Diabetes patients are more likely than non-diabetics to experience foot issues. This is due to the chance of blood vessel harm in your feet and legs, which can lead to various disorders related to diabetes and impair circulation, edema, and infection risk.
Understanding The Benefits Of Compression Socks
Compression socks can help reduce swelling, which increases your risk of developing foot infections if left untreated. Your diabetic care provider may recommend them.
Compression Socks Designed With Diabetes Care in Mind
People with diabetes may not be able to feel irritation and seam sores because they may have diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve injury in their feet. Another concern people with diabetes should be aware of is bacterial infections, which can be avoided by wearing socks that absorb moisture.
Compression Socks with Prescription Strength
The phrase “strength,” which refers to the degree of compression in the socks and is expressed in millimetres of mercury (mmHg), should be included in a prescription. For this reason, your provider and the remainder of this article will frequently refer to them as compression hoses rather than just compression socks.
Advice on How to Apply Prescription Compression Socks
Some people find it challenging to put on prescription-strength hose, particularly if they have dexterity issues like arthritis or have difficulty bending down to their feet.
Upon waking up, put on your socks first thing
“The most crucial aspect is to wear them before your legs swelling up.” Upgrade your legs before putting them on if you need to shower or are up and about in the morning.
Ascend from the base and proceed upward
Pull your hands up slowly and reach down inside the stocking.
Apply a sock aid
Pulling up compression socks is more accessible with devices like a metal frame that holds your sock or a silky stocking donner.
Purchase two pairs of socks to keep one pair on hand
The majority of knee high compression socks should be hand-washed in a sink and hung up to dry entirely. When you wake up, you can always have one pair of dry, ready-to-wear shoes by keeping two pairs on hand.
When to consult a physician
Contact your physician if your swelling is new, worsening, or spreading. They can identify your best home remedies based on their condition diagnosis.
Diabetes-related conditions such as obesity, venous insufficiency, and heart failure can cause swelling in a person with diabetes. This illness may present with pain, oedema, or none at all. To prevent infections, remember to examine your feet for wounds regularly.
Compression stockings vs. diabetic socks
Diabetic socks are not the exact same as compression stockings because the former are designed to promote constriction, facilitating more straightforward blood return to the heart. People with diabetes should not wear medical-grade compression socks because they can worsen foot damage by reducing blood flow.
But consult your healthcare provider if your feet are swollen: Certain diabetic socks offer a reduced compression level that could reduce edema without obstructing blood circulation.
Conclusion
Wearing socks made especially for your condition can help reduce symptoms if you have a medical condition that affects your feet. Speaking with your doctor about the appropriate socks for your condition is usually a good idea before attempting compression or diabetic socks.
