Compression stockings - why are they needed? Compression stockings for varicose veins

Compression stockings - knitwear varying degrees compressions used to prevent thromboembolic complications during and after operations. They are made from natural and synthetic fibers using Soft Elastic and Two-Way-Stretch technology. Microfiber, Clima Fresh (elastic yarn without latex), Perfect Fit (high-tech thread), rubber and others are used as raw materials for knitting.

When are hospital stockings needed?

• during caesarean section;
• during abdominal operations on lower limbs and spine;
• with venous chronic failure(VHN);
• if varicose veins are suspected during any operations.

They are also recommended for persons with a genetic predisposition to SCN. For those who move little and carry significant loads on their legs - overweight, heavy lifting, pregnancy, standing for long periods of time.

Why are compression stockings used?

During the administration of anesthesia, the body is exposed to hypotension, a condition in which the movement of blood through the veins and arteries slows down significantly. Wherein surgical intervention- stress for the whole body, since it has to defend itself from the actions taken by the doctor. This happens due to the active synthesis of substances that reduce blood loss. This condition increases the risk of thromboembolism and thrombosis by 12-18 times, even in those individuals who are not at risk. Compression garments help blood move steadily to the heart, preventing complications and stagnation.

The principle of choosing compression stockings.

A phlebologist should help you choose compression stockings for surgery. He will examine the veins of the lower extremities, determine the condition of the vessels - superficial and deep veins - and the risks. Based on the data obtained, he will recommend knitwear of a certain compression - class “A” or I - IV. The rest of the choice rests with the patient. We recommend choosing compression stockings:

• true to size, otherwise there will be no effect;
• with elongation indicator;
• with silicone retainer on top;
• made from quality materials (described above);
• soft knit.

It is worth buying high-quality and environmentally friendly knitted underwear, but it is not cheap. Remember: low-quality stockings only increase stress in the body.

To reduce the load on the legs and prevent the development of varicose veins during the period of bearing a child, doctors increasingly recommend wearing compression stockings for pregnant women - therapeutic knitwear. They reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases of the lower extremities not only for 9 months, but even during childbirth and after it. For those who suffer from dilated veins, asterisks, cramps and pain in the legs, such underwear is a real salvation.

Before purchasing this knitwear, which has an amazing effect on your legs, it is better to first find out why pregnant women need compression stockings and whether they are needed specifically in this or that case. Since this is medicinal underwear, it has a number of indications:

• chronic venous insufficiency;
• tired legs;
• swelling by the end of the day;
• painful sensations;
• convulsions in calf muscles Oh;
• phlebeurysm;
• thrombosis;
• venous, eczema;
• spider veins on the legs.

If, while carrying a child, any of these problems exist or are at least suspected, compression tights for pregnant women or stockings are simply necessary for normal well-being expectant mother and successful delivery. Their therapeutic effect is obvious:

• veins are protected from expansion;
• constant pressure is applied to the surface of the leg, which causes blood to actively circulate;
• the supply of tissues with oxygen and nutrients improves;
• prevents the occurrence of thrombosis and seizures;
• the ability of blood vessels to absorb extracellular fluid increases, which leads to the prevention and elimination of edema.

The benefits of such underwear when carrying a child are obvious. It is recommended to wear it even during childbirth, so that the veins do not burst from the tension that the woman experiences at this moment. It is very important to choose the right compression stockings for pregnant women so that they are as comfortable and useful as possible. They are divided into several classes.

Classes

You need to be able to determine the compression class of compression stockings for pregnant women required for a given situation. If preventive underwear can be purchased by any woman in a pharmacy and is freely available, then therapeutic underwear, which includes 4 classes, can only be prescribed by a phlebologist. Accordingly, you can only buy it in a specialized salon using a prescription only. What is the difference between these types of knitwear?

1. Class 1. The compression created by these stockings (tights) on the legs is up to 23 mm. rt. Art. They are recommended for pregnant women with the appearance of spider veins and pain at the end of the day, with enlarged veins.
2. Class 2. The pressure distributed by this underwear on the legs does not exceed 33 mm. rt. Art. Used to treat thrombophlebitis and varicose veins in pregnant women.
3. Class 3. Compression on the legs - no higher than 45 mm. rt. Art. Tights (stockings) of this type are prescribed by a phlebologist for severe venous insufficiency, which is characterized by impaired trophism.
4. Class 4. The pressure exceeds 50 mm. rt. Art. Underwear of this class eliminates disturbances in lymph flow and eliminates severe swelling caused by this disease.

In addition to the above classes, there are also preventive compression stockings for pregnant women, which can be worn by all expectant mothers to prevent such problems with blood vessels, veins and capillaries in the legs. If a woman is at risk, the observing gynecologist will definitely advise wearing such underwear. The question is which is better - compression stockings or tights for pregnant women, and what is their fundamental difference.

Kinds

Depending on a woman’s individual preferences, she can choose various types compression garments - tights, stockings or knee socks. There is also an elastic bandage with the same effect. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Compression socks for pregnant women, they are used if pain, cramps and varicose veins affect only the calf part, without rising higher to the thighs. The inconvenience of this type of underwear is that knee socks do not always look aesthetically pleasing under short dresses and skirts. Although they are ideal for wearing under pants.
2. Compression stockings- one of the most popular options for this underwear for pregnant women. They look aesthetically pleasing and beautiful on the leg, do not cause discomfort when you need to go to the toilet (which occurs quite often in this position), and do not put pressure on the stomach. The only negative, which, however, is very significant, is that they do not fit well on the foot and often slide down, which disrupts the uniformity of the pressure they exert.
3. Compression tights for pregnant women they are an excellent alternative to stockings. Their advantages are that they will definitely not slip off your feet and do not need to be constantly pulled up. The disadvantage is the pressure they put on the stomach. Although manufacturers are actively fighting this disadvantage and reducing it to almost nothing.
4. Compression elastic bandage for pregnant women it is useful only if there are some local problems with the veins in the legs. Phlebologists recommend it extremely rarely to pregnant women.

In addition, you need to know how to choose compression stockings for pregnant women in accordance not only with the class and type of underwear, but also with its size. This affects the correct distribution of pressure across the legs.

Dimensions

To choose the size of compression stockings for pregnant women, you need to take the following leg measurements before purchasing a home:

For stockings:

1. Circumference of the lower leg above the ankle (in cm);
2. Upper calf circumference knee joint(in cm).
3. Thigh circumference at a distance of 25 cm from the knee (for a woman’s height up to 180 cm). If you are taller, measurements should be taken at a height of 30 cm from the knee joint.
4. Length of the leg to the point where the thigh circumference was measured.

For tights:

1. All measurements taken to select compression stockings.
2. Waist and hip circumference.
3. Length of the leg from the foot all the way to the groin.

After the dimensions are taken, the data obtained must be compared with the dimensions given in the tables. When purchasing underwear in a specialized salon, show your measurements to the sales consultant, and he will select compression stockings or tights of the required size for you.

Size correspondence table for women's stockings:

Now you know which compression stockings are best for pregnant women and how to choose them correctly to get maximum benefit and comfort from them. All that remains is to learn how to use them, which is not difficult at all.

Terms of use

There are several nuances that will help achieve greater effectiveness from compression garments for pregnant women:

• first you need to consult a phlebologist who prescribes the use of compression stockings during pregnancy and after childbirth;
• underwear should be selected only to a woman’s individual size;
• high-quality compression knitwear comes under the RAL sign - its presence on the packaging indicates a European certificate for the product;
• The warranty period for compression underwear for pregnant women is no more than 10 months.

If you follow these recommendations and use the above tips for choosing compression stockings and tights for pregnant women, they will bring maximum comfort and benefit. Protect your legs from excessive stress and varicose veins throughout the entire 9 months. This will allow you to regain your former slimness and beautiful shape after childbirth.

Before using knitted products, which can be purchased at almost any pharmacy, you need to know the causes and mechanisms of the disease, which lead to visible cosmetic and pathogenetic problems.

Varicose veins are a problem with irreversible progressive changes in the walls of superficial and deep veins, changes in the skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, muscles and nerves. Such changes are clinically manifested as vasodilatation venous system lower extremities.

Among etiological factors The first place in the risk group is occupied by:

• heredity factors;
• hormonal and endocrine changes;
• pregnancy;
• obesity;
• increased intra-abdominal pressure;
• chronic alcoholism;
• chronic irritation of the esophagus.

If the muscular-elastic apparatus of the vein wall is damaged or weak, a turbulent circle of blood circulation can form. Blood from the superficial veins does not completely flow through the deep ones to the main vessels. In this case, part comes back. Subsequently, mechanical expansion of the vessels occurs and the pressure in them increases. Visually you can observe this picture with varicose veins of the lower extremities and abdominal wall. In this case, veins can have various shapes:

1. Cylindrical.
2. Spiral.
3. Placer.

In addition, a mixed form occurs.

Main symptoms and complications

There are several degrees of this disease. Degree of compensation, subcompensation and decompensation. Patients at the compensation stage complain of practically nothing. After significant physical exercise, climbing stairs and overwork, complaints of pain in the legs and the feeling of spiders crawling on the leg may occur. It can affect either one limb, or it is possible to develop varicose veins on both legs. Visually, there will be only a slight increase in the volume of the small saphenous vein.

Already in the subcompensation stage, varicose veins in the legs will be characterized by sensations of pastiness and swelling, night cramps, a feeling of numbness in the toes, and freezing. As signs of decompensation increase, complaints will worsen significantly. Varicose veins are well contoured under the skin; in addition, the symptoms are accompanied by changes in the skin, subcutaneous fat and muscles in the form of pigmentation, induration, and the appearance of areas of skin inflammation on the legs.

The most common complication of varicose veins is bleeding. If not diagnosed promptly, it can be fatal. Even minor bleeding from varicose veins of the lower extremities can cause irreparable harm.

The second most common complication is the addition of infections during the development of trophic ulcers. Due to a decrease in tissue trophism, ulcers do not heal for a long time, a chronic purulent focus is formed, which is accompanied by general intoxication of the body, febrile temperature, and profuse sweating.

The next most common complication is deep vein thrombosis.

With poor motor function, blood stagnates and the risk of blood clot formation increases, which in turn can cause pulmonary embolism.

Pathology treatment methods

The choice of treatment course is related to the stage of the disease.

There are two methods – conservative and surgical. Therapeutic treatment will be appropriate before the stage of decompensation or the development of complications.

The first stage will be normalizing your lifestyle. Daily exercise therapy, diet therapy, smoking and alcohol cessation. Wearing compression hosiery, which contributes not only to the prevention of this disease, but also to direct treatment. Off-season use of phlebotonics, which include:

• Detralex;
• Oftalek;
• Diosmin;
• Vasocket;
• Phlebodia;
• Juantal.

Compression jersey necessary to relieve stress from the legs, reduce the degree of pressure, which is widely used for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Class 1 compression stockings for women have the most acceptable cosmetic form, which is a significant advantage compared to elastic bandages.

At the first signs of detection of the disease, many doctors recommend immediately resorting to the use of knitwear.

Surgery used already at the stage of decompensation and the presence of complications. This treatment method includes the following operations:

1. Phlebectomy is the gold standard of treatment. During this operation, the affected vein is crossed through incisions at the site of attachment to a deeper branch and removed.
2. Miniphlebectomy - the principle is the same as with phlebectomy, only punctures are used instead of incisions, which helps to achieve a more pronounced cosmetic effect.
3. Short stripping is an operation in which only the affected section of the vein is removed, and not the entire vein.

In addition, endoscopic dissection is used - removal of the affected area of ​​the vein under endoscopic control, which significantly reduces errors during surgery and eliminates postoperative complications.

Characteristics of compression stockings

Compression stockings cause a local compressive effect on different segments of the lower limb. The maximum pressure occurs in the area of ​​the feet and the lower third of the lower leg. The upper third is compressed 20% less than the lower third. The hips are impacted 50% less than other segments.

This type of load helps distribute uniform compression between the veins, which prevents stagnation of the circulatory system. Normal pressure is restored and blood flow is normalized, this leads to a decrease in heaviness on the vascular walls.

Compression stockings replaced elastic bandages, which were impractical to use, caused a lot of problems and spoiled appearance. These products are not much different from ordinary stockings in appearance, but have a lot of positive effects that have a beneficial effect on the veins of the lower extremities.

Elastic underwear varies in degree of compression, which is selected individually for each case. The simpler the stage of the disease, the less pressure must be used.

When buying underwear, you also need to look at its quality; you should not rashly buy an inexpensive product, because original stockings consist of hypoallergenic material, microfiber, latex and elastane.

The first compression class is considered the lightest and is sold in almost all pharmacies and medical equipment stores. It is used for purely preventive purposes and does not require special certificates or prescriptions from a doctor.

Such stockings have virtually no contraindications. Knitwear can be worn by pregnant women and during breastfeeding.

How to choose and use knitted underwear?

Initially, it is necessary to measure the size of the lower extremities. This is done specifically for whatever you take big size, which will not meet the requirements needed by the patient.

Individual measurements are taken at the level of the hips, it is customary to take the size 5 centimeters below the gluteal cavity, calf muscles, at the level of the middle third, in the ankle area, and the distance from the floor to the large swivel of the thigh is also measured.

It is best to carry out the procedure in the morning, without getting out of bed. You can do it yourself or ask for help from relatives or friends.

• The quality of the material from which the stockings are made.
• Manufacturer, because counterfeits will not have a therapeutic or preventive effect.
• The linen should have a rubber finish.
• Various colors and external shape.
• Underwear must fit tightly to the body and comply with the standards and recommendations of the doctor.

Like any product, knitwear has its own models. The most common is the classic model, indistinguishable from everyday stockings. The elastic band that covers the hips may be made of silicone, or instead there will be a special belt that will have an additional therapeutic effect.

There are also models for women who have large feet.

How to wear stockings correctly?

If you already had to wear first-class compression garments, then you need to take into account that you should not use it for only two or three days. This will have no effect. Prevention of varicose veins should be long-term and constant. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately learn how to use knitwear so that it does not cause unnecessary discomfort and inconvenience.

Experts recommend putting on stockings in the morning without getting out of bed. It is also recommended to take pictures while lying in bed, just before going to bed. There is no need to take them off throughout the day. There should be no twisting or compression during donning; this can have a negative effect on the skin of the lower extremities.

Wearing compression stockings and tights during pregnancy is not only possible, but also necessary.. Doctors recommend doing this to all women starting from the first trimester, regardless of whether obvious signs varicose veins. This helps reduce the load on the legs while carrying a child, and also prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Attention! Doctors prescribe women to wear compression garments not only during pregnancy, but also immediately after childbirth.

Specialized underwear is prescribed for:

Shaping tights and stockings apply constant pressure to the surface of the leg and protect the veins from expansion. Because of this, blood actively circulates and the supply of oxygen to tissues improves.

Below is an informative video about the need to wear compression garments during pregnancy:

How to put on stockings?

Step-by-step instructions for putting on compression stockings:

1. It is necessary to turn the product inside out from top to heel, without the toe part.
2. Using both hands, the toe part is put on the foot.
3. The stocking is carefully pulled over the heel. You should make sure that the heel area is where it needs to be.
4. The entire length of the stocking is straightened along the leg.
5. If wrinkles appear on the product during the process, they must be straightened out.
6. The process is repeated with the second leg.

Important! Properly worn compression stockings should not wrinkle or twist.

With high compression, putting on a stocking may not be as easy as it seems. There are special devices for this that can be bought in orthopedic stores and pharmacies. At home, rubber household gloves will help you put a stocking on your leg. If the skin of your feet is damp, you should apply talc.

Below is a visual video on how to put on compression stockings:

How to wear maternity tights?

Tights are put on in the same way as stockings, however, it can be a little more difficult to do, especially in later stages of pregnancy. If a woman finds it difficult to put on tights on her own, she should ask her loved ones for help.

Step-by-step instructions for putting on compression tights:

Some tights combine an additional bandage to support a pregnant woman's belly. In this case Special attention You should also pay attention to its correct location in the waist area.

How to wear them correctly?

You should put on medical knitwear in the morning of every day and take it off in the evening, before going to bed, unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. Only special post-operative underwear is worn around the clock.

If necessary, you should wear it for the entire 9 months before giving birth, as well as for some time after it. If your doctor prescribes compression stockings or tights to prevent fatigue and swelling, you should only wear them during periods of increased stress on your legs, such as long walks or standing work.

You can wear compression hosiery instead of regular stockings and tights., because they have practically no contraindications. It is not necessary to wear the product under trousers or jeans - today stores have a wide selection of compression underwear with an attractive appearance.

In the summer, a pregnant woman should not refuse medical underwear, because heat is a provocateur of additional vasodilation. If you feel discomfort, you can replace thick knitwear with compression stockings of the first compression class or preventive ones, since they are less dense and are not so hot in them.

In order to remove the compression hosiery, you need to pull the product down, gradually turning it inside out.

How to care for such linen?

This type of laundry requires regular washing.. During wear, the fabric stretches slightly, and washing restores its original properties. In addition, this is necessary to clean the fabric from dirt, sweat and cosmetics applied under the underwear. Washing conditions:

Compression underwear should be washed after each use, so it is recommended to have two or more pairs of stockings and tights at once.

Most stockings and tights last 6 months. After this time, they lose their compression properties and the product must be replaced.

To prevent laundry from losing its properties, it must be stored in a dry place at room temperature, protected from sudden temperature changes. Silicone rubber on stockings should be protected from contact with water as much as possible. This will lead to the loss of its fixing properties. Cleansing is best done with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol-containing liquid.

Despite the joy of expecting a baby and the happiness in anticipation of his birth, many women during pregnancy may also encounter its negative manifestations, one of which is.

Statistics say that every fourth young mother suffers from varicose veins, and almost all of them note that the disease appeared during pregnancy.

Varicose veins are dangerous not only due to aesthetic defects, which all women are so afraid of, wanting to keep their legs slim and beautiful. In fact, it is a manifestation and symptom of serious cardiovascular diseases, which means it can pose a threat to both your health and the health of the unborn baby.

Compression tights or other knitwear of the same type are considered one of the effective methods of combating varicose veins, as well as preventing it.

If you manage to use this wonderful tool in time, then pathological process will be able to stop. If you want to prevent the onset of the disease, consult your doctor in advance for help in selecting and selecting compression stockings, which are so necessary during pregnancy.

Since a woman’s body undergoes many hormonal changes and changes during pregnancy, and the volume of circulating blood increases significantly, this is often a trigger factor for the appearance of varicose veins (venous pressure increases, the elasticity of the venous walls decreases, etc.).

As the fetus grows, the load on the legs becomes more and more, then they begin to hurt, the woman may feel constant heaviness and fatigue.

The main prerequisite for the disease will be the so-called spider veins(when small capillaries and vessels suddenly appear through the skin in an unaesthetic mesh of blue or purple hue).

A woman may also have a predisposition to varicose veins, and if she suffered from it before pregnancy, then after pregnancy and childbirth the situation, as a rule, noticeably worsens.

That is why doctors advise using special compression hosiery during pregnancy (and even during childbirth): tights or stockings, which are one of the simplest, safest and effective methods prevention of varicose veins. Of course, those protruding veins or vessels that appeared earlier cannot be removed by wearing stockings, but the appearance of new ones can be prevented.

Main features and principle of operation

Experts say that compression garments help uniform and correct distribution blood pressure in the legs, which, in turn, will help improve blood flow and prevent blood stagnation (in blood vessels), and also protect the woman from other possible consequences and complications of varicose veins.

The jersey presses on the leg with a clear intensity: it focuses on the ankles at 100%, in the knee area the compression is about 70%, and reaches 40% on the thigh, that is, it is distributed from bottom to top.

This is precisely the principle of operation of compression hosiery. If we talk about the effect that wearing such tights or stockings has, then it is very noticeable and important for every woman who suffers from varicose veins, in particular:

• Your legs face serious stress, increasing with each month of pregnancy.

By wearing compression tights or stockings, you help your legs cope with this load, maintaining their beauty and health.

• The outflow of blood after wearing shapewear is regulated and normalized, and since constant and, most importantly, uniform pressure is applied to the surface of the legs, this causes the blood to circulate very actively.
• Due to the action of compression garments, veins are protected from expansion, vessel walls are protected from stretching, and tissues are much larger and better supplied with nutrients and oxygen.
• Blood circulation in the pelvic organs is also stimulated.
• The legs stop swelling and hurting. Unpleasant sensations and heaviness go away.
• Microcirculation improves.
• The risk of ruptures in the walls of blood vessels is significantly reduced (this is especially true during childbirth).

In general, even if such problems are simply assumed, it is better to choose compression stockings or tights so as not to let them slip and bring the situation to a critical point.

Indications for wearing therapeutic underwear may include:

• the appearance of spider veins or stars/nodules on the legs;
• calf muscles;
• discomfort and pain in the lower extremities (pain, fatigue, heaviness, constant severe swelling, etc.);
• established diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency;
• pronounced varicose veins;
• the appearance of serious and dangerous symptoms of the disease, such as thrombosis, venous dermatitis or eczema.

However, there are some contraindications, in the presence of which wearing compression hosiery is not recommended and even prohibited. These include:

• cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, impaired blood flow from the arteries to the extremities);
• diseases blood vessels(atherosclerosis, aortoarteritis);
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• problems with the skin of the legs (pustular diseases, dermatitis, eczema, open wounds etc.).

After putting on compression tights, you will immediately feel how much easier you feel, because their healing effect will help you maintain health and good shape.

What's in stock for pregnant women: choosing the right class

A phlebologist (vascular surgeon) recommends wearing compression stockings.

He should also help you choose the right class and type of product.

All parameters are individual, since they depend on how the disease progresses, what symptoms it manifests itself in, etc. Other important factors are also taken into account:

• features of pregnancy;
• general well-being of the woman;
• its physiological parameters (physique features, weight);
• stress that accompanies pregnancy (inactivity, lack of physical exercise or activity, work with a load on the legs).

Based on all this, the doctor will select the degree and compression class of the product that is right for you.

This characteristic distinguishes therapeutic (or hospital) underwear from ordinary preventive underwear (the pressure of such knitwear is only 15-18 mm Hg (or millimeters of mercury), so it can be worn by women who do not yet have pronounced signs and manifestations of varicose veins - just for prevention).

Preventive compression hosiery is recommended for wearing by almost all pregnant women in the later stages, and sometimes during (after) childbirth.

As a rule, compression garments are sold in specialized salons or pharmacies with a prescription prescribed by a doctor.

There are four classes of compression stockings.

• First grade.

Underwear that belongs to the first class can create compression on the legs, slightly higher than preventive (from 18 to 22-23 mm Hg). It is prescribed to women whose veins have already slightly enlarged, and small protrusions of the spider veins on the legs are also visible.

These stockings can relieve mild swelling that often occurs towards the end of the day. If the pain becomes stronger, and the veins protrude in areas longer than five centimeters, then it is recommended to move on to second-class knitwear.

• Second class.

Its compression is 23-33 mm Hg. Art. Lingerie will help cope with cramps, pain, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms progressive varicose veins. It may also be recommended to wear it for manifestations of thrombophlebitis.

• Third class.

When a woman is diagnosed with severe venous or lymphovenous insufficiency (with impaired trophism, deep vein thrombosis, etc.), the doctor will insist on using third-class compression hosiery (up to 45 mm Hg).

• Fourth grade.

The fourth class of compression can be prescribed for serious disorders of lymph flow, severe edema, post-traumatic syndromes, etc. (its pressure is above 50 mm Hg).

What to choose: compression stockings, knee socks or tights?

Having understood the classes of compression underwear, you will need to decide which type to choose: tights, knee socks, stockings? There are even elastic bandages of the same type.

• Knee socks.

Compression socks look like regular ones - they cover the calf and barely reach the knee.

Pregnant women can use such products if leg problems concern only these areas, but if pain, varicose veins, spider veins, cramps and other symptoms spread over the entire surface of the legs, rising higher and higher to the hips, then knee socks will simply be ineffective .

They are convenient to wear only under trousers, and they do not look good in combination with skirts or dresses.

• Stockings.

One of the most popular types of compression hosiery is stockings. Women love them for their beauty and aesthetics, as well as for their additional features: when wearing stockings, you don’t have to worry about the inconvenience of going to the toilet, and they don’t put any unpleasant pressure on the stomach.

However, if the stockings begin to poorly stay on the leg and slip down, then they can no longer be worn, because if the uniform pressure of the product is disturbed, there can be no question of any therapeutic effect.

• Tights.

A good alternative to stockings is tights. Yes, you will have to take them off to go to the toilet, but they do not slip and do not need constant tightening. As for the pressure on the abdomen, almost all models for pregnant women are now equipped with special elastic inserts that do not have compression and gently fit the expectant mother’s belly, taking into account its progressive increase.

• Elastic bandages.

As an additional means, you can use an elastic bandage, however, when compared with compression garments, then its low efficiency should be noted.

The biggest disadvantage of the bandage is that it is difficult to calculate the correct degree of compression with it, since you can simply adjust it manually, in addition, the bandages constantly slip, which further reduces the effect of the therapeutic effect.

Don’t forget that you need to know how to bandage your feet correctly, and you can’t always do it yourself.

Price issue

As a rule, the price of compression hosiery is quite high. Of course, it depends on how popular the manufacturer’s brand is, as well as on the material from which the underwear is made.

Please note that all products are made from natural materials, because they must be safe (have hypoallergenic properties, do not cause itching or irritation of the skin) and high quality (such tights or stockings cannot stretch over time, must be restored to their original size, etc. .).

In addition, knitwear must have good air and moisture permeability. Such products usually consist of microfiber, lycra, rubber and cotton natural threads.

Among the most famous manufacturers are:

• The Venotex brand (VenoteksTherapy, USA) is considered one of the most widespread and beloved.

This may be due to the fact that the company provides its customers with a fairly wide range of products. If we talk about the wear resistance of products, then it is rather average, however, as is their cost. However, they are certified and do not contradict State Standards in any way.

• Knitwear from the Italian company Relaxsan also has a relatively low price.

This manufacturer also offers a large range of different models with interesting designs and all classes of compression, but it’s worth clarifying right away that their models are very short-lived, since compression will only be noticeable for a month. Also, judging by the reviews, they cause some discomfort when worn.

• Products of the Spanish company ORTO can be classified as middle class - both in cost and quality.

Women who prefer this brand note the good quality of its products (compression can last up to four months), however, sometimes the product deteriorates (extreme wear on the foot and toes).

• Products from German companies Medi or Bauerfeind are of high quality, of course, this is reflected in their price, but the products have an excellent degree of wear resistance.

In addition, all models are very comfortable, pleasant to wear and easy to care for. The products are made in excellent design solutions.

• The domestic company Intex has become a competitor to Western manufacturers, whose products combine the most attractive factors: high wear resistance, low cost and high-quality compression.
• If we talk about elite compression hosiery, then this is, of course, Sigvaris.

Unique design, high quality workmanship, minimal wear and tear - these are the qualities for which you can pay such an expensive price, which is what distinguishes the products of this manufacturer.

Choosing the right product

In order for compression hosiery to really help you and have the necessary therapeutic effect, it must be selected and selected correctly. This also applies to choosing the right size, because such underwear can in no case be either small or large.

Compression stockings or tights must exactly match your measurements - only then will the pressure be distributed correctly across your legs.

So, before you go shopping, you will have to take your measurements and write them down.

It is best to measure your legs in the morning, when they are not yet tired and swelling has not appeared.

To select linen you will need the following numbers:

• How many centimeters are the girths of the shin?

At the bottom, measure above the ankle, and at the top, under the knee joint.

• Then you need to measure your hip circumference.

This can be done by raising the meter to a height of 25-30 cm above the knee joint.

• Once you have this number, measure the length of your leg.

For stockings, stop at the point that was the thigh circumference, and for tights, measure all the way to the groin.

• Also, to purchase tights, you will also need to take measurements of your waist circumference.

With the results obtained and the doctor’s prescriptions, you can purchase the product you need. The sales consultant must have a special table that details the size correspondences. Provide him with your measurements so that he can choose the best option for you.

Under no circumstances buy such products at markets or in dubious shops and stalls, and also avoid unknown sellers, otherwise you simply risk purchasing a fake.

Remember that high-quality compression hosiery cannot be cheap. Please note that real anti-varicose tights or stockings do not have a certain density, like regular knitwear, so if you are offered to buy tights with a density of 70, 80 or 90 denier, know that these are not therapeutic or even preventive underwear, and there is no special effect from them you won't wait.

Be sure to check whether the product has a RAL standard mark - this is the only way you can find a product that will meet international quality standards.

You also need to dress and wear it correctly

To achieve the desired therapeutic effect, compression hosiery must be worn without taking it off for the whole day.

Putting on such stockings or tights is also not as easy as regular ones.

1. It is best to put on underwear immediately after waking up.

Don't get out of bed - let it lie somewhere next to the bed. Both tights and stockings are put on lying down (you can lift your torso a little to pull the tights over your waist).

1. It is necessary to act extremely carefully, do not stretch the product or twist it.
2. For convenience, gather the top part of the tights or stockings into an accordion, and then, inserting your palm inside the product, carefully put it on.
3. Check whether the heel of the product is positioned correctly on your foot. Then, slowly straightening it, pull it higher.

Some manufacturers sell special devices to make the process of dressing not so difficult (for example, MediButler; kits also include “sliding socks” for models of compression stockings with an open nose, for greater comfort).

To ensure that stockings or tights serve you as long as possible, follow a few simple rules:

• Maintain good foot hygiene

Cut your nails in a timely manner - short enough, and polish them well so as not to snag or tear the product, smooth the surface of corns or dry calluses.

• Wash your clothes by hand every day in warm water (no more than 40 degrees).
• When washing, do not wring out the product or twist it.
• Choose a special detergent for washing delicate fabrics.

It could even be shampoo or liquid soap, the main thing is that it is not ordinary washing powder. Also, you should absolutely not use bleach or dry cleaning.

• Do not hang the product out to dry in the sun; hot drying will not work either;
• If you purchased stockings, be very careful with the silicone elastic strip.

If water gets on it, it will no longer be able to tightly fix the product, so it is better to clean it with a cotton pad that can be soaked in alcohol-containing liquid.

If you purchased anti-embolic stockings (compression stockings that are intended for childbirth and postpartum period), then it can be worn for seven days without taking it off.

You can shower in these stockings, and they can also be washed at temperatures up to 70 degrees, unlike regular compression stockings. This is very important because they may have to be sterilized to give birth.

Thanks to the open toe, you can monitor the blood circulation in your feet. These stockings are seamless and do not cause any friction. If you didn’t have time to put them on at home, then the midwives will definitely help you in the maternity hospital.

Instead of a conclusion

Varicose veins are, of course, unpleasant, but you should not be upset, because you can cope with them. Compression hosiery can significantly help you with this. If you are concerned that pregnancy will affect your legs, see your doctor to help you find the right compression product.