The Best Medical Socks For Swollen Feet 2022

You can develop diabetic Neuropathy if you have diabetes at any time. Diabetic Neuropathy is when you develop a nerve problem, and you start feeling your muscles get weak, tingling, burning, and numbing in your feet or hands. Over time, tools have been made to make life with diabetes more manageable and prevent further damage.

One of the products made is compression socks, and compression socks don't only help people with diabetes, they can also help treat spider and varicose veins. They may even stop you from feeling dizzy when you stand up. 

What are medical socks? 

Typically referred to as compression socks, stockings, or hose - they are made to control swelling that can lead to other foot infections if left untreated, but how important are compression socks for people with diabetes, and how does it help? 

How do medical compression socks work? 

Compression stockings work by putting an equal amount of pressure in various levels to promote proper blood flow and pain or swelling in your feet. By squeezing and applying pressure on your calf and lower leg muscles, blood can flow properly towards your heart and lungs and help your veins function again, creating better blood flow circulation throughout your body. Compression socks reduce the diameter of major veins by increasing the amount of blood flow and help blood from refluxing downward to the foot or laterally into superficial veins.

Compression socks are a wonderful tool in helping manage the other uncomfortable and painful symptoms of Neuropathy. The pressure that compression socks give keeps your blood flowing properly, which is essential for the overall health of your feet. Patients diagnosed with Neuropathy report that proper fitting socks help with the pins and needles feeling that Neuropathy gives.

How can medical compression stockings help with Neuropathy?

There is no cure for Neuropathy, but compression socks can help some patients to find relief. You must talk to your doctor or a health professional about what you can do to tackle your neuropathy symptoms. Your doctor will probably recommend you wear compression socks to relieve swelling, pain, and discomfort that you can get from Neuropathy.

Neuropathy is the damage to your nerves caused by uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar causes nerve damage and weakens the walls of the capillaries that supply those nerves with oxygen and nutrients they need to function normally. Without these nutrients and oxygen, the nerves don't function normally anymore, and they stop sending and receiving signals.

Many people suffer from diabetes, and due to this matter, tools have been made to help fight this disease because Neuropathy is a progressive disease with no cure. Doctors often recommend a treatment plan that will work best with the person who has diabetes. These treatment plans are designed to help relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. Compression socks are the most recommended tool to help manage neuropathy symptoms. These socks are made with special paddings to help protect your feet from cuts and bruises. Small injuries can lead to major health conditions if they are left unnoticed. Compression socks also give the right amount of pressure that your legs need to promote proper blood flow, and the proper and well-fitting compression socks also help the feeling of pins and needles.

Benefits of wearing medical compression socks

Compression socks don't only improve blood flow but also relieve pain in your lower limbs. Compression socks don't only help people with diabetic Neuropathy. Still, it also helps people with varicose veins, pregnant women, athletes, and people who have a hard time standing up because of their occupation. Here are other benefits of wearing compression socks:

• Boost blood circulation in your legs 
• Support veins for giving enough nutrients that your body needs
• Prevent your blood from pooling in your leg veins
• Decrease leg swelling
• Help prevent venous ulcer
• Prevent the development of deep vein thrombosis in your legs
• Help decrease the pain caused by varicose veins
• Improve lymphatic drainage

Two types of medical compression socks

There are two types of compression socks that you need to get familiar with so you know the difference between each and which socks would work best for your condition:

• Graduated compression stockings or socks - Graduated compression stockings are strongest at the ankle and gradually decrease their compression towards the top. Compression stockings are designed so you can move properly and meet certain lengths and medical specifications. Graduated compression stocking usually needs a professional fitting, stockings that end below the knee help limit peripheral edema or the swelling of the leg due to fluid build-up. While stockings that extend to the thigh or waist help reduce blood pooling in the legs and help prevent orthostatic hypotension. Some suppliers offer features from your personal preferences, such as color and if you want open or closed-toe stockings.

• Anti-embolism socks - Anti-embolism socks place pressure on the legs to increase circulation and reduce the possibility of developing deep vein thrombosis. Like graduated stockings, they provide gradient compression; however, the compression level differs. Anti-embolism socks are made for people who are unable to move their beds. These socks are made out of stretchy material that slightly compresses the leg.

Tips for putting medical compression socks properly

Some people may find it hard to put on compression socks properly, especially for people experiencing some conditions that can't make them move properly, like arthritis or trouble bending down to your feet. Here are some tips from Dr. Jane Andersen and Dr. Karen Kemmis from Everyday health's article:

• Putting on your socks first thing in the morning -  Putting them on before leg swells is very important. When your legs swell, it would be hard for you to move. If you have to take a shower or have been up since the morning, be sure to take a rest and sit down, elevate your legs before wearing them. It is also good to wear your socks all day until you get ready for bed.

• Use a sock aid - Devices such as stocking or sock donner made out of silk which is a device that is made to help you put on your socks or stockings or a metal frame that holds your sock and can help you pull it up or wear it. It is recommended that you buy your device from a medical supply store to teach you how to use the device properly. You can also find gloves that are specially designed for gripping compression. You need to find a device that would make it easier for you to move and wear your compression socks or stockings.
• Buy two pairs of socks, so you have one pair as a reserve - Most compression socks need to be washed by hand in the sink and hung up to dry. It is good to have one pair for reserve so that you won't have a hard time if the other one is still wet. You can wear the other one that is dry to keep your feet protected. Always make sure to have one clean set.

How can you get medical compression socks?

First, you need to contact your doctor to determine which socks would work best for you. Compression socks vary in size and length. Some go up to the knee, the thigh, and the stomach. Compression socks also vary in levels of pressure.

• 8 – 15 mmHg – Mild Compression
• 15-20 mmHg – Moderate Compression
• 20 – 30 mmHg – Firm Compression

Your doctor will measure your legs to determine what size you need, and level of compression that is best for you, and the level of compression that you will need. You may receive a prescription for compression stockings and could also be qualified that they are covered by insurance. Some compression stockings are also available over the counter.

Best medical compression socks of 2021

Here are some of the best compression socks you may need to have a comfortable time if you have diabetic Neuropathy or any other conditions.

• Diabetic Sock Club's Compression Stockings - These compression stockings from the Diabetic Sock Club are ultra-soft and cozy with moisture-wicking properties that will keep you from having blisters. They won't irritate your skin because they are soft. Use compression socks that just go until your calf is good for preventing blisters and bad odor. These compression socks are ultra-soft and comfy, with moisture-wicking characteristics, and are made in the United States from premium grade fabrics.

• Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks - These socks are good for supporting arch support to relieve pain. The arch support applies soft compression to the center of your feet which stimulates the flow of blood to ease pain and discomfort. It has a nano brace for ultimate comfort, and it also has the moisture-wicking ability. 

• Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks - These compression socks help improve blood slow, shin splints, and calf areas by gently squeezing your feet

• CEP Tall Socks for Performance - These compression socks provide a comfortable, functional fit for athletes looking to enhance performance thanks to the medically tuned compressive yarns that wrap around the leg over 400 times to provide precise compression

• SB SOX Compression Socks (20-30mmHg) - These compression socks ensure you receive the focused support and muscle fatigue relief you need. Designed with lightweight, durable, and breathable fabric – especially great if you are on your feet for long periods.

• PRO Compression Marathon Socks - These compression socks will help you relax more and reduce any muscular pain in the feet – perfect all-day wear for office workers.

• Lily Trotters Athletic Compression Socks - These compression socks are made with graduated compression (at 15-20 mmHg). As the maximum amount of pressure is at the ankles, it decreases as it goes up your legs. This will prevent blood accumulation in the feet and legs and promote the normal flow of blood.

• Sockwell Women's Chevron Sock - These compression socks are good for pregnant women and when you are looking to minimize your feet or leg swelling and fatigue. It will relieve moderate varicose veins, thus keeping you fit. You have an option for cushioned soles, albeit the socks will remain very light. It has a seamless toe and good arch support for ultimate comfort even at work.

• CHARMKING Compression Socks at 15-20 mmHg - These compression socks have a high percentage of nylon varying from 40 to 85%.  Its comfort lies mostly in its all-direction stretching feature. Moreover, its loosely-knit mesh keeps the fabric at optimal temperatures. It’s a great gift idea as well.

Conclusion

Living with diabetes doesn't mean you have to restrain yourself from living your best life. It may be that Diabetic Neuropathy cannot be cured completely, though it may be a case to case basis, but there are lots of clothing materials, tools, gadgets, and apps made for you to be able to achieve a high quality of life. You have to be open to exploring the best possible options for you as long as your doctors and health professionals appropriately guide you. 

Finding the right compression socks for you may help put you at ease with some of the burdens you are experiencing with Diabetic Neuropathy. These socks were made for people who have diabetes or any disease that may cause mobility issues or even regular people who need that extra help for their feet. Of course, it would be best to check with your doctors and health professionals before making changes in your routine and wardrobe so that they can advise you on the best way to go about them. But they are indeed a good option for you to be able to stay on top of your diabetic foot health.