long walking or sitting, then compression stockings of class 2 are necessary.
4. When the above symptoms are accompanied by constant unbearable pain in the legs, it is better to purchase a 3rd grade compression product.
5. Grade 4 is used in advanced forms of varicose veins. You can buy such underwear only by prescription.
How much are compression stockings
1. The cost of preventive compression stockings: 1300-4200 p.
2. The cost of compression stockings 1 class: 1600-5300 p.
3. The cost of compression stockings 2 classes: 1800-6300.
4. The cost of compression stockings 3 classes: 2600-9800 p.
5. The cost of compression stockings 4 classes: ≥ 6000 p.
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