Compression Socks For Diabetic Neuropathy (2024)

FAQs

Do compression socks work for diabetic neuropathy? ›

Importance of Choosing the Right Socks for Neuropathy

Compression socks, for example, are known to relieve pain by boosting blood circulation. Brands like OrthoFeet and Diabetic Sock Club specialize in producing them specifically to aid individuals with neuropathy issues.

Limited blood flow to your feet can make diabetic foot injuries worse and can slow the healing of wounds. Compression socks should be avoided for this reason. Some people with diabetes experience both poor circulation and edema, or swelling, in the lower legs and feet.

Those with diabetic nerve damage can experience decreased sensation in their feet—making their feet prone to injury. Using diabetic socks can help keep feet dry, enhance circulation, and reduce the chance of a foot injury.

Fit is especially important for people with diabetes who have poor circulation and experience swelling in the feet or legs. In that case, compression socks may be recommended. These are snug-fitting socks that promote blood flow. Compression socks should not be so tight that they impair circulation.

You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs.

Contraindication: arterial insufficiency

There are certain conditions where people with diabetes should not wear compression. If you have been diagnosed with severe arterial insufficiency, a diabetic compression sock may not be the right treatment for you.

Diabetic socks aim to protect the feet and reduce the risk of injury or irritation. Features that help achieve this include being seamless, moisture-wicking, and padded. Compressions socks are tighter-fitting socks that apply gentle pressure to the legs and feet to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

If you're looking for socks specifically designed with neuropathy in mind, Pembrook Diabetic Socks are one of the best choices available. These socks offer a lightweight, breathable fabric that fits well but doesn't leave any indents on the legs or feet.

Effective Pressure: Medical-grade compression stockings provide higher pressure levels compared to non-medical-grade stockings.

Diabetic socks will keep your feet warm and dry to avoid blisters, ulcers, and fungal infection. You should also avoid wearing dark-colored socks because you may not notice blood or discharge from a wound on your foot.

Should you wear socks to bed with neuropathy? ›

For good sleep hygiene, make your bedroom as dark and quiet as possible. Soft socks. For some people with neuropathy, the touch of sheets and covers can make pain worse. If your feet get painful at night, try wearing soft socks.

White or light-colored socks can allow you to easily see if you're bleeding or have a draining wound on your foot. Seamless toes. Seams can irritate the skin, leading to blisters and wounds. Many diabetic socks don't contain seams or have nonirritating seams.

If you have diabetes, remember that not all socks are created equal. Try to choose socks that: Are white or light-colored to make it easy to spot any bleeding or drainage, for example, if you have a cut or an ingrown toenail. Fit well and aren't too tight.

Cut off circulation — If compression stockings are too tight or not fitted for your unique situation, they can go beyond continuous gentle pressure that supports circulation and instead restrict blood flow.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? Compression stockings are generally safe but can cause you pain or even cut off your circulation if you don't wear the proper size. The pressure also can cause minor bruising or skin ulcers, and tightly fitting socks also can cause dry skin, redness, and itching.

If the top of the stocking at the thigh or calf is too tight, it can create a tourniquet effect. This actually blocks or slows your blood flow. You shouldn't wear compression socks if you have severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) because it makes the blood vessels in your legs narrow, reducing your blood flow.

This athletic shoe style is the best option for anyone dealing with neuropathy. "Athletic, stable sneakers with semi-rigid soles would be the most comfortable," podiatrist Dr. Asim Sayed says. Board-certified podiatric foot surgeon Dr.