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Compression stockings are simply irreplaceable in the event of a threat or during venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. When properly selected, with the help of pressure, they improve the condition of the veins, and the patients feel a clear relief. However, it is also worth remembering that there are many ways to reduce the risk of venous insufficiency and it is worth implementing them as soon as possible.
Compression stockings are stockings that gently press on the legs and ankles. Compression stockings are traditionally used to improve circulation. In ancient times, probably Roman soldiers often wrapped their legs in leather belts to improve circulation during long marches.
Modern compression stockings are more sophisticated and designed to provide constant pressure to the legs, helping the blood flow back to the heart. Compression stockings usually place more pressure near the ankles and feet, providing additional pressure that aids blood flow.
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Compression stockings should be worn by both those who have already suffered from venous insufficiency and those who are at risk of such ailments. Compression stockings are worth using when someone’s legs feel constantly tired and appear on them swelling. If the so-called spider veins or the first varicose veins appeared on the legs, it is also a reason to buy compression stockings.
In severe post-thrombotic syndromes, compression stockings are even necessary, but it is worth wearing them prophylactically when the risk of failure is high. This applies in particular to genetic burden and prolonged sitting or standing.
Here attention should be paid to people traveling by air, because the risk of thrombosis is particularly high during the flight. Wearing compression stockings is also recommended for pregnant women, because in their condition it is also very easy to contract such ailments.
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Despite the many advantages of compression stockings, not everyone should wear them. Here are some situations when compression stockings should not be used:
- suspected or diagnosed peripheral arterial disease,
- severe peripheral neuropathy or other cause of impaired sensation
- allergy to the material from which compression stockings are made,
- massive swelling of the legs or fluid in the lungs due to congestive heart failure
- skin or soft tissue abnormalities in the legs, including a recent skin graft, gangrene, oozing dermatitis, and severe cellulitis
- deformation of the leg or an unusual leg shape or size that prevents the compression stockings from fitting correctly.
In stores, you can buy not only compression stockings, but also tights, knee socks and socks. Which model the patient chooses should depend on the location of the lesions visible on the legs or on the specific recommendations of the doctor, who may sometimes even exclude the use of such medical underwear. The doctor should also determine the appropriate level of pressure.
The pressure force must be carefully selected. If it is too small, wearing these compression tights will not be of any benefit to the sufferer. If the pressure applied is too great, it can dangerously impair blood flow.
If compression tights are to be used as a prophylactic measure to prevent the formation of varicose veins or general venous insufficiency, low pressure stockings marked – 8-14 mm Hg are used.
People who already have spider veins or slight varicose veins, and swelling and the general heaviness of the legs are standard, should use stockings or tights with the XNUMXst degree of compression. On the packaging of the relevant products, the information should appear – 15-24 mm Hg.
When there are really significant varicose veins on the legs or the patient is already surgically treated, the appropriate tights will be those belonging to compression class II (25-34 mm Hg). In the case of advanced venous insufficiency, measures with the third degree of compression (35-44 mm Hg) are used. In very severe cases of lymphoedema, in post-thrombotic syndromes, underwear with compression degree IV, greater than 44 mm Hg, is used.
Compression stockings are put on right after getting out of bed, before the legs are swollen. Take them off before going to bed. After putting them on, you need to smooth their surface so that there are no folds, because they could additionally block the blood flow. In principle, patients should use stockings for the rest of their lives, because although the disease may subside somewhat, the risk of exacerbation of symptoms remains.
It should also be remembered that compression stockings lose their properties after a few months and should be replaced with new ones. By the way, it is worth consulting the doctor again on the correct degree of oppression.