Are you a diabetic and are experiencing tingling and numbing in your legs and feet? If your answer is “yes,” you may already have developed diabetic 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.”
Diabetic or peripheral neuropathy is caused by nerve damage which is a prevalent case for those suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. Basically, individuals who suffer from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes will eventually have nerve damage in the eyes, hands, and lower extremities which are painful and uncomfortable.
1. Do Compression Socks Help Peripheral Neuropathy
Compression socks are practical support garments in dealing with neuropathy symptoms which can help most patients. These socks help by contracting the blood vessels, which corrects the blood flow in the proper direction.
There were reports from patients that wearing compression socks relieved them from pain such as pins and needles, pricking sensation, and other neuropathy pain. It also protected their feet from possible injuries and bruising, which can be detrimental for people with Diabetes.
But there is a type of compression socks specific for people with Diabetes which is called diabetic socks. It has all the specifications of compression socks, but the way it was made differs from the other.
Diabetic socks are seamless, moisture-wicking, and non-elastic. It is also looser in compression compared to compression socks. However, there are compression socks with diabetes-specific features available in the market. You may look for brands that cater to those who suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy.
2. How Do Compression Socks Help with Neuropathy
Apparently, there is no cure for neuropathy, but patients suffering from this condition may find relief with the use of diabetic socks. Although these socks may be of help to you, you still have to consider your doctor’s advice when using support socks for optimum professional supervision.
Since people with Diabetes suffer from neuropathy complications, several symptoms mainly happen to the lower extremities, such as;
What compression socks do is to apply pressure to the legs. It presses onto muscle tissues which helps the veins to constrict. Blood can properly flow when veins are in their proper diameter, but this will not cure the problem because neuropathy is a nerve issue. It will relieve the pain and swelling from the ankles, feet, and legs.
3. Do Compression Socks Help Morton’s Neuroma
If you notice that there’s a ball-like feeling under your foot, chances are you have Morton’s Neuroma. Some of the symptoms involve a nagging and burning pain at the ball of your foot when standing. Sometimes it feels like a bunched-up sock under your feet or a feeling of standing on a marble or a pebble, which is an uncomfortable feeling. You may also have a tingling and numbing sensation.
Morton’s neuroma develops when there’s injury, pressure, or irritation on the nerves near the toes. Here are some factors that can trigger Morton’s Neuroma:
Compression socks may not be ideal for individuals suffering from Morton’s Neuroma since one of the causes is tight pressure at the feet, which may aggravate the injury even more. But for a more profound answer on this matter, you may want to consider asking a medical professional about wearing compression socks when you have Morton’s Neuroma.
4. Key takeaway
Neuropathy pain is indeed inevitable, especially when you are about to sleep. The discomfort is so intense to the point of losing sleep at times. Wearing compression socks may not be a cure for your condition, but it can definitely help with pain management.
Remember that when you have Diabetes, loss of sleep can raise your blood sugar even more. Keeping in mind, it would be best for you to purchase a pair of diabetic socks to help you get that painless sleep that your body needs.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg