Varicose veins

Varicose veins are a problem that affects 40% of women and 20% of men in developed European countries. It is the dilation of sections of the main veins of the superficial venous system of the lower limbs. Varicose veins affect women more often. Venous system disease is a long-term matter that requires lifestyle changes and almost continuous treatment. The basis of this treatment is compression therapy. Varicose veins (varices) arise on the basis of heredity; other factors are static strain, sedentary work, ageing, lack of movement, obesity or pregnancy. In addition to these factors, inflammation is often involved in damaging the venous valves. As a result of impaired function of the venous system, signs of chronic venous insufficiency appear, for example varicose veins, swelling of the lower limbs, haemosiderin pigmentation, venous leg ulcers and others.

What are compression stockings?

Compression stockings, popularly also called stockings for varicose veins, help address problems associated with all stages of venous impairment. They provide relief from small temporary ankle swelling all the way to the chronic stage of severe venous insufficiency.

At first glance, modern compression stockings do not differ from ordinary women’s stockings (nylons). In reality, however, they are knitted using completely different technology and on different machines than fashion stockings. The main difference, thanks to which they help effectively, is the pressure they exert on the lower limb. The pressure gradually decreases from the ankle upwards, thus helping the veins return blood to the heart. Without graduated pressure the stocking would not be effective and in some cases could even be harmful.

When stockings help

In general, we can say that they help whenever the venous wall is not able to fulfil its function. We usually observe this as:

• A feeling of heavy legs, especially in the evening
• Swollen legs after prolonged standing, in warm weather
• Swollen legs during pregnancy or long bed rest
• Visible “varicose veins” under the skin
• Advanced swelling that does not disappear even overnight

Compression stockings are also successfully used short-term, in particular:

• During long journeys
• After sclerotherapy of the veins
• After aesthetic surgery (e.g. removal of spider veins)
• During childbirth
• Preventively during surgical procedures in various medical fields

Wearing certain types of compression stockings is a wise approach for those who care about preventing venous problems from a young age:

• When there is an increased occurrence of varicose veins in the family
• When working in high-risk occupations (e.g. drivers, nurses, waitresses, hairdressers, construction workers, machine and assembly-line work)
• When frequently wearing high heels or an elegant business style is required

What types of compression stockings exist

Depending on the type of problem or prevention requirements, it is necessary to choose the most suitable type of stocking. This mainly concerns choosing the right pressure, i.e. how much the stockings will compress and thereby support the venous wall. For this purpose, compression stockings are divided into compression classes. The higher the number, the greater the graduated pressure the stocking exerts.

Compression classes – description

The broad portfolio of the medical brand Avicenum also includes fashion hosiery with health benefits for early prevention, in the form of the Avicenum FASHION range. Here there is a wide selection of stockings with a small but already beneficial pressure of 8–10 mmHg. The stockings are designed mainly as a fashionable and elegant accessory for a formal or work outfit; unlike ordinary fashion stockings they apply gentle supportive pressure as prevention and support for the venous wall. They partially compensate for, for example, the effect of high heels and long periods of sitting in enclosed and often overheated rooms. These influences are traditionally ranked by experts among the risk factors for venous diseases.

Knee-high stockings

Also known as knee-highs or by the abbreviation AD. They are the simplest variant of compression stockings. People often start with them, whether on a doctor’s recommendation or by their own decision to use compression. They stay on the leg thanks to a wide band. They are not suitable when varicose veins occur directly below or just under the knee. The band of a knee-high must never encircle the affected vein or sit right below it.

Thigh-high stockings

A higher variant of stockings designated by the abbreviation AG. The stockings are finished with a silicone band. This band ends about 5 cm below the groin. They are used especially when veins in the thigh area are affected. The silicone band ensures the stocking stays well on the leg all day. The appearance of these silicone bands varies and has no effect on the compression effect of the stocking.

Tights

Popularly called “tights”, abbreviated AT. They are used when veins are affected high on the thigh up to the groin. The part encircling the abdomen is no longer compressive, which is especially appreciated by pregnant women in the first trimester, who are frequent users of this compression variant.

Why use compression stockings?

• safe and effective
• they postpone or even eliminate the need for surgery or medication
• they allow you to enjoy an active day without tired legs even in demanding conditions
• they preserve the natural and healthy appearance of the legs into a mature age