The choice of compression knitwear should be approached with particular care. Before buying, carefully prepare yourself, listen to the doctor’s recommendations and, of course, familiarize yourself with the material on how to determine the size of compression stockings. The underwear looks beautiful on the leg, but its main purpose is not aesthetic, but therapeutic - prevention of complications, treatment of diseases of the vascular system, support in the postoperative period.
Compression classes. Indications for use
First you need to establish which compression class is right for you. This will maximize the effectiveness of treatment, restore venous blood flow in the legs. In each individual case, a competent consultation of a medical professional is needed. Let's talk about several compression classes, each of which has its own characteristics and indications. If you are recommended to wear compression stockings , how to determine the size, class, we will describe below.
0 class and 1 class . Recommended for people who spend most of their time on their feet or vice versa, leading a sedentary lifestyle. Prevention of edema, the appearance of spider veins, the normal course of pregnancy.
Grade 2 and Grade 3 . Such knitwear is worn only as directed by a doctor. Cases when varicose veins are hereditary, with constant edema, operations on the veins, with manifestations of spider veins, with pain.
Hospital knitwear . Appointed after surgery. The pressure will depend on the duration of the operation, the length of time in the supine position.
How to determine the size of compression stockings
The success of treatment depends not only on the right class. In this case, the right size plays a big role. After the compression class is established, it is worth learning how to determine the size of compression stockings. Leg measurements are best taken in the morning without getting out of bed. It’s inconvenient to do it yourself. In the hospital this can be done by a health worker, at home it is worth contacting family members. If the size is chosen incorrectly, you can get undesirable consequences instead of a positive effect. So you need to approach the choice seriously. What is the point of wearing? Due to the distribution of pressure (100% on the ankles, 70% on the shin, 40% on the thigh), the correct venous blood movement from the limbs to the heart is restored on the leg.
Where are the measurements taken?
- The uppermost is the circumference of the thigh (25 cm above the knee).
- The widest place is the knee.
- The widest place is caviar.
- Slightly higher than the ankle is the lower leg.
- Diagonally through the heel and ankle.
Now, knowing the measurements and comparing them with the table on the product’s packaging, you can learn how to determine the size of compression stockings. By choosing the right size, you can be sure of the benefits of wearing compression underwear.
Compression stockings for surgery
Hospital hosiery (or anti-embolism stockings) is recommended to be used to prevent blood clots and, as a result, clogging the veins of the legs and pulmonary arteries during the surgical period. During the operation, blood coagulability can change, and so that there is no risk of blood clots, you need to use a special knitwear. An open toe allows you to control the correct blood flow.
How to determine the size of compression stockings for surgery? The principle is the same as for ordinary compression hosiery. In addition, you must also determine the height, weight of the patient and the length of his leg.
Compression underwear for pregnant women
Wearing compression underwear is recommended for pregnant women in order to reduce the load on their legs, to protect themselves from the manifestations of varicose veins. The risks of problems with blood vessels, blood flow in the lower extremities are reduced to nothing. Stockings will be needed not only during the bearing of the baby, but also during childbirth.
Since such underwear is therapeutic, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the indications for wearing:
- Fatigue in the legs.
- Swelling.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Cramps in the calves.
- Pain
- Spider veins.
- Thrombosis.
If at least some symptom is present in you, it is worth considering the selection of linen. How to determine the size of compression stockings ? The table of conformity of measurements will help to determine this issue.
Dimensions | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Ankle circumference | 19-22 | 21-24 | 23-26 | 25-28 | 27-28 |
Calf circumference (calf) | 29-35 | 33-38 | 36-42 | 40-46 | 44-48 |
Circumference 5 cm down from the knee. | 25-32 | 30-37 | 35-41 | 38-46 | 44-49 |
Mid-thigh circumference | 38-46 | 44-49 | 48-54 | 52-58 | 56-62 |
Circumference 5 cm down from the perineum. | 47-56 | 54-63 | 61-67 | 65-71 | 69-76 |
You can immediately feel the healing effect.
- Veins when wearing stockings will be protected from excessive expansion.
- Blood circulates actively.
- Tissues are actively supplied with oxygen and nutrients.
- Prevention of seizures and thrombosis.
- Prevention of edema.
Knitwear Care
With the right selection, wearing and care, the service life of knitwear is much longer. So, you have decided to get compression stockings. How to determine the size, now you know what stockings are for - it’s also clear.
Are there any features for the care of compression knitwear? Of course.
- After each sock, it is necessary to wash the stockings in a soapy solution, not only for hygiene reasons. You can extend the life of the product.
- Do not use conditioners that soften the fibers of the fabric.
- After washing, do not wring out the product so as not to deform.
- Dry, straighten away from heaters.
- When washing, the water temperature should not be higher than 30 degrees.
- If there are silicone inserts, try not to wet them, just wipe them with a damp cloth.
Follow all the requirements - and the product will last you much longer.