With varicose veins, pathological expansion of the veins occurs and the valves are not able to prevent the reverse flow of blood to a normal extent. The consequence is overstretching of the veins, the formation of edema, and the appearance of blood clots.
The use of bandages allows you to keep the veins in a normal state and prevent the progression of the disease. Bandages are not able to cure varicose veins, however, they help improve the condition and eliminate symptoms.
There are several options for bandages used to apply a bandage for varicose veins. The difference may be both in the degree of extensibility and in composition.
According to their composition, elastic bandages are divided into fabric and knitted. It is worth giving preference to fabric, as it is stronger.
According to the degree of stretching, bandages are divided into:
Elastic bandages are purchased both for the prevention of varicose veins and as a treatment.
If the main goal is prevention, then you should give preference to a bandage with long stretch. All other degrees of sprain are suitable for treatment.
The length of the bandages starts from 3 meters and ends at 10. Usually they buy and use a length of 4-6 meters. The width of the bandages does not change depending on the length - 10 cm.
Despite the versatility of stretchable bandages (they can be used even during pregnancy), they also have disadvantages:
When using an elastic bandage, you should be careful and remember that:
How to properly bandage your legs with an elastic bandage to treat and prevent varicose veins:
You need to start bandaging from the foot. The appearance of swelling will indicate that the bandage is tightening the vessels above the foot and making it difficult for blood to flow out.
How to wrap your leg with an elastic bandage for varicose veins:
Most often, when bandaging, the following mistakes or unaccounted for points can be made:
Without an ultrasound, it is impossible to independently determine the affected area, so you should visit a doctor before applying bandages. This is due to the fact that the veins in the groin area lie somewhat deeper than in the lower leg and varicose veins may not be visually detected.
If you decide to bandage your leg yourself, then you should not end the bandaging in the middle of the shin. It is worth continuing to the knee or mid-thigh.
This way the bandage will stay in place better and any invisible lesions will, in most cases, be bandaged.
Elastic bandages are worn constantly. The minimum wearing period is a month. Can be worn periodically and is recommended to be combined with physical exercise and medications.
The elastic bandage must be worn all day. After waking up and taking a morning shower, it is important to bandage your legs so that physical activity does not aggravate the situation in varicose veins.
Before going to bed, you need to remove the bandages. However, there are cases when doctors recommend not removing the bandages even at night.
Bandages must be washed twice a week. Hand wash in warm water and soap. Ironing and squeezing elastic bandages is contraindicated. They must be stored rolled up.
Proper leg bandaging for varicose veins allows you to restore normal blood flow in the extremities and relieve unpleasant symptoms (swelling, fatigue, pain). Bandages should be used regularly for a long time. It is necessary to remove it only at night or during bed rest.
Almost everyone is familiar with the disease, varicose veins. A dangerous disease, as it can lead to amputation of limbs in the most severe cases. With slight expansion, there is a danger of blood clots forming, which could result in loss of life.
In all cases, it is necessary to properly respond to this disease. Contact your doctor immediately and follow all his instructions. One such prescription may be the use of elastic bandages. This may also eliminate the need for surgical intervention. It will help you get rid of pain and bulging veins.
In addition, they will support and normalize blood circulation and relieve pain. Your legs will get less tired, tension will be relieved, and cramps will stop. In this article we will look at: how to bandage your legs with an elastic bandage for varicose veins?
Elastic bandages are composed of cotton and some elastic synthetic material. Elastic properties are necessary for the bandage to stretch well and gently support diseased veins.
Important! Fix the legs in the morning, before bandaging, it is necessary to ensure the outflow of blood from the limbs. This can be achieved by keeping your legs elevated. The procedure must also be carried out in an elevated position.
The legs should not droop and the bandage should not be too tight. It is necessary to bandage from bottom to top. At the same time, with each subsequent turn, gradually release the pressure.
How to properly bandage legs for varicose veins with an elastic bandage? It is especially important to be especially careful with the method of application. In this case , the next layer is applied, covering the previous one by half. The entire lower leg to the knee is bandaged. The knee is not too tight so that the person will not be able to walk. In any case, the heel should remain free.
After application, you need to check the degree of tension and how freely you can move your toes.
The patient himself must determine the degree of tension of the bit and the time spent in it. But doctors advise staying in it throughout the day.
Typical mistakes made when bandaging:
In the current crisis, this is the most affordable and effective way to protect your legs with varicose veins. They are sold freely in all pharmacies and are inexpensive. With proper care of the bandage, it will serve you for a long time.
Let's take a closer look at the principle of operation of an elastic bandage. It supports the walls of blood vessels and prevents them from expanding. They regulate blood circulation and blood flow in diseased veins.
Very often the question arises, which elastic bandage is better for varicose veins? Particularly useful in such cases are bandages using natural materials that allow the pores to breathe. This is very important as it is worn throughout the day and synthetics can cause irritation on the skin.
But in order for a material to function properly, it needs to be able to create the correct tension. For this purpose, synthetic elastic materials are used. Those bandages that use the correct ratio of natural and synthetic materials can be called the most correct and useful.
So, it is necessary to consider the cases in which elastic bandages are used. These can be thrombophlebitis, sprains and dislocations, as well as ligament ruptures. They are also used in phlebology for compression therapy.
Before purchasing, you must carefully study all types and methods of their effects. These can be different bandages with different degrees of tension, and from different materials. This is how knitted and woven fabrics are distinguished. They can have different degrees of tension - from the smallest 70%, then there is an average stretchability of 140%, and a high stretchability of more than 140%.
Reference! The higher the stretchability, the less the effect of its impact.
If you want to buy a bandage for preventive purposes, then you need to buy it with long stretch. Medium and short stretch options are suitable if varicose veins or thrombophlebitis are being treated.
Woven differs from knitted in its elasticity and durability. They can be used for a long time. For convenience, you can cut it off. The cut edge does not require processing and does not fall apart, unlike knitted bandages.
Let's look at the varieties more specifically. Compression bandages for varicose veins:
This bandage is widely used. It is characterized by long stretchability. It is used for various sprains and for the prevention of venous changes. This bandage is also convenient because it has metal fasteners. They are convenient for attaching a bandage at the top. When secured in this way, it does not fall or slide.
It is also worn during the postoperative period to fix the lower extremities.
It belongs to compression bandages. It has little stretch and has a fastening clasp. Thanks to it, it does not slip and is easily removed in the evening. It is intended for fixed bandage of various parts of the body.
It is packaged in non-sterile packaging and has a length of about 20 meters. This option does not contain allergens and does not irritate the skin.
The presence of metal fasteners allows you to freely attach to varicose areas. And when no longer needed, take off. The varicose area is securely fixed.
Bandages can be used for a long time. They can be washed, after which they do not lose their properties. Such compression materials can be used for a year or even more.
The only drawback is the unsuitable materials used in their manufacture. But, if you use the right bandages and do not wear them without removing them for a long time, you can avoid their negative effects on the skin and blood vessels.
Advice. You need to choose bandages that are suitable for your specific case in terms of their extensibility. You need to carefully choose the material from which the bandage is made. It should be the right combination of natural material and elastic synthetics.
If there is too much synthetic content, the pores stop breathing and an allergic reaction may occur. All these factors must be taken into account when using.
A common mistake can be considered the method of selection in each specific case. So, when treating varicose veins, it is necessary to choose a bandage with a low degree of extensibility. But besides this, it is necessary to take into account that the degree of compression increases when applied in several layers.
So, the degree of impact directly depends on the method of its use and the degree of load.
High tensile bandages should be used during intense physical activity. And this must be taken into account. That is, do not use a bandage of medium or low stretch if you need to engage in physical activity for a long time.
But, if you need to use a low-stretch bandage as prescribed by a doctor, then you need to regulate the compression by loosening and increasing the pressure. This occurs during physical activity and at rest.
Visually familiarize yourself with the method of applying the bandage:
How to use an elastic bandage for varicose veins? Bandages are worn as prescribed by a doctor, throughout the day until the evening. In the evening, the bandage should be removed to allow you to rest.
The legs are bandaged up to the knee joint, lightly covering the popliteal area. This is done for the convenience of wearing such a bandage.
In conclusion, I would like to say, as in any matter concerning our health, it is necessary to adhere to the doctor’s instructions. There are no universal bandages for all occasions; in each individual case it is necessary to use a certain variety.
Understanding how to properly bandage a leg with varicose veins with an elastic bandage will help not only get the desired effectiveness, but also save on compression garments. Let's look at some of the nuances that will help you choose and use the bandage correctly.
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Several types of bandages are suitable for wrapping legs with varicose veins. They may differ in the degree of elasticity and composition. The composition of bandages can be fabric or knitted. The first type is preferable, since such products are more durable and retain their properties even after repeated washing.
The degree of elasticity is determined by the ability of the bandage to elongate compared to its original size. There are increases in:
They also differ in length. This is necessary in order to choose the most convenient remedy for the damaged area of the body. For leg bandaging, the best option would be a product with a length of at least 3.5 m and a width of 6-8 cm.
For varicose veins, the following types of bandages are popular:
In veins, blood flows from bottom to top. To prevent reverse flow, special valves are located in the veins that allow blood to flow in only one direction.
With varicose veins, the valves move away from each other and a gap appears between them, which allows a certain amount of blood to pass from the upper to the lower section. As a result, stagnation occurs, swelling of the limb occurs and pressure on the veins from the inside increases.
The elastic bandage exerts a pressure effect, due to which the lumen of the veins narrows and the functioning of the valves is restored. This mechanical compression helps normalize blood flow, reduce swelling and painful symptoms in the patient.
An elastic bandage, like compression leggings for varicose veins, must be worn constantly. The leg is bandaged in the morning without getting out of bed, and unwound in the evening.
In order for bandaging to bring benefit and not harm, you should adhere to the following rules:
The most commonly used is spiral bandaging, in which the bandage is fixed on the foot and then wrapped in a circular motion up the leg to the desired height. It looks like this:
To get the correct result, as in the last picture, you need to:
You can clearly see the method of applying the bandage in the following video:
During sports, the load on the legs and blood vessels increases significantly. Sports activities are common causes of varicose veins in men.
Doctors recommend that all athletes use elastic bandages to maintain normal blood flow and maintain venous tone. Regular application of bandages will help prevent not only the expansion of veins, but also accidental damage to the ligaments. If you can’t securely fasten the bandage, you can buy special men’s compression underwear.
Particularly dangerous are varicose veins in the groin in men, which lead to infertility and are difficult to treat. If it is not possible to reduce the load, elastic bandages or compression stockings are mandatory.
Some points that patients may not pay attention to:
The bandaging technique may seem complicated, but it is not. After trying to make an elastic bandage several times, you will understand all the subtleties and feel the correct tension. Knowing how to use a bandage will save money on compression stockings and increase the effectiveness of drug treatment for varicose veins.
author: doctor Ainullin A.A.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities is a disease in which, due to dysfunction of the valves of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, blood stagnates and nodules form, promoting thrombus formation and microcirculation impairment. More often, varicose veins occur in older women, but can appear in young people who, due to their occupation, stand for a long time, as well as in pregnant women.
An integral part of treatment for the early stages of varicose veins, along with medication, is compression therapy or bandaging of the lower extremities. Properly administered compression therapy helps reduce venous congestion, thereby slowing the progression of the disease and reducing the likelihood of complications. It should be remembered that the procedure must be carried out daily, otherwise there will be no effect.
Currently, the widespread bandaging method is being replaced by the use of compression knitwear - special elastic socks, stockings and tights. Their use is more convenient for a number of reasons - when using them, you do not need to adjust the tension, they do not slip, and they create a more aesthetic appearance. However, their versatility is not always applicable in specific conditions - sometimes it is difficult to choose the appropriate size, degree of compression, or there are individual characteristics that interfere with their use. In such cases, you have to use classic bandaging of the lower extremities using an elastic bandage.
Despite the apparent simplicity of the method, in order to avoid complications when using bandaging, several rules should be followed:
1. Bandaging should be carried out in the morning before getting out of bed, but if before this the patient was in an upright position or walking for some time, before the procedure you need to lie down for 5-10 minutes to drain excess fluid from the lower extremities. When bandaging, the leg should be kept in an elevated position. The foot should be positioned at right angles to the shin.
2. The bandage is applied in the direction from the ankle to the base of the toes, capturing the heel, then in the opposite direction to the upper third of the lower leg or thigh.
3. Each subsequent turn of the bandage should overlap the previous one by at least half; a “lock” in the form of a figure eight should be formed on the heel to prevent the bandage from slipping when worn.
4. The bandage should be applied evenly, covering all areas, with the greatest tension should be in the ankle area; as you move up, the tension is weakened. The end of the bandaged area should be at least 7-10 centimeters above the site of the vein lesion. You should carefully ensure that no bends are formed when applying the bandage, and also ensure that no foreign bodies get under the bandage; you should also avoid excessive tension on the bandage, as this can lead to disruption of microcirculation.
5. With proper bandaging, the tips of the toes may turn slightly blue at rest, but when walking they return to pink.
6. When resting in a lying position and before going to bed, be sure to remove the bandages (unless there are special instructions from the attending physician).
7. Individual bandages should be used for each limb.
The patient needs to have at least two replacement sets of bandages for each limb, and monitor their hygienic condition. Bandages need to be washed every two days. It is best to wash bandages by hand using laundry soap. As the bandages wear out, they should be immediately replaced with new ones, preferably of the same brand and model.
We must remember that the compression therapy method, like any other, has a number of contraindications. This is a late stage of heart failure, chronic obliterating diseases of the veins and arteries of the lower extremities, trophic ulcers, diabetic foot syndrome, acute infections in the lower extremities. The method should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, even in the absence of complications. In any case, you should consult your doctor before using compression therapy. After all, modern methods of treating varicose veins are not limited to this.
To maintain veins in normal condition and prevent deterioration, doctors strongly advise using an elastic bandage for varicose veins. Of course, you won’t be able to get rid of varicose veins with bandaging, but you can eliminate the symptoms. People who have suffered from this disease are familiar with discomfort in their legs, which makes it difficult to sleep at night. The disease is dangerous because the appearance of blood clots and trophic ulcers cannot be ruled out. Therefore, there is no need to delay treatment.
When treating varicose veins, one cannot do without the use of such means as elastic bandages.
An elastic bandage for varicose veins has the following properties:
If the patient regularly bandages his legs with an elastic bandage, he will get rid of swelling of the veins of the lower extremities.
In other words, remedies for varicose veins have degrees of stretching:
If the patient has undergone surgery, then a material with a long stretch will need to be applied.
In addition, bandages are made of fabric and knitted. The first option is more durable and durable. Thanks to the production technology used, fabric devices do not lose their properties even after a long period. Knitted fabrics lose their stretch over time.
If the patient does not bandage his legs correctly, there will be no therapeutic effect. Moreover, you should be careful not to harm yourself. Incorrect use of remedies for varicose veins can disrupt normal blood flow. It is better to consult a phlebologist so that he can demonstrate the procedure for bandaging. The material must be used correctly. This is the only way to achieve the desired effect on the limbs affected by varicose veins. Not everyone can use elastic dressings.
This applies to cases where there is:
In almost any pharmacy you can purchase elastic material for the treatment of such a dangerous disease.
You should know that there are several types of these funds, and each should be used in a specific case.
Every patient suffering from varicose veins must know how to bandage correctly.
There is a certain procedure:
Unfortunately, patients often make mistakes when applying a bandage. That is, such actions are performed, as a result of which not only there is no therapeutic effect, but also a threat to health.
Among the errors are:
Among the most common diseases, varicose veins are the most common. This disease affects the body's venous system and interferes with its normal blood flow.
External signs of varicose veins appear in the form of bluish veins bulging on the legs. The patient suffers from heaviness in the legs, fatigue, numbness and decreased sensitivity.
The disease is dangerous due to the appearance of thrombosis and thromboembolism. In the most severe cases, surgery to remove the affected veins, known as phlebectomy, is required.
But a surgical solution can be avoided if you use an elastic bandage for varicose veins for prevention. Its use at an early stage of the disease can normalize blood flow in the lower extremities and relieve pain symptoms.
The elastic bandage contains cotton and a certain amount of synthetic material necessary for stretching when bandaging the lower extremities.
Medical elastic bandage is recommended:
Before purchasing an elastic bandage, you need to know their differences in classification for compression therapy. There are types of bandages that have positive qualities when used.
Types of elastic bandages:
If there is a need to buy an elastic bandage for preventive purposes against varicose veins, then you need to choose a bandage with long stretchability. Medium and short stretch differ in use.
Bandages with medium and short stretch are suitable when treating varicose veins, accompanied by dilated veins. When bandaging legs with an elastic bandage, standard 6 meter bandages should be used.
The difference between woven bandages and knitted ones is their durability and strength. The production technology used in fabric production allows the bandage to be used for more than one year and after numerous washes.
Unlike knitted bandages, which tend to lose stretch over time, woven bandages can be adjusted in length by cutting off the unnecessary portion. The cut edge of a woven bandage does not crumble like a knitted one, which requires processing.
Due to their low cost, bandages have become the most attractive and affordable remedy for varicose veins. Often, patients with varicose veins ask questions: how much does an elastic bandage cost and where to buy it? Will it help with varicose veins?
Elastic bandages are sold in almost any pharmacy. The main advantage of an elastic bandage is its low price and wide availability compared to special compression hosiery. The price of one bandage is about 20 rubles. They are sold in any pharmacy chain and special medical institutions.
Methods for treating varicose veins
When choosing an elastic bandage, you should be aware that the pressure under the applied bandage can increase proportionally when additional layers of the bandage are applied.
A three-layer bandage increases the pressure exactly three times. Accordingly, bandages with high elongation can also be used in cases to create increased pressure under the applied bandage.
An important factor when choosing is the size and pliability of the bandage, which determines its ability to fit snugly to the limbs and body irregularities.
Woven bandages, with a high cotton content and a gauze-like structure, have the highest degree of pliability. They are most suitable for application to the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder.
These rules are quite simple. By sticking to them, the patient learns how to use the elastic bandage and what it is needed for.
Start bandaging the limb from the foot. Place the bandage on the top of the foot, holding it on the other side.
Turn around the foot, the bandage is located near the protruding bone of the big toe
The bandage is then wrapped around the ankle. The heel is left open or also bandaged if swelling is present.
After wrapping the ankle, go back down to the foot, wrap the foot in a figure 8 shape for strengthening at this level
Then move up to the ankle again, leaving the heel open
The bandage is wound from the ankle to the knee, retreating upward about 3 cm (thickness of the fingertips) from the beginning of each turn of the bandage.
Each new turn must overlap the previous one with the necessary indentation, and must also be perpendicular to the axis of the leg, for uniform distribution of pressure.
The width of the bandage is fully used (10 centimeters), length is 3 meters.
After bandaging your leg, secure the end with an adhesive plaster. Don't use needles.
If you follow these 9 steps, you will be able to wrap your foot correctly. An elastic bandage is used, 10 cm wide and 3 to 3.5 meters long (the length depends on the height of the leg).
Figure 10. Optimal pressure distribution after bandaging (mm Hg - mm Hg)
Figure 11: Pressure Gauge can be used to measure pressure
Figure 12. Optimal pressure measurement locations and optimal readings
Figure 13. Error 1. Incorrect bandaging of the lower leg. The result is low pressure in the foot. Correct bandaging is a figure eight bandage going down to the foot and back.
Figure 14. Error 2. The space between the turns is too small. The middle of the calf muscle is reached, not the area below the knee
Figure 15. Error 3. The distance between the turns is too large to reach the popliteal area.
Figure 16. Error 4. Uneven application of the bandage to the limb, resulting in incorrect compression.
Figure 17. Error 5. Using an old, frayed, unusable bandage
Figure 18. Error 6. Incorrectly securing the bandage at the top. Using pins instead of adhesive tape.
Figure 19. Error 7. Pressure is not distributed correctly. No beneficial effect. Bandaging is pointless.
Figure 20. Error 8. Pressure is not distributed correctly. It should go down from bottom to top, not from top to bottom.
It is worth noting that in case of varicose veins, a medical elastic bandage should be selected by a phlebologist. Each bandage has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Any bandage must be used strictly for its intended purpose and only a qualified specialist should decide whether to remove the elastic bandage or not. An elastic bandage is not just a dressing material, but a therapeutic agent intended to prevent the disease and alleviate symptoms that have already appeared.
The use of elastic bandages prevents further expansion of veins and reduces the load on the legs during prolonged standing and walking. The product is easy to use, safe, and can be used by patients of any gender and age.
The main classification of compression products is their extensibility. Elastic bandages for varicose veins can be of several types of extensibility:
Depending on the material they are made of, they can be knitted, woven, or non-woven. The strength and wear resistance of products depends on the material. The best option when choosing is considered to be a bandage length of about 6 m and a width of 10 cm. Many models have metal clamps that reliably hold the fabric in a given position.
In the early stages of the disease, the effectiveness of the bandage is equal to the use of medications, but without the risk of side effects. The main advantages are:
Disadvantages include inconvenience in the summer, the likelihood of developing an allergy to compression material, and the need to wear special shoes.
Despite the safety of the product, there are some contraindications that must be observed. An elastic bandage cannot be used in the following cases:
Allergic reactions are also a contraindication to wearing a compression product. So, if you are allergic to natural wool, it is better to choose a bandage with a woven or non-woven base.
How to bandage your legs with an elastic bandage for varicose veins correctly? To effectively apply a bandage, you must adhere to the following rules:
After bandaging, you need to wait 10-15 minutes to evaluate the quality of the bandage. It should pull, but not tighten the limb. There should be no discomfort or pain when walking. You can involve your loved ones in the first procedures.
Wash bandages by hand in warm soapy water, do not wring out. After drying, the bandage is rolled into a roll and stored in a dry place.
The experience of proper foot binding comes after 10-12 independent training sessions. Despite the ease of applying an elastic bandage, many patients make a number of mistakes. As a result, the bandage comes off, becomes dislodged, and treatment becomes ineffective and useless. The following errors are identified:
A correctly applied bandage does not come off, holds the foot securely, and lightens the load. Patients themselves feel the correct application when walking.
The exact area of damage to the venous structures is impossible without Dopplerography or conventional ultrasound. Before applying bandages, you should consult with specialists. The affected veins may be in the groin area, but they are not visible due to their deep location. Ideally, the bandage should end at the knee or cover the lower third of the thigh joint (just above the knee).
The bandage should not cover only the protruding vein or end at the lower leg. On each part of the limb, not only the degree of tension should be different, but also the overlap of the turns. Over time, each patient with varicose veins learns the correct bandaging technique.
Typically, the elastic bandage is worn during the day and removed at night. In advanced cases, some patients are recommended to wear an elastic bandage around the clock.
You should bandage your feet in the morning after waking up or after doing your morning chores. If a person has not yet gotten out of bed, then you can bandage it immediately. If he moved around the house, then before applying the bandage he should lie down for about 30 minutes.
Elastic bandages for varicose veins are an excellent prevention and therapeutic measure against the expansion of venous lumens. Courses of compression treatment last for months, after which they take a break of several weeks. A special effect of therapy is observed in the complex treatment of varicose veins with local and systemic drugs.