What to Consider for Choosing Compression Socks for Diabetes

Posted on by

Those diagnosed with type II diabetes should especially take care of their feet and legs. A quality pair of socks with a compression feature is crucial as part of your management tool kit. However, not every such sock offers the same effect. So, it’s essential to understand the particular features you want to take care of your health better. Today, you can find odour-resistant and antimicrobial diabetic compression socks with 12 to 15 mmHg of graduated compression. It minimises the symptoms of swelling and achy legs. Such socks are highly comfortable and boost healthy blood flow. If you are planning to purchase such socks for yourself, it’s essential to know about them in more detail. Below are some critical points to know about this product:

What Are Compression Socks and How Do They Work?

Compression stockings for people with diabetes are uniquely designed, snug-fitting socks that squeeze your leg very gently. Granulated compression stockings are tighter around the ankle. They loosen, moving up. You can purchase them over the counter. But often, your doctor will prescribe specific ones. Compressions stockings are ideal for people who are in the following situations:

  • People are suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
  • People are at risk for varicose veins, diabetes, and deep vein thrombosis.
  • People who have undergone surgery.
  • People who cannot move their legs.
  • People who work while standing all day.
  • Athletes 
  • Pregnant women
  • People who spend a majority of their time on aeroplanes.

Compression stockings put pressure on the legs. The arteries that circulate oxygenated blood to the muscles relax, which results in the blood circulating freely. It, in turn, enables the blood vessels to work more efficiently than before.

Compression stockings also prevent people with diabetes from experiencing tired and achy legs. They minimise swelling in the feet, ankles and also are a treatment option for spider and varicose veins. 

What are Compression Socks for Diabetics Made of?

Good quality diabetic compression socks are made of a few different materials like polyester, bamboo charcoal, spandex, and cotton. The manner in which these materials benefit is as follows:

  • Polyester imparts a vibrant appearance to the socks.
  • Bamboo charcoal has antimicrobial properties.
  • Spandex makes the stockings easier to put on. 
  • Cotton provides durability and warmth. 

Thus, such socks can be stylish on the outside and comfortable on the inside. 

Features of Good Compression Socks for Diabetics

  • Moisture-wicking fabric – Wicking socks pull away moisture from the foot. Thus, they allow sweat to evaporate and minimise the chances of fungal infections. It also prevents odour. The drier your foot remains, the more protected you are from developing wounds and blisters. 
  • Seamless – You can usually find socks without seams along the toe. It is to minimise the likelihood of rubbing. It also lowers the chances of developing blisters that can potentially cause ulcers.
  • Antimicrobial properties – Diabetics socks produced from fine-textured fabrics like wool and bamboo have antimicrobial properties. Specific socks are made from a particular blister yarn and reduce friction that causes blisters. There are also some socks of copper or silver infused yarn. These have anti-fungal properties. It, in turn, prevents the athlete’s foot from occurring.
  • Padded soles – Additional padding minimises the chances of foot injuries. So, good compression socks have thick fabric or silicone pads sewn into them. You must find padded diabetic socks that align with the kind of activity you perform.

Compression stockings for diabetics can help immensely minimise swelling and exhaustion in the feet. Whenever you think of buying one, look for the various features mentioned in them.