Diabetic and Compression Sock

Diabetics often use compression socks to manage pain and swelling.

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage resulting from poor circulation of oxygenated blood, particularly in the extremities. Because the feet are the farthest from the heart, they are the first affected by decreased circulation. Compression hose or socks provide an increased level of support from the feet to the knees.

Significance

Diabetic neuropathy is extremely painful. legs image by Stefan Jovanovic from Fotolia.com

Compression hose prevents blood from pooling in the lower extremities by applying graduated levels of compression to the feet, ankles and lower legs.

Function

Compression hose can be purchased by prescription and over-the-counter. legs image by oddech from Fotolia.com

Sold at most pharmacies and medical supply stores, compression hose or socks are a blend of cotton and Lycra or Spandex and cover the foot, ankle and the lower leg to the knee. Your physician will determine the size that is most appropriate and either give you a pair or give you a prescription. Hose purchased without a prescription may not offer adequate compression.

Physiology

Compression hose prevent blood from pooling in the lower legs. woman legs over white image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com

By applying pressure to the surface veins, arteries and muscles of the legs, compression hose forces the circulating blood through narrower channels of the lower leg. As the arterial pressure increases, more blood is returned to the heart allowing less blood to pool in the legs and feet.

Circulation

Poor circulation in the feet and legs is very painful. feet image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com

Lack of circulation in the lower legs and feet will cause edema---an accumulation of fluid in the cellular spaces, phlebitis---inflammation and swelling of the veins and arteries, and thrombosis---obstruction of the blood vessels from a blood clot.

Recommendation

Compression socks and hose are also worn by people who are on their feet all day. nurse on duty image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com

Compression socks are recommended for diabetics because of their compromised circulatory system. People who work on their feet also use compression hose to eliminate leg cramps and fatigue.

References

• Diabetes Health: Correct Use of Compression Stockings