Compression stockings are a great alternative to regular textiles. In addition to visual appeal and aesthetic appearance, such tights have a direct medical purpose. They help prevent the development of diseases associated with veins, alleviate the condition with varicose veins, help in the postoperative period and during pregnancy. How to choose compression stockings? You will learn about this from this article.
How do they work
In order to choose the right products, you need to get acquainted with the principle of their work. It should be understood that these products help restore improper blood flow in your legs. They help to improve blood microcirculation in the limbs, relieve possible venous stasis. Unlike ordinary nylon tights, they are not measured in den. The position of the mercury column is used as measurements.
In the process of daily wear, the dataproducts exert a certain pressure on the skin. Such textiles are put on with effort. It is dense and elastic at the same time.
These features help relieve tension from the legs, relieve them of swelling at the end of the day, improve oxygen access to tissues. Moreover, such products are considered the best prevention of thrombosis. When using textiles, it is possible to protect the veins from expansion. There is a feeling of lightness and the fatigue threshold is reduced. All this can be achieved with well-chosen compression stockings. Which is better to choose, read on.
What types of tights are there?
Compression textiles are orthopedic (therapeutic), prophylactic and hospital. If we talk about prophylactic stockings, they are sold without presenting a prescription issued by a doctor.
Visually, they are almost no different from ordinary women's nylon tights. They can be worn by everyone who wants to keep their legs in great shape, and those in whose family there were people with problem veins. The latter are at risk and need regular preventive measures. But medical stockings cannot be bought without the appointment of a phlebologist and his prescription. All people with vein diseases and thrombophlebitis can wear them.
Hospital stockings are used in hospitals. They are used in preparation for surgery and after it in order to speed up rehabilitation. They are the ones with the highest density. Therefore, they can be worn only on medical prescription.
A few words about the variety of compression
Most specialized textiles have their own compression class. In simple terms, this is a kind of tightening force for tights. How to choose compression tights, knowing their compression class? First, let's find out what classes the products are divided into.
So, the first class of tights involves compression from 23 mmHg. This type of textile is simply indispensable for people whose activities are associated with constant being on their feet. Those who have “spider veins” on their legs cannot do without them.
The second class of products features a compression pressure of 33mmHg. These products are recommended by doctors for people with thrombophlebitis and varicose diseases of varying degrees, severe swelling of the lower extremities.
For textiles of the third class is characterized by the presence of compression of 46 mmHg. These tights are for people with severe venous insufficiency.
Pantyhose of the fourth group have compression over 50 mm Hg. This textile restores lymph circulation and relieves swelling of the legs. All this is very important to know before choosing the compression class of compression stockings.
By the way, the class of the product is usually indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. If the purchase is made through an online store, you should carefully study the description of the goods or ask questions about tights of a particular compression class to the managers of the seller's company.
Class of tights for preventionand sports
In addition to the above-mentioned classes of compression of textile products, there are tights for prevention, relieving fatigue from the legs during sports. These stockings have compression up to 18mmHg.
Is it difficult to get tights?
It is easy to buy products of this type. They are sold in specialized virtual and stationary stores. Moreover, they are also available in pharmacies. And if the textiles of the first three types of compression are easy to get in the public domain, then to buy the fourth group of stockings you will also need a doctor's prescription.
As you can see, there are no problems with buying regular compression stockings. How to choose the right size for these products? The wrong size will disappoint the buyer and will not bring the desired effect. So choose the right size! How to do it?
How to choose the size of compression stockings for varicose veins?
Timely measurements will help you choose the right size. Remember, it is best to take appropriate measurements in the morning, immediately after waking up. This can be done using a flexible tape measure used when sewing.
In the evening, this should not be done, because at the end of the day the legs can swell significantly. It is also worth considering the manufacturer's company. It is better to give preference to trusted companies that have proven themselves on the good side. Consider the type of product model. For example, if you need tight tights, take measurements not onlyhips, but also waist. But how to choose compression stockings if measurements have already been taken?
Table sizes of tights
In order to make it easier, a ready-made table with sizes was invented. This makes it easier to find the most suitable option for you. The following parameters are indicated in the table value:
- Ankle girth.
- Shin girth.
- Leg circumference (5 cm lower than the knee).
So, if you need to choose the size of compression stockings, how can you make it easier for yourself? Get up in the morning, take a centimeter, a pen or pencil, a piece of paper. Measure your ankle in circumference. For example, if it is 19-22 cm, the first size will suit you. In this case, the girth of the lower leg should be 29-35 cm, and the legs - 25-32 cm.
The second size of tights is needed if the ankle circumference is 21-24 cm, the shins are 33-38 cm, and the legs are 30-37 cm. The third size will be needed for people with an ankle circumference of 23-26 cm, a 36-42 cm, and leg circumference - 35-41 cm.
The fourth size is relevant for owners of an ankle circumference of 25-28 cm, a calf circumference of 40-46 cm, and a leg circumference of 38-46 cm. And, finally, to buy the fifth size, you need to have an ankle circumference of 27- 28 cm, calf circumference - 44-48 cm and legs - 44-49 cm. Now you know how to choose compression tights, having previously performed preliminary measurements of your ankles, lower legs and legs.
What other parameters do I need to know to buy?
Sometimes, in addition to the above parameters, when choosing the desiredsizes are taken into account and other calculations. For example, some manufacturers strongly ask you to measure the circumference of the calf muscle. Before purchasing products from other manufacturers, you need to know the circumference of the thigh (located about 5 cm from the gluteal crease).
Moreover, in the tabular values of some manufacturers, two shin girths are indicated at once. In such situations, before choosing compression stockings for varicose veins (as well as for thrombophlebitis), it is necessary to measure the narrowest part of the lower leg and the widest one.
It is also often necessary to measure the length of the leg. It is measured from the point of the girth of the hips to the very heel. The size of products is often indicated in English letters (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL). For example, in size S, the circumference of the narrowest part of the lower leg is 18-21 cm, the circumference of the widest point at the lower leg is 27-30 cm, the circumference of the thigh is 42-45 cm, and the length of the leg is 65-68 cm.
Thus, it will be possible to choose the right compression stockings. As in the case of the size of clothes, all the data for choosing stockings is in special size grids. As a rule, they are also indicated on the packaging of tights.
Do I need to know the height and weight of a person when buying?
Some manufacturers offer their customers to measure their height and weight before choosing tights. The ratio of these indicators will help determine the size that you need. This approach is considered not very accurate. However, the dimensions corresponding to your height and weight are placed in special size tables. It is much easier to make a choice on them.
Briefly about the most famousproduct manufacturers
At the moment, there are many manufacturing companies that produce compression textiles. Let's name the most famous among them:
- Relaxsan is a famous Italian brand. According to many buyers, these are good products for a low price. However, they are not hard rubber. Therefore, with regular wear, it stretches, and the products begin to slide off the body. After about a couple of months, these tights wear out and are no longer wearable.
- Spanish firm ORTO is known to many. She produces tights and stockings that can last 3-4 months. This is a quality and pleasant to the body jersey. However, as buyers say, it rubs rather quickly around the fingers.
- American-made Venotex products have a longer service life. Such tights can be worn for at least 5-6 months before they completely fail. They are slightly above average.
- German MEDI tights are even more expensive. They look good, are of excellent quality and last a long time.
- The products of the Swiss company Sigvaris have proven themselves perfectly. They are expensive, but have high performance properties.
- And, finally, Intex is a brand of a domestic manufacturer. The tights are of good quality and last approximately 10-12 months.
How to choose pregnant?
Compression stockings for pregnant women deserve special attention. How to choose them taking into account the characteristics of your body? According to experts, in the absence of obviousproblems with veins during pregnancy, you can wear class 1 products. These tights will help relieve the pressure on the vessels of the expectant mother and eliminate swelling in the area of the ankles and shins. You can wear them in the first trimester of pregnancy.
During the second and third trimester, continue to wear class 1 tights. If you have spider veins or dilated veins, you should purchase class 2 tights.
It is necessary for pregnant women to choose tights by following the measurements described above. Remember that tights that are not your size are poorly fitting, dangle in folds and are looser.
