Compression stockings

Abstract

To improve lymphedema.SOLUTION: An elastic stocking 1 comprises: leg parts 50 which have elasticity to apply a predetermined pressure to the legs; and a panty part 10 having an annular part 20 serving as a perineal region pressing part. This improves the flow of lymph resident in the legs and also accelerates the flow of lymph near the perineal region, which are effective to improve lymphedema. As it can be expected to improve a massage effect of the whole lower half of the body including the vicinity of the perineal region, the elastic stocking is also effective to improve blood flows and to accelerate blood circulation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compression stockings, in particular to compression stockings suitable for the treatment of lymphedema. [Background technology]

[0002] Lymph nodes are removed in cancer surgery to prevent metastasis. When lymph nodes are removed, lymph flow is impaired and accumulates in the limbs, causing lymphedema. In particular, when pelvic lymph node dissection is performed in the treatment of uterine cancer or ovarian cancer, lymph from the lower limbs flows back to the genitals via the inguinal lymph nodes. In addition, lymph flow from the anus is blocked from flowing out to the thoracic duct, and flows back to the genitals via the inguinal lymph nodes. Moderate exercise, lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and lymphaticovenous anastomosis are effective in preventing and treating lymphedema, but compression therapy, which involves wearing elastic stockings that provide strong compression, is easy to perform and can be easily implemented in daily life.

[0003] As such elastic stockings, Patent Document 1 discloses medical stockings with a structure in which the wearing pressure in the ankle region, the lower leg region, and the thigh region is gradually weakened. This increases the effect of improving the flow of lymphatic fluid in the legs, and also improves breathability and moisture permeability by setting a specific relationship between the length of the base yarn and the length of the insertion yarn (elastic yarn). Meanwhile, the present applicant has proposed a pants-type pelvic floor muscle support aid in Patent Document 2. This has a ring-shaped part that is positioned to correspond to the outer periphery of the vaginal opening, and this ring-shaped part presses the pelvic floor muscles from below to above, and applies force in the direction of narrowing the vaginal opening, thereby preventing urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-115571 A [Patent Document 2] WO2019 / 065708 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The medical stockings of Patent Document 1 are configured such that the above-mentioned predetermined pressure acts on the leg portion. In contrast, the panty portion has a weak power area with low elasticity inside the left and right superficial inguinal lymph nodes to suppress pressure and reduce tightening of the abdominal bulge, improving the wearing comfort. Such a weak power area is not only used in the area corresponding to the abdominal bulge, but also in the crotch portion, and the same material is used. As described above, when pelvic lymph node dissection is performed, lymph fluid flows back toward the perineum, but in Patent Document 1, the crotch portion is a weak power area, and no special means is provided to promote the flow of lymph fluid. Therefore, the medical stockings of Patent Document 1 are not necessarily sufficient as a means to deal with symptoms such as when pelvic lymph node dissection is performed, in which lymph fluid flows back toward the perineum.

[0006] Furthermore, the pelvic floor muscle support aid in Patent Document 2 uses a ring-shaped part to press against the pelvic floor, and the ring-shaped part formed around the outer periphery of the vaginal opening can press against the perineum. Therefore, by providing the panty part with a ring-shaped part that has such a perineum pressing function, it is expected that lymphatic fluid stagnation in the perineum can be suppressed.

[0007] On the other hand, medical stockings (compression stockings) as shown in Patent Document 1 are designed to apply a certain amount of pressure to a person's legs by using leg sections formed with elastic yarn. Therefore, when putting on the stockings, if one puts the toes first into the boundary between the panty section and the leg section, the toes get caught on the inner surface of the leg section, making them difficult to put on. In particular, in the case of stockings that have a structure in which the tip of the leg section has a toe covering section that covers the toes, it is not easy to insert the toes all the way into this toe covering section.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and has as its object to provide elastic stockings that can promote the flow of lymphatic fluid not only in the legs but also in the perineum area, and further eliminate the difficulty of wearing the stockings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the elastic stockings of the present invention are A panty part and a leg part connected to the panty part for wearing on at least one leg, The panty part has a perineum pressing part that is provided at a position corresponding to the perineum when worn and presses the perineum, The leg portion has an elastic force that applies a predetermined pressure to the leg.

[0010] The panty part is a ring-shaped portion that is provided so as to be positioned to correspond to the outer periphery of the vaginal opening when worn; a pulling part that is connected to the annular part and pulls the annular part at least in one direction, forward or backward, with respect to the vaginal opening, thereby narrowing the distance between the left and right side parts of the annular part located on the left and right sides of the vaginal opening; having It is preferable that the annular portion functions as the perineum pressing portion.

[0011] It is preferable that the leg portion has band-like pressure lines provided at appropriate intervals along the circumferential direction of the leg and extending substantially in the vertical direction. It is also preferable that the leg portion has band-shaped pressure lines arranged at appropriate intervals along the circumferential direction of the leg and extending in an approximately vertical direction, and that the pressure lines are connected to at least one of the circular portion and the tension portion formed in the panty portion.

[0012] It is preferable that the pressure applied to the leg of the leg portion varies from part to part. It is also preferable that the pressure applied to the legs by the leg portions weakens from the ankles toward the panty portion.

[0013] The leg portion preferably includes a toe covering portion. The toe covering portion preferably has a toe covering portion that independently covers at least one of the toes.

[0014] It is preferable that the leg part is provided with a pull-out section capable of covering at least the toes in the area from the arch of the foot toward the toes, and which enables the wearing aid to be worn before putting on the leg part to be pulled out after putting on the leg part. It is preferable that the leg portion is partially provided with a portion having a different thickness for a wearer's fingers to rest on when wearing the device.

[0015] The elastic stockings are suitable for treating lymphedema. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The elastic stockings of the present invention have leg sections that have elasticity that applies a certain pressure to the legs, and a perineum pressing section in the panty section. This not only improves the flow of lymph fluid stagnating in the legs, but also promotes the flow of lymph fluid near the perineum, which is effective in improving lymphedema. In addition, it is expected to improve the massage effect of the entire lower body, including the perineum, which is also effective in improving and promoting blood flow.

[0017] In addition, it is preferable that the leg part is provided with a pull-out part for pulling out the putting aid, in a region closer to the toes than the arch of the foot. The putting aid is made of plastic and has a bag-like shape capable of covering at least the toes to reduce frictional resistance, and improves the wearability of the leg part by having the wearer put on the putting aid and put their leg through the leg part. However, if the leg part has a toe covering part, the putting aid cannot be removed after putting on the leg part. For this reason, the putting aid has been used only when putting on elastic stockings without a toe covering part, but according to the present invention, by providing a pull-out part, the putting aid can be used even if the leg part has a toe covering part, improving the wearability of the leg part. Furthermore, by providing the leg portion with different thicknesses, it becomes easier for the wearer to hook their fingers when putting on the pants, improving ease of putting on. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elastic stocking according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the elastic stocking of FIG. 1 as seen from behind. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of the loop portion in the elastic stocking of the above embodiment, showing a plan view of the panty part in the vicinity of the loop portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, seen from the front, of an elastic stocking in which a pressure line is joined to a tensioning part. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the elastic stocking of FIG. 4 as seen from behind. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view showing a part of an elastic stocking provided with a removable toe covering portion, and FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c) are diagrams illustrating how to wear the stocking. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of the pull-out portion of the wearing aid. [Figure 8] 8(a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of configurations having toe covering portions. [Figure 9] 9(a) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of aspects in which a portion for hooking a finger when worn is formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are diagrams showing an elastic stocking 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in these figures, the elastic stocking 1 of this embodiment is a pantyhose type in which the panty part 10 and the leg part 50 are integrated. The panty part 10 and the leg part 50 are integrally formed, but the leg part 50 can be configured as at least one of the left and right parts. Whether the leg part 50 is provided on only one side or both sides is determined according to the symptoms of lymphedema. Similarly, depending on the wearer, the thickness of the left and right legs may differ greatly, and in that case, the left and right leg parts 50 can be formed with different thicknesses accordingly.

[0020] The panty part 10 has a ring-shaped part 20 and a tension part 30. The ring-shaped part 20 is provided around the inner surface of the crotch part 13, and depending on its size, it may be formed to include the adjacent areas of the front body part 11 and the back body part 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the ring-shaped part 20 is provided in an area around the crotch part 13 so as to be in a position corresponding to the outer periphery of the vaginal opening when worn. Since the ring-shaped part 20 includes a part corresponding to the perineum when worn, in this embodiment, the ring-shaped part 20 functions as a perineum pressing part.

[0021] 3, the annular portion 20 is formed, for example, in an elliptical shape in a plan view, and is provided so that its major axis direction is perpendicular to the width direction of the crotch portion 13. In the annular portion 20, the portions that sandwich the vaginal opening when worn are the left and right side portions 21, 22, and among the substantially linear sides that constitute the left and right side portions 21, 22, the portion connecting the ends 21a, 22a closer to the front body 11 is the front portion 23, and the portion connecting the ends 21b, 22b closer to the back body 12 is the rear portion 24. In the annular portion 20, the portion from the side portions 21, 22 to the rear portion 24 plays a central role as a perineum pressing portion.

[0022] In this embodiment, the side portions 21, 22, front portion 23, and rear portion 24 of the annular portion 20 are all integral, but there may be gaps at the boundaries between them, or any of the side portions 21, 22, front portion 23, and rear portion 24 may be interrupted. The side portions 21, 22 may be slightly curved, and the front portion 23 and rear portion 24 may be slightly curved as shown in the drawings, or may be substantially straight, or may have a mountain shape with the center protruding outward, etc.

[0023] The tensioning portion 30 has a function of pulling the annular portion 20 at least either forward or backward, thereby narrowing the distance between the left and right side portions 21, 22 of the annular portion 20. In this embodiment, the tensioning portion 30 has a front tensioning portion 31 provided in the range of the front body 11, and a rear tensioning portion 32 provided in the range of the back body 12.

[0024] In this embodiment, two front tension parts 31 are formed, one end 31a of each of which is connected to the front part 23 of the annular part 20, and the other end 31b is provided in a substantially V-shape so as to be spaced apart from each other toward the upper part of the front body 11. This is to prevent the front tension parts 31 from pressing against the urethral opening, etc.

[0025] The rear tensioning portion 32 has one end 32a connected to the vicinity of the central portion 24a of the rear portion 24, and the other end 32 is provided toward the upper portion of the rear body 32b. That is, one is provided along the vicinity of the central portion 24a in the width direction (width direction of the pelvis) of the rear body 12. The annular portion 20 and the tensioning portion 30 (the front tensioning portion 31 and the rear tensioning portion 32) may be integrally provided with the same material as in this embodiment, but they may be formed separately and connected at the above-mentioned portion. The annular portion 20 and the tensioning portion 30 have an elastic restoring force that applies a predetermined pressure, similar to the pressure line 51 of the leg portion 50 described later. The portions with increased elastic restoring force of these portions can be formed by inserting a predetermined elastic thread when knitting the panty portion 10. The elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment are manufactured by a known knitting machine for stockings.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the front portion 23 of the annular portion 20 is pulled in a direction slightly expanding to the left and right (directions of arrows A and B) by the two substantially V-shaped front pulling parts 31. Therefore, not only the vicinity of the center of the front portion 23 but the entire range of the front portion 23 is pulled in that direction (direction of arrow C). In contrast, since the single rear pulling part 32 is connected to the vicinity of the center portion 24a, the rear portion 24 is pulled toward the upper direction of the back body 12 (direction of arrow D) centered around the vicinity of the center portion 24a. When the vicinity of the center portion 24a is pulled, the ends 21b, 22b of the side portions 21, 22 located at both ends of the rear portion 24 are displaced in a direction narrowing the gap between them (directions of arrows E and F). As a result, the gap between the left and right side portions 21, 22 is displaced in a direction narrowing the gap between the entire side portions 21, 22 as shown by imaginary lines in FIG. 3. That is, the annular portion 20 is deformed so that its inner hole 20a becomes longer and thinner. When the side portions 21, 22 are displaced so as to narrow the distance between them, a force acts upward near the rear portion 24, and a force also acts in a direction that narrows the vaginal opening. As a result, a pressing force is applied near the perineum.

[0027] At least one of the left and right sides of the panty part 10, both in this embodiment, has a leg part 50 formed integrally with the panty part 10. The leg part 50 is knitted by interweaving elastic yarn so that a predetermined pressure is applied to the leg. The manufacturing method is not limited, and a conventionally known method can be used. In addition, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it is preferable to configure the pressure lines 51, which have a strong elastic restoring force, to be arranged in a strip shape in the approximately vertical direction and at predetermined intervals in the width direction. Conversely, it is also possible to form pressure lines that increase the elastic restoring force in the width direction (circumferential direction of the leg) and arrange them in the vertical direction at predetermined intervals. However, if the pressure lines are arranged in the vertical direction at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, shear force will concentrate on the area along the pressure lines, and depending on the pressure, the flow of lymph fluid and the like may be hindered. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the pressure lines 51 in the vertical direction and at predetermined intervals in the width direction as in this embodiment. As a result, the entire leg from the base to the part corresponding to the tip of the leg section 50 is pressed inward from the circumferential direction, and strong shear force is not applied locally, so the flow of lymphatic fluid, etc. is not hindered. Also, when the vertical pressure lines 51 can be seen, the legs look slimmer.

[0028] Moreover, it is preferable that the pressure lines 51 are formed so that different pressures are applied to different parts of the body, rather than the same pressure being applied over the entire area along the substantially vertical direction. This provides a natural massage effect when moving the legs, such as when walking, and contributes to improving lymphatic and blood flow. In this case, it is more preferable to provide the pressure to be lower from the ankles toward the panty part 10. This allows lymphatic and blood to flow more smoothly from bottom to top.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the pressure lines 51 formed in the leg portion 50 apply a predetermined pressure to the legs, improving lymphatic and blood flow. Furthermore, the annular portion 20 of the panty portion 10 functions as a perineal pressure portion, providing a predetermined stimulation to the perineal area, which can contribute to improving symptoms in which lymphatic fluid and the like tend to stagnate near the perineum, such as when intrapelvic lymph node dissection is performed.

[0030] In addition, the pressure line 51 of the leg part 50 is preferably configured to be connected to at least one of the annular part 20, the front pulling part 31, and the rear pulling part 32 provided in the panty part 10. For example, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the pressure line 51 is preferably knitted so as to be continuous with the front pulling part 31 and the rear pulling part 32. As a result, when the pressure line 51 expands and contracts due to the movement of the leg part 50 during walking, etc., the front pulling part 31 and the rear pulling part 32 will expand and contract accordingly. As a result, the movement of the annular part 20 is also promoted, the massage effect on the perineum is further enhanced, and the flow of lymphatic fluid, etc. can be further promoted.

[0031] As described above, the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment are difficult to put on because the leg part 50 has a certain elasticity. That is, when putting the leg into the leg part 50, the toe is easily caught in the middle of the leg part 50. For example, the leg part 50 shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 is a type that does not have a part covering the toes, and the tip of the leg part 50 is open only up to the arch of the foot. In the case of such a type, for example, a wearing aid (see reference numeral 60 in Fig. 6) made of a slippery plastic bag or the like and large enough to cover at least the toes is used, and the foot is inserted into the leg part 50 with the wearing aid covering the toes, and when the toes come out of the tip opening of the leg part 50, the wearing aid covering the toes can be removed to compensate for the difficulty of putting on. However, if the tip of the leg part 50 has a toe covering part that is not open, such a wearing method cannot be used.

[0032] Therefore, in the case of the elastic stockings 1 having a toe covering portion, as shown in FIG. 6(a), it is preferable to form the leg portion 50 in a shape having an opening edge 50a within the range from the arch of the foot to the base of the toes, and to provide a toe covering portion 55 that is partly connected to the opening edge 50a. In this case, for example, the foot is put into a wearing aid 60 such as a slippery plastic bag, and in this state, the foot is passed through the leg portion 50 from the toe, and when the toe protrudes from the opening edge 50a as shown in FIG. 6(b), the wearing aid 60 is pulled out. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the toe is covered with the toe covering portion 55. That is, since the opening edge 50a is the pull-out portion of the wearing aid 60, the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment are not impaired in ease of wearing even if they are of the type having the toe covering portion 55. The means for connecting a part of the toe covering part 55 to the opening edge 50a is arbitrary, and for example, sewing can be used. Also, after covering the toe, it can be joined to the opening edge 50a with a hook or hook-and-loop fastener.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 7(a), an opening 50b as a pull-out part for the wearing aid 60 may be provided on the sole side closer to the toe covering part 55 than the arch part, and an elastic thread 50c may be hung between the front and rear edges of the opening 50b, so that the opening 50b can be expanded and contracted, and the wearing aid 60 may be pulled out from the opening 50b. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(b), a slit 50d may be formed as a simple pull-out part in the range closer to the toes on the sole side, and the wearing aid 60 may be pulled out from the slit 50d. The formation of the pull-out part is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, and the pull-out part as shown in FIG. 7(a) and (b) may be formed on the instep side of the foot, or may be formed closer to the toes. Also, the opening 50b and the slit 50d are not limited to those long in the width direction, but may be long in the vertical direction, or may be circular or elliptical.

[0034] Also, as shown in Figs. 8(a) and (b), it is preferable that the toe covering part 55 has a toe covering part 55a. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(a), it may have a toe covering part 55a corresponding to each of the five toes, or as shown in Fig. 8(b), it may have a toe covering part 55a corresponding to only the big toe. The toe covering part 55a may be capable of covering at least one toe independently, and may be configured to cover only the toes other than the big toe independently, or may be configured to cover two or three toes together. As the toes also suffer from edema due to the deterioration of lymphatic flow, it is preferable that the toe covering part 55a corresponds to each of the five toes and can apply pressure to each toe, but it is also possible to adjust the number of toe covering parts 55a according to the symptoms of the wearer. In addition, when the toe covering part 55a is formed, it is also possible to form the pull-out part of the wearing aid 60 in the toe covering part 55a.

[0035] Also, as shown in FIG. 9(a), a configuration may be made in which a protrusion 56 that is relatively thicker than other parts in the circumferential direction and has a wide portion 56a formed in a part is provided at an appropriate position of the leg portion 50. The leg portion 50 has an elastic force that applies a predetermined pressure to the leg, so when wearing it, a part of the leg portion 50 is bent, a finger is inserted between the leg and the bent portion, and the leg is gradually pulled upward while spreading it outward against the elastic force. However, the stronger the elastic force, the more difficult it is to insert the finger. Therefore, by providing such a protrusion 56 and wide portion 56a, the wearer's finger is hooked on the wide portion 56a when wearing it, making it easier to pull the leg portion 50 upward. In addition, the portion for hooking the fingers can be formed by forming a portion of leg portion 50 that is of a relatively different thickness. For example, recesses 56b can be formed near both sides of thick protrusion portion 56 (Figure 9(b)), or recess 56c can be formed near the center of protrusion portion 56 (Figure 9(c)), and fingers can be hooked into recesses 56b, 56c.

[0036] As described above, the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment are provided with pressure lines 51 in the approximately vertical direction of the leg part 50, and the flow of lymphatic fluid and the like can be improved by the pressure of the pressure lines 51. However, to obtain a higher effect, it is preferable to use massage in combination. For example, a cushion or the like is applied to the heels to raise them slightly, and in this state, a simple massager such as a vibrator is used to massage from the ankles to the thighs. Since the pressure lines 51 are approximately vertical along the direction of lymphatic fluid flow, the flow of lymphatic fluid and the like can be improved more effectively by using such massage in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1. Compression stockings 10 Panties Club 20 Annular section 21,22 Side 23 Front 24 Rear 30 Pulling section 31 Front puller 32 Rear tensioner 50 Leg 51 Pressurized Line 55 Toe Coverage 55a Toe Coverage 60 Wearing aids

Claims

1. A panty part and a leg part connected to the panty part for wearing on at least one leg, The panty part has a perineum pressing part that is provided at a position corresponding to the perineum when worn and presses the perineum, The leg portion has an elastic force that applies a predetermined pressure to the leg, The panty part is a ring-shaped portion that is provided so as to be positioned to correspond to the outer periphery of the vaginal opening when worn; a pulling part that is connected to the annular part and pulls the annular part at least in one direction, forward or backward, with respect to the vaginal opening, thereby narrowing the distance between the left and right side parts of the annular part located on the left and right sides of the vaginal opening; having Elastic stockings, characterized in that the annular portion functions as the perineum pressing portion.

2. An elastic stocking as described in claim 1, wherein the leg portion has band-shaped pressure lines arranged at appropriate intervals along the circumferential direction of the leg and extending approximately vertically, and the pressure lines are connected to at least one of the circular portion and tension portion formed in the panty portion.

3. A panty part and a leg part for wearing on at least one leg connected to the panty part, The panty part has a perineum pressing part that is provided at a position corresponding to the perineum when worn and presses the perineum, The leg portion has an elastic force that applies a predetermined pressure to the leg, An elastic stocking, characterized in that the leg portion has band-like compression lines arranged at appropriate intervals along the circumferential direction of the leg and extending substantially in the vertical direction.

4. The panty part, a ring-shaped portion that is provided so as to be positioned to correspond to the outer periphery of the vaginal opening when worn; a pulling part that is connected to the annular part and pulls the annular part at least in one direction, forward or backward, with respect to the vaginal opening, thereby narrowing the distance between the left and right side parts of the annular part located on the left and right sides of the vaginal opening; having The elastic stocking according to claim 3, wherein the annular portion functions as the perineum pressing portion.

5. The elastic stocking according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure applied to the leg of the leg portion varies partially.

6. 6. The elastic stocking according to claim 5, wherein the pressure applied to the legs of the leg portions decreases from the ankles toward the panty portion.

7. The elastic stocking according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the leg portion has a toe covering portion.

8. 8. The elastic stocking according to claim 7, wherein the toe covering portion has a toe covering portion which independently covers at least one of the toes.

9. 9. The elastic stocking according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the leg portion is provided with a pull-out portion capable of covering at least the toes in an area from the arch of the foot toward the toes, the pull-out portion being adapted to hold a putting aid in place before putting on the leg portion and capable of pulling out the putting aid after putting on the leg portion.

10. The elastic stocking according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the leg portions are partially provided with portions of different thicknesses over which the wearer's fingers can rest when the stocking is worn.

11. The elastic stocking according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is for treating lymphedema.

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