The development of compression underwear, in particular compression tights, helped women who have problems with the blood vessels of the legs - varicose veins. This disease is very common in the fair sex, because of the nature of the work of spending a lot of time in an upright position.
What are we for?
For the production of compression tights used very durable elastic material. It fits tight to the legs, squeezes their muscles, making blood easier to move up to the heart. Due to its properties, compression knitwear facilitates movement, improves blood circulation in the lower extremities, relieves fatigue in muscles, minimizes painful sensations, and protects tissues from the formation of puffiness.
Compression knitwear is designed to help cure a disease such as varicose veins. Wearing them is also useful for preventing the formation of blood clots. It is possible to distinguish the associated positive properties of this linen: it helps in getting rid of excess weight, and in the period after childbirth supports the abdominal muscles. During long flights, when a person is in an inactive state for a long time, medical tights reduce the likelihood of blood clots.
How to act?
The method of treatment with compression dressings has a long history. How does compression underwear help with varicose veins? The basic principle of operation is as follows: tights exert varying degrees of pressure on different parts of the legs. In the foot area, it is the maximum (100%), in the knee area it decreases (75%), in the hip area it becomes minimal (50%), and in the abdominal area, there is almost no compression (20%). Due to this, blood flow through the veins from the foot to the upper body is accelerated.
Compression class
Tights from varicose veins vary in the degree (or class) of compression, which must necessarily be reflected on the packaging.
- Grade 1 - pressure of about 23 mm Hg. Art. (it is used in the initial stage of problems with the blood vessels of the legs, outwardly noticeably enlarged veins, the appearance of so-called "asterisks").
- Grade 2 - compression value of about 33 mm Hg. Art. (middle stages of varicose veins).
- Grade 3 - pressure of about 45 mm Hg. Art. (in severe stages of varicose veins, when trophicity is already disturbed).
- Grade 4 - with a strong pressure of more than 50 mm Hg. Art. (tights are designed to eliminate the strong swelling).
Kinds
There are various cases for the use of compression tights, and therefore it is possible to distinguish their types:
- Prophylactic - acquired when detecting the very first signs of venous disease, exert minimal pressure on the lower limbs.
- Medical - wear in the period of exacerbation of varicose veins.
- Hospital - used in hospitals after operations on the legs.
- There are also warmed models and tights, designed specifically for pregnant women (with a special insert on the abdomen). Some doctors believe that a pregnant woman needs compression underwear if she has the first symptoms of problems with the veins of the lower extremities. Others strongly recommend its use as a preventive measure (in the first trimester) and to improve blood flow in the legs (in the second and third).
What are the best manufacturers
In specialized orthopedic salons, pharmacies presented a fairly large selection of these products from a variety of manufacturers. The compression properties of tights for varicose veins are the same for all firms.They differ, as a rule, externally, color range, duration of use. You should choose a product for yourself depending on how much time you plan to use it. Some models retain compression for a long time, others are much smaller. It is clear that this directly affects the cost of the product. We will review the companies producing medical tights.
On the market of this type of linen there are a lot of Italian manufacturing companies (“Relaxax”, “Varisan”, “Ergoform”, “Solidea”).
“Relaxax” is an Italian company, which patients often choose because of the rather low price. But compression underwear will be short-lived (will last no more than a month), because it quickly stretches.
Another company from Italy "Varisan" produces medical underwear of much higher quality and durability. The prices for this linen are already much higher.
Knitwear company "Ergoform" has an excellent appearance, has a high elasticity. Fibers of natural materials allow air to pass through, products are worn for a long time and are easy to maintain. The company also produces sports training models.
Solidea produces high-quality tights, the range is represented by a variety of models and colors. Externally, the tights are the same as any standard. Models have a comfortable foot, insole comfortably supports the foot.
Intex is our domestic manufacturer, knitwear has an acceptable cost and, in principle, decent quality. Wear resistance of Russian linen is very high.
"Orto" - a company from Spain, which produces compression tights of the average price. Lingerie is of good quality, compression lasts about 4 months. However, it is worth mentioning some minus: in the area of the foot tights soon wear out.
“Venoteks” is a very well-known, best-selling American manufacturer, the range is represented by a very large number of various models with average wear resistance, which determines the relatively small price for knitwear.
"Medi" and "Bauerfind" - German companies producing therapeutic tights. Their products are of excellent quality and, naturally enough, have a higher cost. The wear resistance of tights is high, they do not require complex care. Note the attractive design of products, there is a choice of sports models, travel underwear. In addition, "Copper" produces accessories for putting on tights.
"Sigvaris" - the manufacturer of luxury models of medical linen from Switzerland. Knitwear has a very excellent quality, excellent design and, quite understandably, a great value.
How to choose?
If you are going to buy compression tights, first, find out if you have any contraindications to wearing this type of underwear. Then get a not very expensive model. In case it suits you, next time choose a better manufacturer.
It is extremely important to choose the right size (keep in mind that the size table is often different for different companies). Compression tights almost do not stretch. Therefore, at home, accurately measure your circumference of the leg, waist, hips, and the length of the leg (from foot to knee and from foot to groin).
How to wear?
Some training is needed before you can wear compression tights quickly and correctly. Put them on after sleeping, lying down, without dropping their legs out of bed. This should be done carefully so as not to stretch or twist the product. Tights are collected "in accordion" and gradually put on the foot, then gently straighten the lower leg and pull on the hips to the waist.
Wear compression tights only on dry skin. Keep in mind that you will have to say goodbye to long nails, they must be carefully handled with a file, so as not to spoil the material of tights. For the same reason, the skin of the feet should be soft and smooth, without calluses and corns.In order to surely exclude damage to the pantyhose when wearing them, use latex gloves that are sold at the pharmacy.
Over time, you will get used to it, and you will cope with the task much easier and faster.
How to wash?
In order for medical tights not to lose their properties, it is important to look after him. Every evening they must be washed in warm water (no more than 40 degrees) with baby soap (but not with washing powder). This should be done carefully so as not to damage the product. Tights should be dried naturally, without the use of heating devices, hair dryer: all this can affect the elasticity. Wearing wet tights is not allowed.
Who is contraindicated?
These therapeutic tights have contraindications. You can not wear them to people with injuries, pathology on the skin of the feet (dermatitis, eczema, etc.). Ladies with very sensitive, delicate skin should also be careful. Smoking people who are also suffering from diabetes, those who have limited blood flow to the lower extremities for various reasons, are not advised by doctors to use compression tights. Pressure tights can further reduce blood flow in the legs and make the symptoms more severe.
How much are?
The cost of a good therapeutic underwear is large enough (to be precise - more than ten times more expensive than regular tights). But it is better to prevent the disease in advance or suspend it at an early stage of development than to pay money for expensive treatment and surgery later.
Reviews
Tights from varicose veins have helped and help many women. They are satisfied with their use and recommend to their friends. These products are also attracted by the fact that they are pleasant to the touch, have an aesthetic appearance.