Compression stockings
Compression stockings and socks - this is one of the ways to establish the full-fledged work of the venous system, as well as the system of muscle fibers. Since they belong to the category of medical underwear, the choice of compression stockings should be treated very carefully. In this article, you will learn how to choose such knee socks and stockings, and how to care for them.
Features and benefits
The main advantage of compression stockings is how they affect our body. Such stockings can help with the problem of swelling of the legs and other more serious issues. External pressure can significantly reduce the diameter of the dilated veins.
Quality compression stockings are created in such a way that the pressure is just on the problem areas. Compression gradually decreases closer to the gum, which means the blood moves in the right direction, that is, towards the heart.
Compression classes
Stockings of this type are divided according to the degree of compression into three classes. Be sure to select a model with the correct compression class so that the treatment procedure proceeds in the right way.
1 class
Stockings of the first class of compression, as a rule, are recommended to be worn by those who need to prevent any diseases. If you are genetically predisposed to varicose veins, spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a car or a desktop, then you should consider buying compression stockings that will prevent the development of any serious diseases.
In order to buy compression stockings, it is not necessary to consult a doctor. You can consult with the seller in a pharmacy, or choose the appropriate option yourself.
2 class
Compression stockings of the second class are advised to wear with varicose veins or venous insufficiency. Also, such stockings are often recommended to buy for pregnant women who are faced with swelling of the legs.
If we talk about stockings of the second and third degree of compression, they should not be chosen independently. It is better to consult a doctor in order not to harm yourself.
3 class
Stockings with a third degree of compression are those who survived a complex operation or an open fracture of the lower limb.
Indications and Contraindications
With varicose veins
Most often compression stockings are used for varicose veins. It is not recommended to select them yourself, as well as self-medicate, ignoring other means of getting rid of this disease.
For caesarean section
Before a caesarean section, doctors often recommend their patients to buy a pair of compression stockings. They prevent the formation of blood clots during anesthesia, so buying them is definitely worth it.
Antiembolic
The next option is antiembolic stockings. They are made of hospital knitwear. The purpose of wearing such stockings is to stabilize the outflow of blood. Wearing such stockings is recommended for those who have been immobilized for a long time. For example, patients who are in bed rest for more than four days, patients in intensive care or intensive care unit.
How to choose
How to determine size
You can choose your stocking size by measuring the leg in the supine position. It is necessary to measure the ankle, foot, shin, area in the knee and thigh area. As a rule, it is impossible to do this on your own, therefore entrust it to your relatives or medical workers.
How to choose high-quality stockings
The choice of quality stockings largely depends on the material from which they are sewn. As a rule, high-quality compression stockings are quite expensive.In order not to spend money in vain, buy products only of proven brands, which will be discussed later.
How to wear and wear
Device for dressing
Due to the high percentage of elastane in the composition of compression garments, it is quite difficult to wear. To facilitate the process of dressing stockings by buying a special device called the Butler. It is used to pull a stocking or a golf on it and stick a foot there. After you pull the butler, the stocking will remain on your leg. Such a device is recommended to those who, due to overweight or health problems, are not able to cope with dressing stockings on their own.
How to wear
But it is not enough to wear stockings correctly, you need to also walk properly. So that the compression underwear does not stretch out the knees, it is not recommended to squat a lot in it. Be sure to trim your toenails and legs so that no clues appear on your stockings after contact with your manicure. And in order that the heels do not rub, wear thin socks over the stockings.
Can i sleep
Compression underwear is recommended to wear only during the day. Of course, if you fall asleep in it, nothing terrible will happen. But the essence of linen is to relieve the valves of the veins from the additional load that is absent during restful sleep.
But all this is relevant for stockings of the first and second class of compression. If you have more serious diseases, then this question is better to discuss with your doctor. Often the attending physician himself specifies that compression garments should be worn around the clock.
How to care
Compression stockings need to be regularly changed and washed. Compression knitwear is very thin, so wash it must be carefully. Use sparing washing powder and rinse stockings in clean water. After washing, it is not necessary to twist or squeeze the compression garments, as this may spoil the fine structure of the fibers.
Length
Compression stockings and short knee socks differ in length. They should be chosen, of course, not because of their visual attractiveness, but because of what part of your leg the symptoms of your illness are in.
Up thigh
Compression stockings reach the thigh and sometimes fasten with a special belt at the waist. If blood clots are localized in the upper part of the leg, then you cannot do without stockings.
To the knee
But if the problem areas are below your knees, then it is quite possible to get by with short golf courses.
Brands Overview
Medi
Brand Copper - is one of the largest companies engaged in the development of compression stockings. The Medi brand is truly a guarantee of quality. Products from copper can be attributed to the average price category. At the same time, customer reviews are mostly positive.
Venoteks
Cheaper compression stockings can be found on the American brand Venotex. But this does not mean that they are somehow worse than their German counterparts. The products of this company are certified, which speaks of its quality.
Mediven
High-quality compression stockings and produces a brand Mediven. The difference of the products of this brand is that you can find natural flax fibers in stockings.
Relaxax
Another company tested by time and a multitude of consumers is Relaxax. This Italian brand is among the top three most popular manufacturers of compression underwear along with Copper and Venatex.
Ergoform
Ergoforma provides customers with a large selection of stockings and golf courses of different colors and degrees of compression. Good quality and low prices allow this brand to be popular among a wide range of consumers.
How much are
The price of compression stockings is usually quite high. But since it is not worth saving on health, it is better to pay the requested amount for a quality item than to get an ineffective fake.The high price of compression golf and stockings is, as a rule, a guarantee that the knitwear will be really good. In order not to spend money on poor quality, refer to the brands described above. Depending on the company, quality and degree of compression, new stockings will cost you in the amount of one thousand to ten or more thousand rubles.
Reviews
The need to purchase compression stockings, as a rule, is quite justified. In combination with other methods of treatment and prevention of the disease, compression underwear really helps to cope with many problems.
Buyers in practice confirm that it is necessary to pay attention to the little things and choose stockings that will sit on you well, providing the desired effect. Tight fitting stockings, as practice shows, are worth buying along with the butler, which will facilitate the process of dressing them.
Interesting models
In compression stockings, not their original appearance is important, but functionality. The most common option - classic stockings. Their appearance, they practically do not differ from conventional knitted stockings.
There are also models on silicone wide elastic band. Located on the inside of the stockings, the elastic helps them stay on their feet while walking. An alternative to such stockings are products attached to the belt.
And for people with a big foot, the creators of compression stockings prudently invented a model that has an open cape.
Choose suitable stockings, following the recommendations of experts, and do not neglect your health.