Diabetic

Are Compression Socks Good for Diabetics?

If you have had diabetes for a pretty long time, there might be a possibility that you are experiencing numbness and pins and needles on your feet and legs. It would also be painful during the night, and at times, it is difficult to sleep due to the pain.
The question is, are there specific socks that a person with diabetes can wear? Fortunately, there is, and it is designed well to help an individual suffering from diabetic symptoms. Compression socks for diabetics help in blood circulation, protection, and pain management in the lower extremities.

1. Diabetic Complications on the Nerves

Diabetes has adverse side effects on a person. It not only affects the major organs in the body, such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, but it also affects the nerves. The nerves that get affected almost immediately are in the eyes, fingers, hands, legs, and feet.

When nerves at the hands, legs, and feet are affected, it is peripheral neuropathy. According to Mayo Clinic, “Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination, and circulation.”

Some of the symptoms of neuropathy include, but are not limited to:
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Pain on the legs and feet even without any activity
  • Muscle weakness
  • Either excessively sweating or not sweating at all
  • Numbness
  • Pins and needles
  • Discomfort such as burning and stabbing pain

2. Are Compression Socks Safe for Diabetics?

Compression socks, in general, can be used by a person with diabetes since they are prone to developing severe foot and leg problems such as leg ulcers and foot injury. Wearing compression socks will prevent these issues from progressing, plus it will help with proper blood circulation, which usually triggers edema and other lower leg complications due to diabetes.

3. Do Compression Socks Help Diabetic Neuropathy?

Compression socks do help with diabetic neuropathy. However, not all compression socks can be worn by a person who has diabetes. A specific pressure level is recommended for a person with diabetes since the nerves are more vulnerable in this case.
So how do compression socks help with diabetic neuropathy? As mentioned, compression socks’ primary function is to encourage good blood flow at the legs and feet. Besides blood circulation, compression socks can do more than that.

Benefits of Compression Socks for Diabetics

Since a person with diabetes is vulnerable to leg injuries due to diabetic neuropathy, it would help to use compression socks as early as possible. However, you have to remember that there is no cure for neuropathy, and definitely, compression socks cannot rid you of any neuropathy symptoms.
Here are some of the benefits of compression socks and stockings for people with diabetes:
  • Alleviation from pain and discomfort
  • Protection from injuries
  • Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), leg ulcers, and venous problems
  • Aids in maintaining good balance when standing or walking

Compression Socks for Diabetic Neuropathy

Ordinary compression socks with light pressure levels are alright to be worn by a person with diabetes. Still, there are specific compression socks for diabetics, called diabetic socks.
A person with diabetes is prone to leg injuries, and in this case, there should be more support, specification, and protection when it comes to compression socks to avoid further risks. What you should be looking for in compression socks are the following:
  • A good fit - you can not compromise the fit because if the socks are too tight, it may cause more trouble for your feet and legs than help relieve the symptoms.
  • Material - a pair should be moisture wick to prevent the legs from sweating. When moisture is trapped, it can cause skin irritation, leading to blisters and unwanted skin injuries. Also, the material has to be non-abrasive to avoid blisters and skin injuries.
  • Compression level - the best choice would be graduated medical grade for adequate pressure level.
  • Seamless - diabetic socks have to be seamless because if not, they may cause blisters which can lead to skin ulcers.
  • Padded soles - cushioned socks help prevent injuries at the foot, especially for those who still live an active life.

Are Copper Compression Socks Good for Diabetics?

They say that copper has some healing elements, which is why this is infused in some garments for added benefits. What are those benefits?

a.) Antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial properties

Copper ions can go through the walls of bacteria and fungi, which can quickly destroy these microorganisms upon contact.

b.) Anti-inflammatory

This metal has been used for centuries to treat arthritis, joint pains, and inflammatory conditions.

c.) Anti-odor

As it is antimicrobial, it only means that it can eliminate foul odor.

d.) Angiogenesis

Apparently, copper can encourage the generation of new blood vessels through pre-existing veins.

e.) Moisture-wicking

Copper has the natural ability to keep the skin dry and cool.

f.) Promotes healthier and softer skin

Copper can improve collagen and elastin production in the skin, resulting in healthier and youthful skin.

In a nutshell, compression socks are helpful to people with diabetes, whether or not there is neuropathy. It eases the discomfort and pain in the legs and feet, which usually occurs at night.

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