How it works?
Compression hosiery differs from the usual one in that elastic fibers are distributed in its structure in a special way, which allows to provide more pressure on the limb in the lower sections and less in the upper ones.
In this case, the jersey worn on the leg forms a directed pressure difference (gradient) in the tissues, directed against gravity.
Those. if the force of gravity acting on the tissues and fluids in the body leads to the maximum pressure in the lower sections, then the knitwear from the outside resists this effect as much as possible at the bottom and minimally at the top.
Most patients believe that the task of compression hosiery is to directly compress the dilated veins of the leg, but in reality this is not the case. The effect of compression hosiery is due to the normalization of the outflow direction and an increase in the venous blood flow velocity, which is provided by a complex effect not only on superficial veins, but also on deep veins and muscles.
Therefore, unfortunately, in patients with dysfunction of the leg muscles (for example, with severe arthrosis of the knee and ankle joints), compression hosiery will not always be effective.
Why is it needed and how to use it correctly?
Compression hosiery is one of the auxiliary treatment methods. It is not able to prevent varicose veins, but if used correctly, it is able to slow down the progression of the disease, to prevent complications such as thrombosis, thrombophlebitis and trophic disorders.
Compression hosiery is especially important in cases where complications have already arisen - in this case, external compression allows you to cope with them much faster, and in the case of trophic ulcers, compression is almost the main method of non-surgical treatment.
- An important condition is the correct use of knitwear. Compression stockings are products designed with engineering precision.
- They must be sized properly, otherwise the elastic fibers will not provide the required pressure.
- It is necessary to wear compression products in the morning or after rest in a horizontal position with raised legs, so that the initial tissue edema does not reduce the effectiveness of compression.
Can you do without them? It's hot in them in summer.
Do without them? - Possible!
However, you can do without brushing your teeth, washing your hands and wearing underwear. The only question is the level of comfort. Knitwear is not the main and not the only method of treatment. And if it is absolutely unacceptable for you, no one can force you.
But, assessing your problem, a phlebologist can give recommendations on the use of knitwear based on experience and a comparison of risks and benefits, as well as the possibilities of other methods. In some cases, these will be temporary appointments after operations and sclerotherapy, while in other situations it will be the main method of treatment. Believe me, each of us has patients who wear compression hosiery without any controversy even in 30 ° heat, because they feel more comfortable in knitwear than without it.
They are uncomfortable / ugly / hard to put on
The issues of convenience and beauty are in many ways deeply individual. Many people still perceive medical knitwear as coarse products, similar in appearance to elastic bandages. This is not the case for a long time.
Modern compression products do not visually differ from ordinary stockings or tights. If you set yourself a goal, it is quite possible to choose jersey of any color (really any!) And even with lace and rhinestones.
As for the difficulties of putting on - in most cases this is due to the wrong technique, when they try to put on a compression product, like a regular stocking. They need to be worn differently - from the inside out (with each product in the kit comes instructions with recommendations on the technique of putting on and caring for the knitwear).
If you have to use high-grade compression knitwear, especially constantly, you can purchase special devices to help you put it on.
Where to buy knitwear?
Medical and prophylactic compression hosiery can be purchased at pharmacies and orthopedic salons. For your convenience, jerseys necessary for after invasive interventions (operations, sclerotherapy) can be purchased directly at the BINA Family Health Center
