Compression Socks For Neuropathy

What‘s Compression Socks For Neuropathy

Socks that are designed for those with neuropathy aim to lower numbness and pain that occurs with nerve damage. They are designed to improve blood circulation, prevent wounds and blisters from forming, and relieve foot and leg pain.

These socks mainly use compression therapy, but they may have other features, like padding, moisture wicking fabric, and arch support that can relieve neuropathy symptoms.

Compression socks can be a great tool if you have neuropathic symptoms.

WHAT DO COMPRESSION SOCKS DO?

Compression socks are tightly-fitting socks that exert pressure on the legs and feet. Their main contribution is to promote blood flow to the lower limbs, allowing your foot muscles to relax and enabling you to get through long stints of standing up motionless or sitting for long periods of time. Compression socks combat edema, are great in work settings or for specialized jobs like nursing, and can help athletes as well.

It is important to use compression socks because research shows that nearly 90% of leg issues originate within the veins. By reducing swelling and enabling healthy blood flow in the legs and feet, they make a difference to those without medical concerns as well as to patients suffering from conditions like neuropathy.

THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS FOR NEUROPATHY

There is evidence that shows multiple benefits of using compression socks for neuropathy, specifically addressing certain symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and of diabetes. They have been found to have a positive impact for those suffering from instability and balance difficulties. Furthermore, they improve overall blood circulation and can protect your lower legs from minor injuries. Studies also point to the positive role of compression socks against certain kinds of ulcers.

Stability and balance

People with low ability to sense the position of their joints, some female athletes and elderly people in general have all been studied to see the effect of wearing compression socks on their balance, with positive results. It is common to see stability issues in older patients, coupled with general lack of confidence in their motor skills and increased muscle weakness.

Given that poor stability and balance issues are directly connected with suffering from neuropathy, wearing compression socks will help those with the condition avoid falls and injuries and be more independent and mobile overall.

Blood circulation

Thanks to the positive effects of wearing compression socks on blood flow to the legs and feet, they are very likely to help against blood circulation problems which arise from peripheral / diabetic neuropathy. Wearing them to help reduce edema (swelling of the lower limbs), for example, has been very successful thanks to the increase in blood flow that avoids fluid build-up in the lower legs.

Research suggests that diabetes patients will benefit from wearing mild graduated compression socks. After all, they often struggle with swelling in the legs, feet and ankle area. Moreover, diabetic socks can prevent the formation of blood clots in your lower extremities, another important factor to consider in relation to poor circulation. 

Extra protection

Most compression socks protect the wearer’s skin up to knee height and sometimes also feature special padding to keep the feet comfortable. This can be useful to help you avoid cuts and grazes that could easily develop into bigger injuries if they get infected.   

Moreover, elderly patients or diabetic patients sometimes have reduced feeling in their lower legs, so there is a real risk that a small cut could go unnoticed. This might become a huge issue – infection or even gangrene – so having a genuine “shield” against such hazards is a welcome bonus.

Ulcers

Graduated compression socks have been found to help patients with eczema, varicose veins and ulcers. These kinds of injuries are prone to infection and healing them is crucial to prevent gangrene, which is one of the serious complications of peripheral neuropathy. Being able to protect yourself from them thanks to compression socks is an important benefit for diabetics and other sufferers.

All in all, patients with diabetic neuropathy report that the “pins and needles” feeling is significantly relieved by wearing compression socks. Additionally, the protection given by a pair of neuropathy socks and their support with stability are valuable benefits, too.