Why do athletes need compression garments? A detailed overview of the use of compression underwear for varicose veins Compression underwear fabric composition

When diagnosing various disorders in the venous system lower limbs, For example when, all patients are recommended to wear compression garments. This is an excellent tool that allows you to make additional corrections in the treatment of pathological processes, changing the patient’s condition towards improvement.

The essence of the therapeutic effect

Compression therapy for vein diseases has been used throughout history. A description of methods for treating trophic ulcers on the legs with bandages and pressure bandages is in the works of the founders of medical science. The principle of compression underwear is that it creates pressure of varying strength in different parts of the lower limb. In this case, the maximum compression (100%) falls on the lower part of the leg (above the ankle). This is due to the fact that more force is required to lift the blood up from this area. As the blood flow moves upward, the load on the veins decreases. On top part 70% of the pressure inherent in the underwear is applied to the lower leg, and only 40% is applied to the thigh. The underwear compresses the veins, pushing out stagnant blood, forcing it to move.

Patient's leg without using compression stockings (left) and with them (right)

Thanks to this load distribution, blood flow directed to the heart is normalized. Built-in compression resembles the load created by muscle work during movement . People who use compression garments, by the end of the working day, have less tired legs and do not swell. Compression knitwear for varicose veins includes knee socks and sleeves, tights and tights, stockings and bandages. It has virtually no contraindications. And you can wear it all the time instead of regular underwear.

The effect achieved by wearing therapeutic underwear

The underwear puts constant pressure on the surface of the leg.
Protects veins from expansion.
Wearing compression hosiery (tights, stockings or golf) normalizes blood flow in the lower extremities, helping to improve the supply of tissues with nutrients and oxygen.
The use of compression garments warns.

Material for making compression garments

Compression knitted underwear is made from elastic cotton and nylon fibers, microfiber and lycra. Therefore, it has the same aesthetic appearance as a regular one. There are no seams. This is the most attractive remedy. In addition, it is hypoallergenic, pleasantly caresses the skin and allows air to pass through. Compressive properties are created and distributed by special processing of linen using the latest computer technology. If you follow the rules of care, the healing properties last for 6 months.

Types of compression garments

Compression garments can be preventive (the compression they create is the smallest), therapeutic (for wearing during an exacerbation of venous disease) and hospital (for use in hospitals after surgery).

It is recommended to wear prophylactic underwear when the legs first appear, or when pain and swelling appear in the legs at the end of the working day. Such stockings exert a pressure of no more than 18 mm Hg on the surface of the leg. Art. (2.7x10³ Pa), which is designed to balance high blood pressure in lower sections veins. Thanks to this, the elastic stocking does not allow fluid to accumulate in the ankle area, thereby eliminating the cause of swelling. For prevention purposes Compression garments can also be worn by healthy people at risk on the occurrence of diseases of the venous vessels of the lower extremities. It is useful for teachers and salespeople, hairdressers and drivers, as well as representatives of other professions whose work involves long periods of being in one static position (standing or sitting). It can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. No recipe required for this. Since compression garments are presented different types, let's look at each of them.

Pantyhose and stockings

Compression tights are the most popular type of therapeutic underwear. In addition, there are special models for pregnant women. Tights that are properly sized should fit tightly around your legs and end exactly at the waist. If the underwear is too small or, conversely, too large, the distribution of compression is disrupted and the therapeutic effect is lost. According to reviews from most patients, tights are the most comfortable type of compression hosiery, which is easy to remove, but when putting it on you need to make some effort, since they must be evenly distributed along the leg. But then they will be securely fixed on the nude and will not slip during movement, which contributes to the accurate distribution of the compression embedded in them and the achievement of the desired results. Wearing compression garments can be combined with the use of cosmetics for the legs and medicinal preparations in the form of ointments and creams. But it is better if they are applied before bedtime, after the medicinal underwear has been removed. If the skin requires constant hydration, it is recommended to use quickly absorbing creams with a light structure. This will protect the linen from destroying the integrity of the fibers and losing its healing properties.

Knee socks

Stockings and tights are more suitable for treating diseased veins in women. But there are many men in the world who suffer from varicose veins. How should they be? Should you constantly wrap your legs with elastic bandages? No. Doctors have a solution to the problem for men too. They can use compression socks, the choice of which is quite wide today. Special knee socks have been created for travelers and people leading an active lifestyle, preventive and for constant wear in medicinal purposes. Although why shouldn’t men wear tights under their trousers? You can’t see it anyway, but what a luxury for your feet! IN wide range Compression socks of various brands are presented for both men and women. It is believed that all people can wear them, since they do not have side effects. However, there are several contraindications. Knee socks should not be worn if a person has diseases of the blood vessels such as aortoarteritis, as well as if there are open wounds or with purulent inflammation, necrosis or eczema.

Elastic bandage

As an additional remedy for varicose veins, an elastic bandage is still used. Compared to compression hosiery, it is less effective. In addition, it is inconvenient and takes a long time to apply to diseased areas. The degree of compression is created manually by tightening the bandages and is controlled intuitively. But the biggest drawback is that the bandages constantly slip off. However, many people are forced to use them, since this is the cheapest type of knitwear used to prevent diseases of the venous vessels. Therefore, you should know how to properly bandage your legs for varicose veins.

Rules for applying an elastic bandage

It should be remembered that to apply elastic bandage it is necessary in the morning, immediately after waking up, before fluid begins to accumulate in the ankle area, leading to swelling. The procedure is performed in the “lying” position, with the leg raised up at an angle of 90°. Doing this on your own is inconvenient. Yes, and achieving the desired tension is quite difficult. Therefore, it is better to ask someone from the household to help complete this procedure.

Leg binding begins with the narrowest area (ankles), gradually moving to a wider area (thigh).
When wrapping an ankle, you should make a kind of “lock” by placing turns around the heel. This will prevent the bandage from slipping while moving.
Stretch the bandage evenly when applying turns, making sure that folds do not form.
The roll of bandage is unrolled little by little, closer to the leg, trying not to stretch it. This will avoid excessive compression of the tissue.
When applying the bandage, you must ensure that its turns are applied with a slight overlap, without the formation of gaps.
In the ankle area, the bandage should be tighter. As you move up, each turn is applied weaker.
The bandage begins at least 20 cm from the diseased area. It should also end in an area with healthy vessels, at least 15 cm long.

The correct application of the bandage can be checked by the appearance of the fingers. If done correctly, they will look blue at first. But literally after a couple of minutes their normal color returns. In the area of the knee and elbow joints The bandage should not be too tight so as not to disrupt blood circulation in this area. A sign of improper bandaging (too tight) is numbness in the fingers and pain. At the same time, blood pulsation is felt under the bandage. In this case, you need to lie down, free your leg from the bandage, massage it a little, and allow the blood flow to normalize. And then re-bandage.

Therapeutic effect and classification of knitwear

To achieve the necessary therapeutic effect in the treatment of varicose veins and a number of other vein diseases, drug therapy alone is not enough. Therapeutic knitwear plays a major role in eliminating swelling, relieving pain and other symptoms. Thanks to wearing it, patients experience the following beneficial effects:

The diameter of the veins decreases, which normalizes the functioning of the valve mechanism. The viscosity in the blood decreases, the speed of venous return blood flow increases. Thanks to this, the likelihood of blood clots is significantly reduced.
The ability of the venous-muscular pump to push blood increases due to compression of the veins located in the muscle tissue.
The ability of capillaries to absorb extracellular fluid increases. And this leads to the elimination of edema.

In all classes, compression is distributed from 100% at the ankle to 40% at the hip

Unlike preventative compression garments, therapeutic ones cannot be purchased over the counter. It is sold by prescription. And it is recommended to purchase it in specialized salons that sell orthopedic products. Medical therapeutic knitwear has the following compression classes according to the degree of pressure created:

Class 1. The compression created does not exceed 23 mm Hg. Art. (2.7x10³ Pa). Wearing underwear of this class is recommended for patients at the stage of the appearance of spider veins on the legs, enlargement of the saphenous veins, and pain in the legs at the end of the working day.
Class 2. The distributed pressure is no more than 33 mmHg. (4.25x10³ Pa). Used in the treatment of varicose veins of moderate severity.
Class 3. Compression is not higher than 45 mmHg. (6.1x10³ Pa). Tights (and other products) are used for severe cases characterized by trophic disorders.
Class 4. Compression exceeds 50 mmHg (6.5x10³ Pa). Used to treat and eliminate swelling caused by this disease.

Preventive underwear and knitwear of the 1st class can be selected independently. And buying tights or stockings included in compression classes 2 and 3 is allowed only after prior consultation with a phlebologist. He will give recommendations on wearing regimen; will tell you how to properly use and care for your underwear.

All types of compression underwear have different prices, but it most often depends on the promotion of the brand and the material from which the socks are made (stockings or tights). Distributing compression over areas of tights (stockings or socks), and then legs, does not affect the price. The pressure is the same in all models.

How to choose therapeutic underwear?

The choice of therapeutic knitwear is quite wide. Therefore, many people ask the question: what type of knitwear is better for varicose veins? To answer it, let's start with the fact that therapeutic compression hosiery of any kind is intended to stop the development of varicose veins, eliminate blood stagnation in the extremities and relieve it in the ankle area. And tights, stockings and knee socks do an excellent job with this task. The only difference between them is their length: the maximum length of golf is to the knee, stockings end at the upper thigh, and tights end at the waist. The choice of product based on this criterion is carried out depending on the location of the main signs of the disease. If the pattern of dilated veins is limited to the lower leg, then for an anti-varicose effect it is enough to purchase knee socks. If they have spread higher, then you should take care of stockings or tights. Here the choice depends only on your own preferences. Women's therapeutic stockings and tights can be either transparent or with patterns printed on them. Therapeutic underwear for men is made like regular knitwear to remain invisible.
Pharmacies and specialized salons offer therapeutic compression hosiery from various manufacturers. Compression in underwear of any brand is calculated with maximum accuracy. Therefore, stockings and tights from all companies have the same therapeutic effect. They differ mainly in design, duration of wear, and cost.

Relaxsan tights and stockings

Compression garments from an Italian manufacturer attract many Russian patients of phlebological clinics with relatively low prices. Their maximum cost does not exceed 1200 rubles. Models of various designs and all compression classes are offered. Their disadvantages are fragility (compression lasts no more than a month), slight discomfort in wearing and rapid wear.

Underwear for varicose veins Intex

The Russian company Intex is a worthy competitor to foreign companies, supplying high-quality underwear for varicose veins at a relatively low cost. It creates the necessary compression and has fairly high wear resistance. For an amount from 800 to 1300 rubles you can buy tights, stockings or knee socks made of excellent fabric, with high-quality seams and get the necessary therapeutic effect.

ORTO compression garments

Tights, stockings and knee socks from the Spanish company ORTO are mid-priced products. The minimum amount that you will have to pay for the simplest treatment pair varies from 400 to 700 rubles. All products are different good quality. The compression lasts up to 4 months, but they wear out quickly on the toes and feet.

Therapeutic knitwear Venotex

VenoteksTherapy compression garments (USA) are one of the most popular. It is represented by a wide range of models. All products of this brand are certified and comply with Russian State Standards. Stockings, tights and knee socks have an average degree of wear resistance. All models presented by Venotex have a relatively low cost:

from 650 rubles for stockings for prevention;
from 1600 rubles and above for models of 3rd compression class.

Anti-varicose knitwear Medi and Bauerfeind

For those who prefer higher quality knitwear, it is better to purchase products from one of the German companies Medi or Bauerfeind. The prices for the products of these companies are much higher (from 1,300 rubles), but they fully correspond to the quality of the products. All products are comfortable to wear, easy to care for, and have a high degree of wear resistance. Stockings, knee socks and tights have a great design. IN model range These companies offer underwear for travel and sports. To put on underwear with compression above class 2, you need to buy a special device from medi.

Therapeutic tights, stockings and knee socks Sigvaris

Elite medical underwear from the Swiss company Sigvaris is the most expensive of all types presented. It features minimal wear, high quality workmanship and excellent design. These are the main properties for which Russian customers must shell out from their wallets an amount from 2,500 to 4,500 rubles and more per pair. Since the compression inherent in the underwear and the therapeutic effect of wearing it do not differ from the pressure created by knitwear from other manufacturers.

When choosing compression garments, many people make the mistake of not knowing how they are labeled. Especially when buying it secondhand, in markets, etc., trying to save on your purchase. On the packaging of any type of therapeutic knitwear, the class of compression created is indicated, indicating the pressure in mmHg. Art. (or Pa). On ordinary tights, stockings or knee socks, the density of the fabric is shown in den. Therefore, you should refuse to purchase if tights in the nth number of deniers are offered as compression underwear. Hoping for a therapeutic effect from wearing them, you can worsen the condition of the veins.

How to choose the size of compression garments?

After you have chosen the company and model of the product, and received a recipe indicating the compression class, you need to decide on the size of the tights (stockings and golf). To do this, the following leg measurements are taken at home; For golf:

Circumference of the lower leg above the ankle (cm);
Circumference of the lower leg in the upper (wide) part, under the knee joint (cm).
Length from foot to knee joint.

For stockings:

To the first two measurements for golf, you must add the hip circumference at a height of 25 cm from the knee joint (standard figure). For a tall person, measurements are taken at a distance of 30 cm from the knee.
It is also necessary to measure the length of the leg to the point at which the thigh circumference is measured (or to the groin).

For tights, In addition to the measurements listed above, you will also need to measure the circumference of the waist and hips, as well as the length of the leg from the foot to the groin. To select stockings (and other underwear) of the right size, the data obtained is compared with those given in special size tables, which may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. When purchasing compression garments at an orthopedic salon, all you need to do is show your measurements to the consultant, and he will select the model of the required size. High-quality compression garments are quite expensive. But sometimes it happens that it causes discomfort while wearing. Even theoretically, correctly selected underwear can negatively affect the condition of the veins during use. Therefore, it is recommended to first purchase a cheaper model and get used to the sensations that arise when wearing compression garments. And only after that you can buy expensive anti-varicose tights or stockings for constant wear.

Compression garment size chart with digital designation

Compression garments for pregnant women

Wearing compression garments is recommended for ALL pregnant women.. In the first trimester, even if there are no obvious signs of varicose veins, it is recommended to use preventive knitwear. At later stages, you should use the recommendations of your treating physicians. Compression hosiery for pregnant women has significant differences from other types of medical underwear. Firstly, at the top of the tights there is an elastic bandage, the main function of which is to support the stomach without squeezing it. And secondly, fabrics with increased breathability are used for their manufacture. Many Women during pregnancy prefer wearing compression stockings. This is due to the fact that the enlarged belly does not fit into the leggings of the tights (it cannot stretch indefinitely). And not every expectant mother feels comfortable in special tights for pregnant women. And stockings can be chosen taking into account physiological characteristics and your own preferences. They are offered in the following types:

Classic model;
With rubber band made of silicone;
On a special corset belt with Velcro fastener;
Open toe.

Video: how to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?

When else should you wear compression stockings?

People need to create targeted pressure on the surface of the legs in order to normalize blood flow not only for diseases of the venous vessels, such as varicose veins. It can be used when losing weight to remove excess fluid and smooth out fat deposits in the form of folds. At the same time, thanks to the compression created, muscles and skin are massaged and toned. Special compression garments are recommended to be worn in the first month of the postpartum period. It helps prevent many serious complications, such as prolapse of the vaginal walls, prolapse of the uterus, etc. In addition, it supports muscles abdominals that were weakened during pregnancy. Compression garments for sports allow you to achieve greater results with less consumption of the body's energy reserves. It increases endurance, a person gets less tired, which means he can do more strength exercises.

How to wear compression garments?

Unlike regular ones, there are certain rules for putting on compression tights.

Any type of compression garment (tights, stockings, knee socks) is put on immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed.
This is done carefully, without excessive stretching or twisting.
First, assemble the upper part into an accordion.
Inserting the palms inside the tights (stockings), carefully put them on the foot, taking into account the location of the heel.
Gradually straightening it, pull it onto the shin.
On the hips, tights are also put on lying down, raising the torso as it approaches the waist.

Compression stockings for varicose veins they are worn in the same way.
To make the process of putting on anti-varicose tights and stockings as easy as possible, you can purchase one of the special devices, for example medi Butler. They are produced for different categories of patients:

For people with large dimensions, the Big series device is intended;
For people with limited mobility - Longo series;
With a collapsible design, for travel - Travel Butler;
Hospitalbutler - with a sliding mechanism.

This company also offers a device that helps you remove medical underwear - medi Butler Off.

If there is no device for putting on anti-varicose tights (stockings), then when performing this procedure, manufacturers recommend using latex gloves so as not to damage the elastic fibers with your nails. All toenails should also be trimmed short and filed. The surface of corns and dry calluses should be smoothed.

Video: how to put on compression stockings correctly?

When a person is prescribed compression therapy for the first time, questions may arise regarding the use of therapeutic hosiery. For example, the patient bought knee socks, and the vein with varicose veins turned out to be just above the elastic band. Doubt arises. Do I need to wear the purchased item? – In this case, the affected vessel will be indirectly affected by normalizing blood flow in the lower part of the leg, and therefore the purchased product can be used. But it is highly recommended to try to purchase a product of the appropriate size. Many questions arise about Is it possible to wear stockings against varicose veins on swollen legs? In this case, phlebologists agree that it is not only possible, but also necessary. But this is quite difficult to do, since due to swelling the size of the leg is greatly increased. The question often arises: Why do you need to take off your stockings (knee socks) at night? – It is recommended to do this so that the skin of the legs can rest and breathe. When a person is in horizontal position(with 1st and 2nd degrees of venous insufficiency), the underwear does not work, that is, compression is not created. Therefore, leaving it on the body is useless. However, if a person accidentally falls asleep in his underwear, there is no serious harm. The most common question is whether what underwear to wear on hot summer days. – Compression should continue in the summer. Moreover, higher temperatures provoke additional vasodilation. On particularly hot days, you can use lighter underwear, 1st class or preventative. Reducing compression in this case is preferable to not having it at all.

Caring for compression stockings

Any type of compression garment requires full care in order to maintain its healing properties for a long time.

It is recommended to wash compression garments daily by hand, without twisting or wringing them.
The water should be moderately warm (not higher than 40°).
Use liquid soap or shampoo for washing, as well as any other care product for delicate fabrics.
Do not use washing powders, bleaches, dry cleaning, hot drying or hanging in the sun.
Silicone elastic on stockings should be protected from any significant contact with water. Otherwise, it will lose its fixing qualities. Fat is removed from the silicone strip with a cotton pad soaked in any alcohol-containing liquid.

If you listen to the opinion of those who already have experience using compression garments, then it is better to purchase two pairs at once (for reliability and ease of care).

Video: phlebologist about compression garments

Indications and contraindications

Corrective stockings can be recommended for the prevention of varicose veins and for treatment purposes. In the first case, they are prescribed to prevent the development of varicose veins, for example, if the main sign of a developing pathological condition appears - the vascular network. Underwear with such properties supports blood vessels in cases of pronounced varicose veins. However, stockings that were chosen at your own discretion cannot be used for medicinal purposes.

Indications for use:

heaviness and fatigue in the lower extremities, and such sensations occur not only at the end of the working day, but also with light loads;
swelling in the area ankle joints or along the entire length of the legs;
developing varicose veins (a vascular network has appeared) or a pronounced change in the walls of blood vessels, in this case they appear above the skin;
spasms in the area calf muscles;
painful sensations different intensity;
trophic changes in the outer integument;
lymphostasis leading to the appearance of edema;
eczema on the affected areas of the lower extremities;
prevention of thrombosis;
symptoms of a pathological condition that has developed as a result of blood clots.

If heaviness and fatigue occur in the lower extremities, you can wear compression stockings.

At risk are people who lead an inactive lifestyle, are engaged in sedentary work or are constantly moving: cashiers, flight attendants, athletes, drivers, restaurant and cafe workers. In each case, it is recommended to wear orthopedic stockings, which will prevent the development of varicose veins. Contraindications to the use of compression garments:

Pathological conditions in which the lumen of blood vessels is already reduced, for example atherosclerosis. In this case, the effect will be the opposite: the veins will shrink even more, which will lead to a decrease in the patency of blood vessels, blood clots will form, the internal pressure on the walls of the veins will increase many times, and the general condition of the lower extremities with varicose veins will worsen.
Damage to the outer integument as a result of the development of diabetes mellitus, soft tissue ischemia. This increases the risk of necrosis and purulent wounds that will take a long time to heal.
Cardiopulmonary failure in decompensated form.
Dermatitis of various types.

The healing properties of linen

Therapeutic underwear is used after examination and consultation with a doctor. It was designed in such a way that the pressure is differentiated: maximum pressure is applied to the ankles, slightly less in the area kneecap, and the minimum is at the level of the hips. Before using medical underwear, you should very carefully check the size. If it does not fit perfectly, you can get the opposite effect from its use.

There are also hospital compression garments, and they are divided into two types. The first is known as Trombexin, and its main purpose is protection against thromboembolic complications. Another variety is Struva23, this type of underwear is used after operations.

The compression underwear currently produced looks very attractive, and it is almost impossible to distinguish it from ordinary underwear. If you use such underwear every day, then its healing properties last for six months.

In accordance with the symptoms, individual characteristics and stage of the disease, compression underwear is produced under different articles. Moreover, all articles contain Aloe Vera extract.

Compression underwear below the knees (art. 330)

This product is recommended for use after cesarean section and gynecological operations. After liposuction, it is used to model the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, riding breeches and knees. It has excellent anti-cellulite properties when used with special cosmetic and medicinal creams. Prevents the formation of hematomas and unnecessary swelling, promotes the correct formation of postoperative scars, activates blood circulation, is effective for the prevention of varicose veins. Favors the restoration of the figure after childbirth, improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin, maintains the tone of the abdominal muscles. Successfully used as thermal underwear. The clasp is equipped with three rows of hooks and is located at the front.

The clasp of this model is located at the front and has three rows of hooks.

Compression bandage below the knees with a high belt (article 350)

Used after liposuction to model the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, riding breeches and knees in the postoperative period.

Good against cellulite in combination with medicinal creams. Be part of anti-varicose vein measures.

Operating principle:

The underwear is equipped with holding straps that are very easy to adjust.

Composition: lycra 28% and polyamide 72%.

Available in beige and black colors.

Compression bandage below the knees with a high belt (article 450)

Used after abdominoplasty, caesarean section, gynecological operations, liposuction. Excellent prevention lumbar region osteochondrosis of the spine as an auxiliary tool in its treatment.

Activates blood circulation, promotes the necessary formation of postoperative scars thanks to the ability to create the necessary compression in the areas of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees.

Restores figure and skin after childbirth, suitable as warming clothing. It is very effective for patients with varicose veins, but consultation with a doctor is necessary.

These properties are achieved by strengthening the material in the abdomen, lumbar area and hips. Front closure with three rows of hooks. There are support straps and are very easy to adjust.

The material is very durable and pleasant, breathes well.

Compression bandage with a high waist and below the knees with zippers (art. 550)

This bandage model is equally good after a variety of operations and childbirth. Incomparably effective against cellulite.

Here, double reinforcement of the material is used in the back area, and there is a double layer of cotton fabric in the abdominal area. There are adjustable support straps. The fasteners are made in the form of two zippers on the sides.

How compression stockings work

The principle of operation of compression hosiery is to create uniform pressure (compression), the value of which differs in different parts of the leg. If the pressure in the ankle area is 100%, then in the knee area it decreases to 70%, and in the hip area - to 40%. Due to this pressure difference, it is ensured optimal mode the work of the veins, in which the blood does not stagnate and is easily pushed upward.

In addition, anti-varicose veins stockings reduce the diameter of the veins, which increases the speed of blood flow and normalizes the functioning of the venous valves. As a result, stagnant processes are prevented and effective prevention blood clot formation.

The principle of operation of compression garments and indications for use

Compression underwear differs from regular knitwear:

Creates pressure at the point of contact with the skin. In this case, physiological pressure is created, which should normally be distributed throughout the lower extremities. The compression created on the legs is not uniform, but decreases from bottom to top. The maximum pressure is on the lower leg, in the knee area the compression is reduced by 1.5 times, on the thigh – by 2 times, in the groin area there is practically no compression;
Forms a framework that is able to maintain the elasticity of the veins at an optimal level. Thanks to the pressure created, the veins narrow, the blood flows in one direction, which reduces swelling and pain in the legs;
Provides normalization of the venous system, preventing stagnation of venous blood in the legs.

The use of the best compression hosiery should begin at the first signs of varicose veins after consulting a specialist:

feeling of heaviness in the legs;
swelling;
painful sensations;
spider veins.

If the diagnosis of varicose veins is confirmed, wearing compression garments is combined with drug therapy.

Indications for the use of compression hosiery include:

Varicose veins;
chronic venous insufficiency;
rehabilitation period after vein surgery;
any type of work that causes blood stagnation;
excess weight and obesity;
period of pregnancy and childbirth;
air travel and long trips.

What are the best compression garments made from? What material is used?

To sew anti-varicose compression underwear, knitwear is used, which consists of elastic threads. It is best to use cotton, nylon, microfiber, elastin, and lycra for sewing medical and prophylactic underwear. These clothes look the same as regular ones, but there are no seams. It is anti-allergic and has an aesthetic appearance.

How does compression underwear work for varicose veins? What effect is noticeable?

The main principle of operation is aimed at creating pressure of varying strength in different parts of the leg:

the maximum (highest) pressure of 100% falls on the area above the ankle ( Bottom part legs). Such compression is aimed at raising the blood flow upward, and raising venous blood from this part is quite difficult and requires effort;
above, in the area of the upper leg, the pressure is 70%;
The hip receives only 40% of the pressure because it is located closer to the heart. Increased pressure from below helps drive venous blood even higher.

What is the effect of wearing knitted compression garments for varicose veins?

The gradual distribution of the load helps to establish venous blood flow. By squeezing the legs, the load on them is correctly distributed, the risk of stagnation is minimized, and return blood flow to the heart is normalized. The functioning of organs improves and becomes better, since by wearing such underwear, the tissue fibers of the walls of blood vessels are enriched with micronutrients and oxygen.

When a vein is damaged, the tone of the vascular walls increases significantly, and when wearing compressor underwear, the vein walls do not stretch and therefore do not become thinner.

As a result of wearing such underwear, swelling disappears, heaviness goes away, you don’t feel tired, and the flow of venous blood improves.

What to look for when buying and how to avoid counterfeiting

There are quality standards for therapeutic compression garments for varicose veins, one of the most significant and strict is the European standard RAL-GZ-387. In order for a manufacturer to use the logo of this standard, it must undergo strict certification in Germany or Switzerland. If the underwear has such a certificate, it means it is really high quality, creates a distributed pressure of 40-70-100% and is therapeutic; you can learn about this standard from the packaging and the label on the product.

It is worth choosing the manufacturer very carefully, since there are a lot of fakes on the wild Russian market, so it is better to purchase compression stockings or compression tights either in dealer stores or in specialized stores, where specialists will accurately select the appropriate model according to your standards.

Since such knitwear should be worn every day, it must be hypoallergenic; in order to determine this, the purchased product must bear the Oeko-Tex Standard 10 European environmental safety standard mark.

Beauty or health: should I wear compression stockings in summer?

Sedentary image life, wearing high-heeled shoes, pregnancy, heredity are the main reasons for the development of varicose veins. Compression clothing comes to the aid of sore legs; wearing them daily reduces unpleasant symptoms. But what if you need to wear compression stockings in the summer?

The use of compression products helps with varicose veins. For this reason, phlebologists recommend wearing knee socks, stockings or tights every day, regardless of the time of year.

Compression products help normalize blood flow in the veins, while reducing the risk of blood clots. Special pressure system various areas legs helps to normalize the condition, improve blood circulation and avoid surgery.

Irregular wearing of products will definitely not lead to an improvement in the condition. And if these products are good in cool weather, then in the summer heat it is not easy for patients. How to heal your feet and survive the hot summer? How to wear compression stockings in the summer, given their high density? We'll talk about this further.

On a hot day, you want to wear a minimum of clothing. And I don’t want to think about stockings and tights at all. But what should pregnant women and those suffering from varicose veins do?

1. If possible, buy knee socks or compression stockings rather than tights. These products make it much easier to withstand the heat.

2. Beige items and light colored trousers will help hide your legs from prying eyes.

3. When wearing compression garments, choose floor-length skirts and dresses. The maxi length will help you look stylish and will not cause judgment from others.

4. Some manufacturers took into account weather conditions and created special models for the summer period. They are lighter, have nice color options and have an open toe.

If you're unsure whether to wear compression stockings in the summer, consider these tips. After all, varicose veins are a serious disease that should be treated from the very beginning. And it’s better to survive the hot season in special underwear than to suffer from varicose veins, “stars” and swelling of the legs.

Correct selection, long-term and constant wearing of compression garments will help get rid of problems with veins. Endure the inconvenience and hot weather so that in the future your healthy legs attracted attention and did not cause you problems.

Harm from compression garments

Of course, medical stockings are a useful product, but even they have their own negative sides and may harm the patient. Damage to compression hosiery for varicose veins occurs when used incorrectly.

If the degree of pressure is chosen incorrectly, signs of tissue ischemia may occur on the leg. The patient will experience limb numbness, discomfort, or pain. If the compression is low, the effect of this therapy will not appear. Therefore, before starting to use medical knitwear, you should definitely consult with a vascular surgeon.

The length of stay in stockings depends on the degree of chronic venous insufficiency. For example, at the third stage of varicose veins, it is recommended to wear the product constantly, even while sleeping. The most common complications that arise are: ischemia of the underlying tissues, bedsores at the site of compression due to improper dressing, allergic reactions to the material.

Compression products can cause harm when there are contraindications to their use:

infectious skin diseases;
open trophic ulcers;
individual sensitivity to product materials;
wounds on the limbs;
burns;
presence of diabetic foot;
obliterating endarteritis;
cardiovascular failure in the stage of decompensation.

But, more patients respond positively to compression stockings. The result becomes noticeable even on the first day of use.

Also positive is the moderate cost of the product. The average price of stockings is 1,500 rubles.

Indications and contraindications

varicose veins, vascular network, lymphedema;
pain and spasms in the calf area;
symptoms characteristic of venous trophic ulcers;
dermatitis, eczema in the vein area;
tendency to thrombosis, postthrombotic syndromes;
swelling of the legs, feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs, etc.

Important! There are diseases in which wearing anti-varicose vein stockings is prohibited. Consult a doctor before use! In particular, compression hosiery is contraindicated for:

In particular, compression hosiery is contraindicated for:

any arterial diseases;
polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, for example, developing as a result of diabetes mellitus;
phlebitis with septic complications;
trophic ulcers that are not of venous origin;
swelling of the legs due to cardiovascular insufficiency.

A contraindication is also the presence of an allergy to any of the materials from which the knitwear is made.

The therapeutic effect of compression tights for varicose veins

Previously, before the large-scale production of high-quality medical linen, elastic bandages, the use of which has a number of disadvantages:

firstly, they must be applied very correctly each time, which does not always work out and takes a lot of time
Secondly appearance bandages does not allow them to be worn, for example, to work
thirdly, their low price turns out to be deceptive, since the bandages very quickly become unusable, which negates all savings.

What is the effect of using medical therapeutic knitwear? When squeezing dilated veins, compression garments for varicose veins help accelerate blood flow through the deep veins, thereby eliminating venous congestion (more about the mechanism of varicose veins). Moreover, high-quality modern compression hosiery provides for a graduated, that is, gradual decrease in pressure from the lower leg to the thigh, or from the hand to the shoulder.

For example, in the lower part of the lower leg the pressure created by compression stockings or tights is a maximum of 100%, and in the upper part of the thigh it is 40%. This is the most appropriate and physiologically determined change in pressure, which has a therapeutic effect. This mode of pressure distribution on the veins stimulates and normalizes the upward flow of blood due to:

improvement and normalization of the valve apparatus
reduction of the expanded lumen of the peripheral, especially saphenous veins of the thighs and legs
increasing the muscle pump effect - when muscles contract from physical activity, blood is pushed upward.

However, it should be remembered that treatment with compression garments for varicose veins does not eliminate the deep causes of venous insufficiency, and it is used until radical, surgical treatment. This knitwear simulates the situation - that dilated veins are sealed or removed.

In addition, non-surgical conservative treatment of leg diseases should be comprehensive. The maximum effect can be obtained if you use creams, ointments, and medications recommended by your doctor. healthy image life, wear compression socks or tights every day, and also use folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins (see treatment of varicose veins).

How to care for compression garments

With an active lifestyle and in cases where there are children in the house, you often have to squat, so it is advisable to kneel less, since compression garments can stretch in these areas. Feet should be further protected by wearing socks. This measure will protect the material from tightening.

You should wash stockings as needed, but you should not use an automatic machine for this. Such products cannot be wrung out, stretched too much, or twisted. After rinsing the stockings, you need to hang them on a clothesline, after squeezing them lightly. Compression jersey should be cared for carefully, otherwise the material will lose its elasticity.

Are there any special features when putting on compression stockings, tights, or knee socks?

You should know that even the second class of compression hosiery, which is considered the most common, is sometimes “beyond the patient’s strength”:

This often occurs due to the inconvenience and difficulty of putting underwear on your legs. The peculiarity of such knitwear is that it cannot be worn like children's tights, gathered into an accordion and then pulled up. Both stockings and tights should be put on gradually, straightening them on the leg. If a person has a large belly, and tying a shoelace is already a problem, then putting on underwear will also be difficult.
To make putting it on easier, many use special devices offered in the same salons.

And also gloves, which should definitely be worn, they can be both household and medical, since expensive linen can be ruined by a manicure and the linen will slide better if your hands are in gloves.
Naturally, toenails should be trimmed and filed, there should be no calluses or roughness, otherwise the underwear will quickly tear or there will be a lot of puffs.
It is also important that your feet are dry, as well as your underwear; you should wear compression stockings in the morning, when your feet are not swollen and rested.
It is especially difficult to put on compression class 3 products - this is a lot of work, and if the patient trusts his phlebologist and is sure that he needs such treatment, then he should be patient, otherwise he should not start treatment with this class. It is usually recommended to wear compression classes 3 and 4 using a special special device.

Useful properties of compression stockings

The benefits and harms of compression stockings depend, first of all, on whether the doctor prescribed the correct compression class, and also on whether the patient adheres to the recommendations for use.

Scientists have conducted studies, and based on them, meta-analyses, which have proven that medical knitwear is effective for chronic venous insufficiency.

Stockings perform a number of useful functions - they narrow the lumen of venous vessels and prevent the development of varicose veins in pregnant women. In addition, they reduce swelling in the lower extremities and improve lymph flow.

Additional compression stockings:

prevent the development of infectious diseases on the legs;
improve skin trophism;
prevent thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
reduce the risk of developing pulmonary embolism;
eliminate pain and cramps in the legs;
prevent the likelihood of the formation of trophic ulcers;
improve the course of postoperative periods.

In addition, stockings have an advantage over other types of compression garments. For example, elastic bandages require certain skills to use. They may slip during the day, causing discomfort to the patient. Also, bandages do not always match the style of clothing, especially if the patient needs to work in an office and wear a certain uniform.

Stockings are practically no different from ordinary clothes and are very easy to use.

Rules for choosing stockings

There are several criteria that you should focus on when purchasing:

level of pressure exerted on the lower extremities;
size;
type: classic, with silicone pad on the waist, with Velcro fastening, open toe;
price category and product brand.

When choosing stockings, you should pay attention to the composition of the material. The underwear contains elastane and is produced without insulation, so

e. does not warm the feet. Base material: cotton, bamboo. A special type of knitting is circular, it allows you to evenly influence the lower limbs along the entire length.

Compression classes

Orthopedic stockings are divided into classes according to the intensity of pressure exerted on the legs. Units of measurement are millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Compression stocking classes:

0: the product of this group exerts pressure in the range of 13-15 mmHg. Art.;
1: the main indicator changes from 18 to 21 mm Hg. Art.;
2: pressure range varies between 23-32 mmHg. Art.;
3: stockings of this group have an impact on the lower extremities within the range of 34-46 mm Hg. Art.;
4 (hospital): pressure exceeds 49 mm Hg. Art.

The first 2 classes (0 and 1) are intended for prevention. They apply little pressure. You can purchase such stockings without a doctor's prescription. They are recommended for use in cases where the work is sedentary or, conversely, too mobile. Products of classes 2 and 3 are recommended for pronounced varicose veins. They are prescribed by a doctor if swelling occurs in the legs, severe pain, or visible vein nodes.

Hospital grade compression stockings are designed to support blood vessels during recovery from surgery.

This type is rarely used, only as prescribed by a doctor and in especially severe cases.

Sizing

In order for the stockings to apply the required intensity of pressure, you should pay attention to the leg circumference at several points, these are:

The length from the foot to the knee and from the knee to the upper third of the thigh is also measured. This data is needed to check the compression level: the descending pressure graph should be smooth. Measurements are taken in the morning, preferably immediately after waking up with complete absence of load on the lower limbs. The determining parameter is the circumference of the ankle. Other measurements are taken to confirm the size.

In order for the stockings to apply the required intensity of pressure, you should pay attention to the leg circumference at several points

25 cm are set aside from it if the patient is not taller than 185 cm. For a taller person, this parameter increases to 30 cm. When choosing the size, the total length of the stockings also plays a role. It is measured to the point in the upper third of the thigh where the circumference was measured

The starting point is under the knee. 25 cm are set aside from it if the patient is not taller than 185 cm. For a taller person, this parameter increases to 30 cm. When choosing the size, the total length of the stockings also plays a role. It is measured to the point in the upper third of the thigh where the circumference was measured

It is important to measure your hip circumference correctly. Starting point - below the knee

Compression-type connections used by Bronkhorst are designed for easy connection to pipelines (mains) through which liquids or gases pass. The connection consists of a housing that is screwed into the body of the device, two ferrules (front and rear), and a clamping nut. Sealing occurs by crimping the tube with sealing rings around the perimeter.

Requirements for the connected tube:

The tube must have an outer diameter appropriate for the type of connection.
The end of the tube is cut evenly perpendicular to the axis. Also, it should not have torn edges, burrs or nicks.
In the connection area, the tube should have a round profile.
In the connection area (under the ferrules), the tube should not have marks, grooves or other irregularities on the outer surface.

The tube material can be very different - stainless steel, copper, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

Initial connection installation:

Insert the tube into the connection body until it stops. It is not recommended to disassemble the connection, because O-rings may be lost and/or installed incorrectly.
Tighten the clamp nut all the way by hand. Before final tightening the connection, set the mark on the nut to the 6 o'clock position.
Tighten the nut using wrench by 1¼ turns. Referring to the setting mark, make one full rotation and continue turning until the 9 o'clock position. (Except for 1/8" connector, in which case tightening is required ¾ turn - for 3 hours)

Re-installation of the connection

The advantage of this type of connection is the possibility of repeated disassembly/assembly. Before disassembling the connection, relieve the pressure in the system.

Before disassembling the connection, remember the original relative position of the nut and the connection body.
Insert the tube with pre-fitted ferrules into the connection body up to the front ferrule seats.
Tighten the nut to starting position using a wrench, and then tighten it slightly more.

The page was prepared using materials from SWAGELOK

Beginning athletes have repeatedly heard from other athletes about a miraculous training form that helps improve endurance, improve tone and eliminate damage to muscles and joints during intense sports. for training, indeed, in a short period of time, she managed to gather around her many fans who tell others about the effectiveness of this form for sports.

It's time to get acquainted

Naturally, all newcomers to the world of sports want to quickly find out what compression clothing for training is, why it is needed, what its principle of operation is. Since the word “compression” implies compression, it is better to start with the fact that the unique sports uniform not only fits tightly to the human body, but also puts significant pressure on the skin, squeezing muscles and joints.

It is quite difficult for beginner athletes to understand why they should wear uncomfortable clothes that will compress the body throughout the entire workout, because, on the contrary, many beginners tend to wear loose uniforms in order to feel more comfortable during training. It's simple - in the process of intense or power loads pressure in the veins and capillaries increases, which inevitably leads to swelling of blood vessels in weak areas (extremities of the legs and arms). For some athletes, this is beauty, emphasizing a powerful, developed torso. But for other people, this is the first step to diseases such as varicose veins, blood clots, heart failure and similar ailments.

It's better to start from the beginning

Many athletes will be surprised to learn that compression training clothing has been on the global market for over a century. Why was it invented and why didn’t many people know about it before? The answer is obvious: there was no demand among athletes, but something had to be done about the ailments of people suffering from diseases of cardio-vascular system. The principle of action is unchanged - to compress muscles and joints, preventing blood vessels from swelling.

Until now, in hospitals in the post-traumatic period, after complex operations, socks are prescribed. It is thanks to compressive clothing that many people have managed to maintain health, improve their shape and prevent the blood in the body from clogging blood vessels. In fact, the need for compression clothing in medicine completely destroys all the stereotypes that have been created by people who claim that the benefits of compression clothing are another myth from sports equipment manufacturers.

The main thing is that the suit fits

Do not neglect the recommendations of the seller, who offers a fitting before purchasing. The fact is that it is the correctly chosen size of underwear that determines the effectiveness of using sportswear. There are compression clothing for training for women, men and children, and in addition to size, they also differ in class. The classification determines the degree of compression. The sports market mainly offers 1st class products (with the lowest compression). But it is quite difficult to buy high-rise clothing without a doctor’s prescription, and a novice athlete does not need such a uniform.

Market of current accessories

Compression clothing is quite often found on store shelves: T-shirts, pants, shorts, socks, elbow pads and knee pads - there is nothing on the market to satisfy customers. The only thing that confuses us is the price, which, at first glance, is several times too high compared to similar products that do not have compression properties. But this is not so bad; before buying, a beginner needs to know that the clothing material is short-lived - literally a year or two of active use, and washing will force the athlete to go shopping again.

It is logical to assume that compression T-shirt and the pants can be considered the best buy, because they completely envelop the athlete’s body. Yes, this is a fact, but many other questions arise, because all athletes have different loads, which means the approach to purchasing should be individual. Pants with socks are for runners, T-shirts are for weightlifters, and shorts are useful for fitness classes.

Substitution of concepts

Adidas compression clothing for training has managed to attract the attention of potential buyers in just a few years. And this is understandable - a serious brand has created a sought-after sports uniform, which, in comparison with the manufacturer’s usual clothing, has an affordable price and excellent appearance. What else do demanding buyers need?

It's only confusing detailed description compression products, which is present on the manufacturer’s official website - in addition to compressive properties, clothing can wick away moisture, keeping the temperature of the human body within normal limits. These are the properties that thermal underwear has. And if you get acquainted with all the manufacturer’s products, the buyer will see that the same product can be offered under the guise of both compression clothing and thermal underwear. Here it is up to the buyer to decide whether to trust their health to such a universal product.

Step aside

Fans of the Nike team who want to buy compressive underwear for sports should not relax either. Famous brand, trying to beat competitors, created the same universal products that can improve blood circulation, remove moisture and retain heat. Naturally, all the necessary qualities are intertwined with style, ease of wear and external beauty.

Nike's compression workout clothing is touted by many famous athletes who recommend the use of compression garments during training and competition. But for some reason they themselves buy completely different Nike products. The conclusion here is obvious - you should not blindly believe advertising, you need to learn to distinguish the truth from the myths that are imposed by manufacturers.

Not everything is as bad as it seems

Adidas, Nike, 2XU, Venum, Under Armour, Bad Boy and other equally well-known global brands have in their arsenal specific accessories for sports, which include compression clothing for training. Reviews from athletes regarding the products of the listed manufacturers simply do not contain any negativity. This professional uniform to preserve muscles, tendons, joints and blood vessels from any damage caused by active exercise in gyms.

The same Adidas and Nike are present on the market with very effective shorts and bandages with a high degree of compression. And there is no talk of any heat retention or liquid removal in the product descriptions. A completely different market dictates its own conditions - keeping an athlete healthy is main task. Reviews about manufacturers of compression clothing of this class do not contain advertising. In most cases, this is more advice from professionals to beginners about proper preparation for training and competitions.

Transition between faces

It is quite obvious that a novice athlete will have the opinion that compression clothing for training is needed only by professional athletes. This is partly true, because there is a real gap between the loads of beginners and real athletes. But a large number of novice athletes turn to doctors for medical help, and only a few professionals. And this is not a matter of modesty.

The culprit is that the body of beginners is unprepared for the stress. Any load beyond the norm leads to joint dislocation, stretching or damage to the capillaries of the cardiovascular system. Naturally, compression sportswear will help you avoid such troubles. There is an alternative - simply reduce the load. True, then the meaning of the training itself is unclear, because any exercise should create stress for the body.

Active leisure has its place

It's time to destroy stereotypes regarding the belonging of specific clothing to the world big sport. For people with health problems, compression clothing for training is simply necessary. Everyday life. Biking, walking and hiking also require close attention to both the circulatory system and the muscles and ligaments. True, there is one limitation here - the body should under no circumstances be at rest. Otherwise, instead of providing assistance to the cardiovascular system, a person may worsen his health by simply squeezing the bloodstream.

Recently on the market sports accessories Very attractive compression products have appeared - their beautiful appearance attracts the attention of a potential buyer. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people far from sports became interested in new products. There is only one piece of advice for buyers - to focus on a larger size, avoiding strong compression of the skin, muscles and joints. We must never forget that there should never be a choice between beauty and health.

Contraindications for beginners

As for everyday wear, it is better for a beginner to forget about the existence of miraculous compression clothing. Again, lack of movement will immediately block the cardiovascular system. Overweight people should not trust their lives to advertising and recommendations from trainers - often a compressive form does them more harm than good. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before purchasing.

Compression clothing for training is not suitable for beginners who have problems with clogged veins, blood clots, or cardiac arrhythmia. Yes, compression of the skin and muscles helps restore internal pressure in the circulatory system, but the diseases listed above require an increase in the diameter of the blood vessels.

Finally

It would take a long time to list the advantages of specific clothing presented on the sports market. The main thing is to look for the right adjectives to add brightness to the product description. However, you should always remember that your own health is more important than beauty and someone else’s promises. Compression clothing for training is a tool designed to protect the athlete from intense exercise. You cannot count on the healing properties of the compressive form - they simply do not exist.

The main function of compression clothing is compression. Compression was originally intended for medical purposes. It is recommended for patients after operations, for circulatory disorders, varicose veins and a tendency to it. From medicine, compression spread to the sports field - first to world-class athletes, and then to amateurs. Manufacturers promise to increase the power of movements, reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and improve results. Amateur athletes quickly responded to such statements - after all, many like to look for a magic “pill” to improve results, so at competitions you can often see participants wearing compression clothing.

Are the manufacturers lying? What is compression clothing, why is it needed, how does it work, pros and cons - read about everything in our article.

Why do you need compression clothing?

Compression has been used for many years as an aid for varicose veins, thrombosis, swelling of the legs, and limited mobility. For this purpose, medical compression underwear is used; it differs from sportswear in the degree of compression. Medical compression garments are divided into 4 compression levels, where only the first level is used for prevention. Sports compression garments range between compression levels 0 and 1 on the medical scale. Therefore, it has almost no contraindications, and before using medical compression garments, you should consult a doctor.

Medical compression classes:

Class 1. Compression 23 mmHg. Art. Prevention, spider veins on the legs, enlarged veins, pain in the legs at the end of the working day.
Class 2. Compression up to 33 mmHg. Thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.
Class 3. Compression up to 45 mmHg. Severe venous insufficiency.
Class 4. Compression from 50 mmHg. and more. Severe disorders of lymph flow.

What does compression clothing provide:

Compresses muscles and reduces swelling
Helps push blood back to the heart and improves circulation
Accelerates muscle recovery in the long term, but does not affect recovery during training, for example, between sets
May slightly improve running economy by maximum speeds due to reduced muscle vibration and improved proprioception (the feeling of your muscles and body in space)
Maintains constant body temperature and reduces the likelihood of muscle injury, the effect on cramps during exercise has not been studied
Improves results due to the placebo effect and increases the athlete's self-esteem, does not physiologically affect speed, strength and endurance

How do compression garments work?

In normal mode, blood rises from the bottom up through special valves that allow blood to pass only in one direction and prevent it from accumulating at the lowest point. Under prolonged stress, the system can malfunction and lead to edema, blood stagnation, and additional stress on the heart.

Compression clothing compresses muscles and blood vessels, supports the walls of blood vessels and helps valves function properly. High-quality compression garments should have different degrees of compression in different areas. Below, the load on the vessels is higher, so the degree of compression there is greater. In all classes of compression garments, compression in the ankle area reaches 100% and decreases to 40% in the thigh area. At the same time, the external pressure is 15 mm Hg. st can reduce the cross-section of blood vessels by 4 times and increase blood flow by 5 times.

Compression removes the effect of the problem, not the cause. To find the cause of vascular problems and treatment, consult a doctor.

Compression garments for sports: pros and cons

Based on many studies, we have collected only confirmed pros and cons of compression clothing. Therefore, the list did not include increased endurance, improved results in competitions, increased speed and other effects that have not been proven by science.

Pros:

Reduce muscle damage
Recovery after training
Prevention of edema and venous dysfunction
Looks good, removes moisture and improves emotional well-being
Can be used as thermal underwear in cool weather
Improving aerodynamics on a bicycle

Minuses:

Needs adaptation to contraction
High price
Can't be worn all the time
There are contraindications: diabetes, dermatitis, skin hypersensitivity
Difficult to care for – hand wash or very delicate wash

Types of sports compression garments

Compression is most often used for the legs, where it has the greatest effect. Sports brands produce many compression clothing items. On the upper body, compression doesn't serve its intended purpose, but it looks good and can be more comfortable due to the slim fit and compression effect. If you decide to get compression for the sake of benefit, take underwear for your legs.

Popular manufacturers of compression garments:

Skins, 2XU (Australia)
Compressport (Switzerland)
CEP(Germany)

There are 2 types of sports compression:

Active – for competitions and training
Recovery – for passive use (immediately after training, during long flights and transfers)

Well-known manufacturers of compression garments write the purpose on the packaging and indicate the degree of compression.

Compression gaiters. Source: tibs.com

Which compression garment to choose?

You need to decide on 2 main criteria: purpose and size.

We wrote about the appointment above. For activity - one type, for recovery - another. We will not single out any of the brands; all of the above offer high-quality clothes, choose depending on availability, discounts, and sizes.

Make your choice responsibly. A size that is too small will impede blood circulation, but a size that is too large will not compress. Both options will not bring any benefit and may even cause harm. Each manufacturer has a guide for choosing the size, be sure to use the instructions. If your parameters fall on the borderline size, choose smaller. For example, a guide to choosing 2XU compression clothing:

Compression tights

Compression socks

An ideally selected compression garment should fit over the entire area and feel like a second skin.

Don't wear compression clothing constantly. This can weaken the natural ability of the blood vessels to hold the walls together.

Bottom line: do athletes need compression garments?

Compression garments are useful for preventing vascular disorders of the legs. Long running and cycling workouts give heavy load on blood vessels and muscles, compression garments will ease the consequences. If after exercise you notice very enlarged veins in your legs, buy compression stockings.
Reduces muscle load from oscillations and vibrations, reduces pain in the muscles.
Improves blood flow in the lower extremities and helps recovery after exercise.
Does not provide a significant increase in speed, power, endurance, and does not improve the final result. This is confirmed by all independent, more or less adequately conducted studies.
Does not help with excessive joint mobility - purchase special bandages for this.
Do not wear compression constantly and take into account contraindications.
Looks beautiful, improves “muscle feel” and gives confidence.
Choose the right size and degree of compression to get the desired effect.

Video about sports compression garments

Video from Vasily Parnyakov and the Skirun running school.

Play sports, move and travel! If you find a mistake or want to discuss the article, write in the comments. We are always happy to communicate.