Compression tights

The development of compression underwear, in particular compression tights, has helped women who have problems with the blood vessels of the legs - varicose veins. This disease is very common among the fair sex, who, due to the nature of their work, spend a lot of time in an upright position.

A very durable elastic material is used for the production of compression tights. It tightly fits the legs, squeezes their muscles, making it easier for blood to move up to the heart. By virtue of its properties, compression hosiery facilitates movement, improves blood circulation in the lower extremities, relieves muscle fatigue, minimizes painful sensations, and protects tissues from swelling.

Compression hosiery is designed to help in the treatment of diseases such as varicose veins. Wearing them is also helpful in preventing blood clots. The accompanying positive properties of this underwear can also be distinguished: it helps in getting rid of excess weight, and in the period after childbirth it supports the abdominal muscles. On long flights, when a person is in a sedentary state for a long time, medicated tights reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming.

Compression dressing has a long history. In what way does compression underwear help with varicose veins? The basic principle of action is as follows: tights exert varying degrees of pressure on different parts of the legs. In the area of ​​the foot it is the highest (100%), in the knee area it decreases (75%), in the thigh area it becomes minimum (50%), in the abdomen there is almost no compression (20%). This accelerates blood flow through the veins from the foot to the upper body.

Tights for varicose veins differ in the degree (or class) of compression, which must be reflected on the packaging.

• Grade 1 - pressure about 23 mm Hg. Art. (it is used at the initial stage of problems with the blood vessels of the legs, outwardly noticeably enlarged veins, the appearance of the so-called "stars").
• Grade 2 - the amount of compression is about 33 mm Hg. Art. (middle stages of varicose veins).
• Grade 3 - pressure about 45 mm Hg. Art. (in severe stages of varicose veins, when trophism is already disturbed).
• Grade 4 - with strong pressure, more than 50 mm Hg. Art. (tights are designed to eliminate severe puffiness).

There are various cases for the use of compression tights, and therefore their types can be distinguished:

• Preventive - acquired when the very first signs of venous disease are detected, they exert minimal pressure on the lower extremities.
• Therapeutic - put on during the period of exacerbation of varicose veins.
• Hospital - used in hospitals after leg surgery.
• There are also insulated models and tights designed specifically for pregnant women (with a special insert on the belly). Some doctors believe that a pregnant woman needs compression garments if she has the first symptoms of problems with the veins of the lower extremities. Others strongly recommend using it for preventive purposes (in the first trimester) and to improve blood flow in the legs (in the second and third).

In specialized orthopedic salons, pharmacies, there is a fairly large selection of these products from various manufacturers. The compression properties of varicose veins tights are basically the same for all companies. They differ, as a rule, externally, colors, duration of use. You should choose a product for yourself depending on how long you plan to use it. Some models retain compression for a long time, others much less. It is clear that this directly affects the cost of the product. Let's review the companies that manufacture medical tights.

There are a lot of Italian manufacturers on the market for this type of underwear (Relaxan, Varisan, Ergoforma, Solida).

Relaxan is an Italian company that patients often choose because of its rather low price. But compression garments will be short-lived (they will last no more than a month), because they stretch quickly.

Another company from Italy "Varisan" produces medical underwear of much higher quality and wear resistance. The prices for this linen are already much higher.

Ergoform knitwear has an excellent appearance and high elasticity. Fibers made from natural materials allow air to pass through, products are worn for a long time and are easy to clean. The company also produces models for sports training.

"Solida" produces high-quality tights, the assortment is presented in a variety of models and colors. Externally, the tights are the same as any standard ones. Models have a comfortable foot, the insole comfortably supports the foot.

"Intex" is our domestic manufacturer, jersey has an acceptable cost and, in principle, decent quality. The wear resistance of Russian linen is very high.

Orto is a company from Spain that produces mid-price compression tights. The linen is of good quality, compression lasts about 4 months. However, it is worth mentioning a certain minus: in the area of ​​the foot, tights will soon wear out.

"Venotex" is a very well-known, popular American manufacturer, the assortment is represented by a very large number of various models with medium wear resistance, which determines a relatively low price for knitwear.

Medi and Bauerfind are German companies producing medicated tights. Their products are of excellent quality and, naturally, have a higher price tag. The wear resistance of the tights is high, they do not require difficult maintenance.Note the attractive design of the products, there is a selection of sports models, underwear for travel. In addition, Medi produces tights for putting on pantyhose.

Sigvaris is a Swiss manufacturer of elite models of medical linen. The knitwear is of very excellent quality, excellent design and, quite understandably, high cost.

If you are going to buy compression tights, first, find out if you have any contraindications for wearing this type of underwear. Then get a not very expensive model. If it suits you, next time choose a higher quality manufacturer.

It is imperative to choose the correct size (keep in mind that different companies often have different size charts). Compression tights hardly stretch. Therefore, at home, accurately measure your shin, waist, hips, and leg length (from foot to knee and from foot to groin).

Some training is required before you can put on your compression tights quickly and correctly. They put them on after sleep, lying down, without lowering their legs from the bed. This must be done carefully so as not to stretch or twist the product. The tights are collected "in an accordion" and gradually put on the foot, then carefully straightened along the lower leg and pulled over the thighs to the very 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 filed so as not to spoil the material of the tights. For the same reason, the skin of the feet should be soft and smooth, without calluses and corns. To be sure to avoid damaging the tights when putting them on, use latex gloves that are sold at the pharmacy.

In order for the medicated tights not to lose their properties, it is important to take care of them. Every evening they must be washed in warm water (no more than 40 degrees) with baby soap (but not with washing powder). This must be done carefully so as not to damage the product. Tights should dry naturally, without the use of heating appliances, hair dryer: all this can affect elasticity. Wearing wet tights on your feet is not allowed.

These medicinal tights have contraindications. They cannot be worn by people with injuries, pathologies on the skin of the legs (dermatitis, eczema, etc.). Ladies with very sensitive, delicate skin should also be careful. Doctors advise against using compression tights for smokers who also have diabetes mellitus, for those who have limited blood flow to the lower extremities for various reasons. The pressure of the pantyhose can further reduce blood flow in the legs and make symptoms more severe.

The cost of good medical linen is quite high (to be precise, more than ten times more expensive than ordinary tights). But after all, it is better to prevent the disease in advance or to suspend it at an early stage of development than to pay money later for expensive treatment and surgery.

Tights for varicose veins have helped and are helping many women. They are satisfied with their application and recommend to their friends. These products are also attractive by the fact that they are pleasant to the touch and have an aesthetic appearance.