The chronic venous insufficiency It is a pathology whose incidence among the population has been increasing in recent years. Compression stockings have a preventive and therapeutic effect that greatly helps to improve blood circulation in our legs.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a health problem that is due to a malfunction of the circulatory system. Affects between 20% and 30% of the Spanish adult populationbeing five times more frequent in women than in men. It is also a pathology whose incidence among the population has been increasing in recent years.
The walls of the veins in the legs contain tiny valves that pump blood to the heart. But, if the veins lose elasticity and become deformed, these valves do not close properly and the blood, attracted by the force of gravity, accumulates in the veins, causing them to increase in size and form varicose veins.
This translates into symptoms such as heaviness and swelling of the legs (edema); leg swelling that gets worse when standing or in hot weather; pain and itching; tiredness, tingling; weakness; night cramps; and varicose veins
As pointed out by the Association for Health Self-Care (ANEFP), given the incidence of this pathology there are many people who don’t use them yet and could reap the benefits that contribute to vascular health.
The association points out the situations in which the use of therapy with compression stockings is recommended, such as before the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins, after venous surgery and sclerotherapy, before edema and varicose changes during pregnancy or professional activity. Compression measurements can also be used as thrombosis and ulcer prevention measure.
Besides, people who spend a lot of time standing or sitting due to their professional activity can benefit from themhave a family history of CVI or are predisposed, who retain fluids, regularly travel by plane or have a sedentary lifestyle, are overweight or obese, or have heavy legs.
Compression stockings have a double preventive and therapeutic effect on venous problems.. Its mechanism of action consists in the application of external pressure on certain points of the legs and in a decreasing way up to the thigh, in such a way that it favors the blood rising to the heart. They also compress the veins, preventing them from continuing to dilate and storing blood inside.
Choose well before buying
According to the ANEFP specialists, it is important to choose the appropriate compression, size and model, which will be different for each patient. There are stockings with different levels of compression depending on the stage of the disease, the activity of the patient or the affected limb segment:
–Light and normal compression: recommended to improve circulation in tired legs; prevention of varicose veins when there is a certain predisposition to their appearance; for pregnant women or when small varicose spider veins already appear; when there is pain and severe fatigue in the legs; when varicose veins of moderate size already appear; and for when you have to cover long days standing or sitting or make long trips.
–strong compression: to treat more serious venous diseases and complications. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor.
In both types of stockings, a treatment of at least six months is always recommended.
The recommendation of a health professional is essential, who is the person who can best indicate when to use one or another compression stocking, medical device that is subject to exhaustive controls by the health authorities, that guarantee its effectiveness.
Compression stockings are made of elastic materials such as elastane, polyamides and other fibers, which allows them to generate pressure on the legs, both when they are in motion and at rest. They can also be manufactured with antibacterial threads so that they prevent infections by bacteria and fungi and avoid bad odors.
Depending on the pathology, the height of the leg where the symptoms are located and preferences when dressing, it is recommended to use more or less long garments:
short average: reaches to just below the knee. They are the easiest stockings to wear and adapt.
Sock: like the short stocking, it reaches just below the knee, although it is a thicker garment that provides more warmth in the winter months. Although the users of the sock are mainly men, it is also very suitable for women in cold weather, since it provides more warmth and fits with the use of boots. There is also a sock made with silver threads, indicated to control sweating and foot odor.
Long stocking: reaches to the middle of the thigh. It is supported by silicone bands and allows you to wear dresses or skirts comfortably. In addition, it is very suitable for pregnant women or people with incontinence problems. There is a special version for gentlemen.
pantyhose: reaches to the waist. They are the classic option for people who prefer to wear dresses or skirts, especially if they are short. Provides a greater sensation of support in the abdominal area. In addition to the classic version, there are options for men or pregnant women.
Use compression stockings correctly
Before starting to use the stockings, from ANEFP they warn that you have to be sure of buy the size that fits your needs and physical characteristics of each person. For this, it is necessary to go to the pharmacy, and there they will take the measurements of the ankle and calf. A correct size guarantees that the circulatory problem is adequately treated and prevented.
Stockings must be put on after daily hygienebefore getting dressed. The ideal is to do it lying down or sitting on the bed. In addition, due to their special characteristics, they are placed in a specific way that facilitates the operation and avoids difficulties:
1. Turn the garment inside out and leave the foot area in.
2. Insert the foot and unroll the stocking over the leg. Once past the heel area with a little tug, continue unrolling it.
3. Distribute the fabric well on the leg to avoid wrinkles and folds.
4. In case of wearing a pantyhose, it is better to first put one leg up to the knee and then the other. Then continue raising the garment to the waist.
some interesting tricks
–avoid breakage: although compression stockings are very resistant, if you think there is a risk of tearing, it is better to use rubber gloves, such as kitchen ones, to put them on.
–Improve silicone adhesion: If you are wearing a long stocking with a silicone band, you can improve its adherence by slightly moistening the band.
-If you apply moisturizing cream after the shower, it is advisable to leave that it is well absorbed before placing the stocking, especially if it is a long stocking with a silicone band. Otherwise, adhesion problems may arise.
–In the hot months it is tempting to stop wearing your stockings, even though that is when they are most needed. For this reason, it is recommended to make some adjustments that facilitate daily use: if you are a user of tights, switch to long stockings or…