If you have diabetes, then you understand how basic overall healthcare is, with special attention to keeping your diabetic condition in check. With diabetes, your feet, legs, and ankles are exposed to edema (swelling) resulting from poor blood circulation.  

Compression socks can help in controlling edema and other foot problems associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A good pair of socks especially those with compression can be a great accessory in the management of diabetes.   

Causes of Poor Circulation in Diabetes 

Diabetes patients experience poor circulation especially in their feet due to venous insufficiency. The symptoms of poor blood flow are not apparent. Whether they are apparent or not, poor blood flow can be dangerous. With time, high levels of blood glucose can damage the blood vessels and lead to the buildup of plaque. This can then lead to diabetic neuropathy.  

In some diabetics, the vein walls in the legs may lose elasticity and cause the valves to pull apart. Notice that the valves open and close simultaneously to allow for an efficient flow of blood. When they become weak, they fail to close as they should and cause blood to flow in two streams. This creates a pool of blood in the feet leading to peripheral edema.  

Why Should Diabetics Feet be protected? 

People with diabetes often suffer from foot problems. Foot injury can damage the blood vessels leading to poor circulation and exposure to infections. Did you know there is a difference between diabetic socks and diabetic compression socks? Research shows that compression socks keep diabetics’ feet healthy. Mid-level compression socks of 25mmHg reduce the symptoms of edema, pain, and leg discomfort.  

Higher compression levels should be worn with caution. Your level of neuropathy should be the basis of choosing the right pair of socks. If your symptoms are not full-blown, you can select regular compression socks for comfort. A podiatrist should help in determining the correct amount of compression your feet need for reduced swelling. A proper fit will require accurate circumference measurements of your calf, ankle, and thigh.   

Diabetics Socks Vs. Compression Socks 

A lot of emphases have been placed on proper footwear for people suffering from diabetes. It is crucial that the socks a diabetes sufferer wears are of the correct fit and construction. The fibers worn should be even and not leave spots for friction. The sock should fit well, be non-binding, and not contain lumps. They should also contain moisture wicking features for a minimized risk of infections.  

Most diabetic socks have padding, are soft, and offer comfort to the foot. If you are diabetic without foot problems, you can choose comfortable diabetic socks. Ensure they are not constricting or tight. Diabetics socks aid in the prevention of wounds resulting from injuries, minimize irritations and reduce possible occurrences of other foot problems that may arise from poor blood circulation. 

Compression socks are often recommended because they have favorable features and an added benefit of granulated compression ranging from 18-25mmHg. Should you have visible signs of venous insufficiency such as swelling in the ankles, or varicose veins, consider wearing compression socks to minimize its progression. Because they have soft padding, like diabetic socks, they can wick moisture away.  If you are diabetic with visible foot problems, and have prolonged periods of traveling or standing, consider getting compression socks instead.  

How do Compression Socks Improve Circulation? 

Compression socks are specialized stockings that come with a gradient of pressure. They can be worn from the foot to the knee or the thigh. Some come in the form of tights and can be stretched to the waist. There are also footless socks that can be worn from the ankle to the knee. Whichever type recommended, it only needs to be appropriately worn to minimize swelling and improve venous circulation.  

Compression socks contain strong elasticity that creates pressure in the ankles, feet, and leg muscles. This then forces the flooded blood out of the veins to the heart by mimicking the muscle’s ability to pump blood. Your leg should then feel lighter and relieved of pain and discomfort. The force exerted by the compression stockings encourages a natural flow of blood.   

The stocking must be of the correct size. Should they be too tight, blood flow will be faced with too much restriction, and if the socks are too loose, no pressure will be applied. There are 2 major types including Thromboembolic deterrent hose also known as TED hose and the graduated compression socks. Either type can help reduce pain and enhance circulation.   

How should you Wear Compression Socks? 

If you have diabetes and is causing swelling in your feet, then compression stockings will come in handy. Wear them in the morning before leaving your bed and be sure to have them on all day. Waiting to wear them later could cause blood to collect in your legs resulting in swelling.   

You may, however, remove them when showering. Ensure each pair has bright colors for easy blood detection. Underhand that folding or rolling them up may cut off circulation. Begin from the ankles and find your way up. It is vital to have at least two pairs of compression socks to ensure there is an available clean pair.  

Why do I need Compression Socks? 

Anyone diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes is at high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and peripheral edema. Graduated compression socks can offer the pressure needed around the foot to maintain proper blood circulation. Proper circulation of blood improves nerve sensitivity and prevents swelling.  

Diabetes also exposes patients to foot ulcers which can be very painful and even lead to amputation. Cuts and injuries to the foot are likely to go unnoticed as a result of compromised circulation which then reduced the sense of feeling around the feet.  Left untreated, the wounds can then graduate to severe and fatal conditions. Most of the blisters in feet result from poorly fitting shoes and socks. To prevent ulceration and other painful conditions, invest in a well-fitting pair of compression socks. They should have flat seams and extra padding to reduce friction and minimize the eventualities of blisters.  

Diabetic compression socks are effective and recommended for heavily diabetic patients. If your condition is under control, you do not need to purchase the stockings. It is crucial that you only wear light–colored compressions socks for easier detection of injuries. If you have not received treatment, do so before buying compression socks. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications such as infected skin ulcers and blood clots. Should you notice signs of poor circulation, report to your doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.