The weather is getting chilly, and many women are choosing to wear tights. While they are warm and aesthetically pleasing, doctors warn that wearing them incorrectly can lead to foot deformities.
Miss Su (26 years old, China) suffered from varicose veins. She heard online that tights not only keep legs warm and beautify them but also treat varicose veins. Therefore, Miss Su quickly bought several pairs of tights and wore them almost every day, taking them off only when she slept.
However, two weeks later, Miss Su noticed that her lower limbs were clearly swollen, to the point where she could not move her legs. A visit to the hospital revealed that her thighs had been excessively compressed, inhibiting venous flow in her lower limbs, which led to poor venous blood flow and worsened the condition of blood and lymphatic fluid accumulation in her lower limbs. Consequently, she experienced calf swelling, pain in her lower limbs, heaviness, and other uncomfortable sensations that intensified.
The cause stemmed from the tights.
Many types of tights that are too tight can cause toes to bend or curl excessively. (Illustrative image).
In reality, the type of tights that can treat varicose veins, as Miss Su heard, are medical compression stockings. They are medical devices designed to promote venous blood return to the heart and are primarily used for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins.
However, medical compression stockings should not be worn arbitrarily; it is essential to choose the appropriate pressure level and size under the guidance of a doctor.
If not removed for a long period or if the pressure is too strong, they can also compress the skin, affecting blood circulation in the lower limbs, while exacerbating the initial skin damage and varicose vein condition.
Thus, Miss Su did not choose the right product, used them for an extended period, and wore them incorrectly, all of which led to the situation she encountered.
Warning About Risks from Tights
Not only for patients with varicose veins, but healthy individuals can also face health risks if they wear tights incorrectly:
1. Foot Problems
Many types of tights that are too tight can cause toes to bend or curl excessively, making it difficult to stretch normally. When walking, the friction between the toes and the shoe’s toe box can become severe, leading to ingrown toenails that can damage the nail bed, increasing the risk of bacterial infections, and even causing paronychia and other issues.
2. Skin Issues
In pursuit of a snug and natural feel, tights are often made from synthetic fibers with poor breathability. Wearing them in relatively high temperatures can lead to sweating and damp skin, potentially causing itching and discomfort. If your skin is sensitive, it may easily lead to dermatitis and other problems.
3. Feeling Cold While Wearing
Although the inner layer is often made of thin wool, it is challenging to achieve true thermal insulation.
When the body is exposed to cold, blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss. Blood flow primarily goes to the core parts of the body, while blood flow to the extremities, such as hands and feet, decreases, making these areas particularly susceptible to cold.
Tights can exacerbate the condition of vascular constriction and slow peripheral blood circulation, causing these areas to feel colder. If you have arthritis, the condition of “cold feet” may worsen.
4. Lower Limb Problems
Like Miss Su’s case, tights that are too tight can affect blood circulation in the lower limbs, potentially causing ankle swelling, pain, heaviness, and other uncomfortable sensations in the lower limbs.
4 Tips for Wearing Tights
Select the Right Size and Material: Do not blindly pursue tightness.
Avoid Wearing for Extended Periods: If you must be in a cold environment for a long time, it’s best not to wear tights. Instead, opt for thicker, better-insulated clothing. Additionally, if you feel discomfort while wearing them, you should remove them promptly and change into appropriate clothing.
Clean Regularly: Tights should be washed frequently to keep them clean and dry, preventing bacterial growth that could irritate the skin.
Those Who Should Be Cautious When Wearing: Patients with varicose veins in the lower limbs, individuals with sensitive skin, those with joint issues, and patients with arterial blockages in the lower limbs… should consult a doctor before wearing tights.
