Which compression stockings should you choose to prevent post-traumatic syndrome (PTS)?
Post-thrombotic syndrome is a very common complication of acute deep vein thrombosis of the legs. Previously, it was called postphlebitic, but then doctors came to the conclusion that the basis for the development of PTS is not inflammation of the vein walls (phlebitis), but rather their blockage by thrombotic masses (thrombosis).
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However, post-thrombotic syndrome does not develop in all patients; moreover, proper and timely treatment and wearing compression hosiery help to significantly reduce the risk of this unpleasant complication.
Why does PTS develop?
In acute thrombosis, the lumen of the vein is blocked by a thrombus. It can completely or partially block the blood flow. In severe cases, the thrombus breaks away from the vein wall and enters the pulmonary artery, causing the development of infarction pneumonia or death.
But more often, the thrombus partially dissolves, which leads to a disruption in blood flow. Fluid accumulates in the vein below the site of thrombosis, causing an increase in pressure in it and expansion of the vessel. The higher the venous hypertension, the sooner reflux develops - the movement of blood in the opposite direction (for example, from a deep vein to a superficial one). Because of this, the valves begin to suffer, and venous reflux intensifies. As a rule, the outcome of acute thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome is severe venous insufficiency of the lower extremities.
But more often, the thrombus partially dissolves, which leads to a disruption in blood flow. Fluid accumulates in the vein below the site of thrombosis, causing an increase in pressure in it and expansion of the vessel. The higher the venous hypertension, the sooner reflux develops - the movement of blood in the opposite direction (for example, from a deep vein to a superficial one). Because of this, the valves begin to suffer, and venous reflux intensifies. As a rule, the outcome of acute thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome is severe venous insufficiency of the lower extremities.
How to prevent the development of PTS?
Before engaging in prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome, it is necessary to eliminate acute thrombosis. To dissolve a blood clot, special drugs that reduce blood clotting - anticoagulants - are used. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor individually and depends on the severity of thrombosis, the patient's concomitant diseases, and the response to therapy.
And only after finishing taking anticoagulants, doctors recommend wearing compression hosiery.
And only after finishing taking anticoagulants, doctors recommend wearing compression hosiery.
What compression hosiery is used to prevent PTS?
The type of compression underwear - knee-highs or stockings - depends on the location of the thrombosis and concomitant diseases (for example, widespread varicose veins, severe chronic venous insufficiency). Most often, doctors recommend wearing stockings. But the degree of compression of the underwear is still being discussed.
Previously, it was believed that to prevent the development of PTSD, stockings were needed that exerted pressure in the ankle area of 30-40 mm Hg. When wearing such medical underwear, the risk of PTSD was reduced by 50%. However, many patients refused compression hosiery or wore it irregularly due to the inconvenience of putting it on and too much compression of the legs.
In 2012-2017, with funding from Laboratoires Innothera, France, a randomized study CELEST was conducted, which compared the effectiveness of stockings of the third and second compression classes. It was shown that after two years of wearing medical hosiery, the reduction in the risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome was the same in both groups, but patients using class 2 compression stockings noted that they were much more comfortable to wear and did not cause discomfort, sweating or skin irritation.
Previously, it was believed that to prevent the development of PTSD, stockings were needed that exerted pressure in the ankle area of 30-40 mm Hg. When wearing such medical underwear, the risk of PTSD was reduced by 50%. However, many patients refused compression hosiery or wore it irregularly due to the inconvenience of putting it on and too much compression of the legs.
In 2012-2017, with funding from Laboratoires Innothera, France, a randomized study CELEST was conducted, which compared the effectiveness of stockings of the third and second compression classes. It was shown that after two years of wearing medical hosiery, the reduction in the risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome was the same in both groups, but patients using class 2 compression stockings noted that they were much more comfortable to wear and did not cause discomfort, sweating or skin irritation.
Which compression stockings are best for preventing PTS?
For the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome, medical stockings of the second compression class (23-32 mm Hg) are suitable, but their model depends on the specific patient.
Compression stockings with elastic are considered universal - unlike lace products, they are suitable for both men and women.
If you have any problems with your feet (for example, excessive sweating or hallux valgus, gout), it is better to buy stockings without a toe. They are also great for open shoes.
Compression stockings with elastic are considered universal - unlike lace products, they are suitable for both men and women.
If you have any problems with your feet (for example, excessive sweating or hallux valgus, gout), it is better to buy stockings without a toe. They are also great for open shoes.
Lauma Medical medical compression stockings with elastic without toe cap are made of nylon and lycra (60% and 40%). They are easy to put on with the special silk sock included, are comfortable to wear, do not cause discomfort or sweating and, when used correctly, effectively reduce the risk of PTS after acute deep vein thrombosis of the legs
Lauma Medical medical compression stockings with elastic without toe cap are made of nylon and lycra (60% and 40%). They are easy to put on with the special silk sock included, are comfortable to wear, do not cause discomfort or sweating and, when used correctly, effectively reduce the risk of PTS after acute deep vein thrombosis of the legs