In modern life, almost every woman, and many men, face leg diseases. How to help yourself? This question can be answered not only by the doctor, but also by yourself. The way out is compression stockings, reviews of which testify to their high effectiveness as both a preventive and therapeutic and rehabilitative means in the treatment of diseases of the lower extremities and in the postoperative period.
From the history
The production of medical compression stockings began in 1929, with the release of medical compression hosiery in eastern Thuringia. In the 20s of the last century, this was the only place where knitwear with compression properties was made.
Now products from this miraculous material are sold everywhere. Compression products are not a panacea, but they help people with health problems to live more comfortably, move freely, reduce pain, recover from surgery and simply maintain their health and beauty.
Today, manufacturers produce compression stockings in different colors and different quality. How to choose them? After all, there are even patterns, and if desired, you can buy very elegant, beautiful stockings. But is it only beauty to consider when choosing? It is advisable that the phlebologist explain to you how to choose compression stockings.
Classification of compression stockings
Compression stockings, classes of which are designated 0 - 1 (0 - mild and 1st compression class), are suitable for the prevention of diseases of the lower extremities. Class 0 is recommended in the absence of varicose veins, but in the presence of complaints of heaviness in the legs. Class 1 is when there are stars and nets on the legs. Such stockings should have good elasticity, hygroscopicity, excellent air permeability and not irritate the skin.
Compression stockings (compression class 2) are intended to alleviate the suffering of sick people who have leg health problems and whom the phlebologist recommended wearing such stockings. As a rule, these are people who spend a long time on their feet, walk a lot, work mainly in a sitting position. These stockings are also called anti-varicose. They are in great demand among people suffering from diseases such as varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency, in patients who underwent surgery, have complaints of swelling, cramps, bursting pain in the legs, etc.
Compression stockings of compression class 3 (pressure no more than 45 mm Hg) should be used exclusively as directed by a doctor. A healthcare professional should explain how to choose compression stockings and how to wear and wear them properly. Such stockings are prescribed for patients with varicose veins in the stage of complication, with valve aplasia, exacerbation of post-thrombotic disease, etc.
Compression stockings: how to choose?
For the correct selection of such products, individual measurements must be taken: hip circumference (5 centimeters below the gluteal cavity), calf circumference, ankle circumference, foot length, height from the floor to the level of the previously taken measure of the hip circumference. In order not to be disappointed in the purchase of compression stockings when wearing, you need to pay attention to the quality of knitwear, compliance with standards, the presence of finishing with elastic, latex, and how suitable this color is for you. The manufacturer is also important, since a fake may not live up to expectations, and it is unlikely to show a full therapeutic effect.
Compression stockings (compression class 2)
The compression pressure of such stockings is 23 - 32 mm Hg. Art., no more than 33 mm. Hg. Art. The compression effect is strictly defined: in the ankle, in its narrowest part - 100%; in the shin area - 70%; in the hip area - 40%.
Compression stockings (compression class 2) are considered a full-fledged medical product. Due to compression on the superficial veins of the legs, blood is discharged into the deep veins. This contributes to an adequate outflow of venous blood and reduces venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. Also, thanks to compression, lymphatic drainage improves, and this significantly reduces swelling, improves trophism of the skin and soft tissues. Depending on the pathological changes in the patient’s venous system, the doctor recommends a stocking compression class. Leading experts in the field of phlebology sometimes prescribe wearing compression knitwear as a necessary tool for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins.
As a result of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as a genetic predisposition, women suffer from varicose veins more often than men, 3-4 times. The first signs of this disease appear in almost half of pregnant women. It is during the growth of the fetus that the growing uterus compresses the veins of the pelvis, respectively, the pressure in the veins of the lower extremities increases. A huge load of veins is experienced with a sharp increase in intrauterine pressure and, as a result, greatly expand. As a result, stagnation in the vessels, valve dysfunction and painful condition of the affected areas of the legs appear. Therefore, doctors usually recommend that all pregnant women wear compression stockings.
It is advisable to wear compression stockings after surgery. They support muscles weakened in the postoperative period from sprains, promote their recovery, restore skin elasticity, and promote normalization of blood circulation.
How to wear
Wear stockings all day. It is difficult to put on medical stockings on wet feet. It is also not easy to wear them after applying the cream. So before putting them on, their legs should be clean and completely dry.
To put on such a product in the morning, you must first prepare your legs. They are lifted and kept for some time in this state for the outflow of blood. Before putting on stockings to protect them from damage, it is necessary to remove jewelry from hands, it is advisable to wear rubber medical gloves. When putting on, you should put the stocking in your hand, put it on your foot, gently and slowly pull it on your leg, gently releasing it from your hand.
In order to keep such stockings well on the body, they are equipped with wide silicone inserts, which are located next to the elastic bands.
Both modeling and therapeutic compression stockings are in steady demand. Good quality stockings are hard to find on sale. The legs are an object of attractiveness for women, so each of them tries to find such products to look elegant and sexy. At the age of over 50, many women begin to gain weight, and therefore the load on the legs increases, which forces them to wear such hosiery more often.
How to care for stockings
Stockings are removed before bedtime, washed daily (at least once every two days). Therefore, it is necessary to have two pairs of stockings, preferably of a different color (matching the color of a dress or skirt). They must be washed by hand, ordinary soap or powder for delicate products. It is impossible to squeeze and all the more to twist them. When washing in a car, unless otherwise possible, you must select the delicate washing mode at a minimum temperature and without spin. After washing, put the product on a rag or towel, leave for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then dry in the usual way away from objects that emit heat.
Compression stockings should not be dried in clothes dryers and under the influence of high temperatures: they will become unusable. If you wear stockings daily with proper care, they will serve you for one, maximum two months. In the future, you still have to purchase new ones.
Compression stockings: reviews
Currently, there are a number of specialized manufacturers of compression hosiery and, in particular, compression stockings. Before buying such products, it is advisable to ask about reviews about the company on the Internet. As a rule, products that are manufactured by firms that have favorable reviews, justify themselves in the process of wearing them.
Another option not to get into trouble when buying compression stockings is to strictly adhere to the recommendations of the phlebologist. From his professional experience, he can expertly advise which products are more suitable for you and where it is better to get them.
Compression stockings: price
High-quality imported compression stockings usually have a high price. Domestic stockings can be found cheaper, but they are not always close in quality to imported ones, especially with long wear. They will need to be changed much more often than high-quality products. Therefore, do not save on such things on the quality of which your health depends.
Contraindications to the use of compression stockings
In case of skin infections or damage to the skin of the legs (burns, rash, ulcers or cuts), wearing compression stockings (compression class 2) cannot be started without a doctor’s recommendation.
If your limbs are too large, too swollen, your doctor may recommend that you use elastic bandages for a while before using compression stockings.
Do you feel uncomfortable, burning and tingling in your limbs during the day, or did you notice that your legs have changed color? This means you should see a doctor. You are probably wearing the wrong compression stockings. How to choose them correctly, check with your doctor. He will solve your problem.
So, we examined from different sides the question of what compression stockings are. The price and reviews of these products are directly dependent on each other, and are also to some extent determined by how they are classified and applied.