Compression stockings for neuropathy

Compression socks have been around since the s. They were created by Conrad Jobset: an engineer seeking a cure for his varicose veins.

Medically reviewed by Dr. David Ferenci — Written by Kari Johnson. If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy PN , you may have noticed advertising for "neuropathy socks" or "diabetic socks. Although these socks have the same label, they can work in different ways. All "neuropathy socks" have something in common: they promise to reduce the pain and numbness that comes from nerve damage. Depending on the manufacturer, they may apply light therapy, electrical current, gel pads, compression therapy , or other healing modalities in order to provide relief. In this article, we'll share scientific evidence that supports the use of graduated compression socks to reduce pain, improve stability, and increase blood circulation.

Compression stockings for neuropathy

You may have access to treatments such as light therapy and electrical currents or gel pads. Compression socks can also be a huge help, reducing pain and improving stability and blood circulation. Why and when should you use compression socks for neuropathy? Regardless of the cause of your neuropathy, using compression stockings or socks, in conjunction with some other treatments and changes to your lifestyle, can make a huge difference to how you feel and to the health of your lower legs. However, there are causes other than diabetes that can also lead to neuropathy. These include trauma e. Having peripheral neuropathy is not just a cause for discomfort. Serious complications can follow, such as diabetic foot ulcers, gangrene, or even a condition called cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy CAN. Moreover, research shows that elderly people who suffer with peripheral neuropathy also develop instability and, ultimately, can have falls and injuries. Neuropathy should be treated by addressing the underlying causes e. Compression socks are tightly-fitting socks that exert pressure on the legs and feet. Their main contribution is to promote blood flow to the lower limbs, allowing your foot muscles to relax and enabling you to get through long stints of standing up motionless or sitting for long periods of time.

There has been a significant improvement in balance for the elderly and individuals with low proprioception when they started wearing compression socks.

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need. The Dosoni Winter Fuzzy Slipper Socks have fleece lining and traction soles to keep wearers warm and steady on their feet. Read More. These diabetic socks feature a lightweight fabric made to accommodate swelling, though they be prone to wear and tear.

Neuropathy is the term for nerve damage that can result in pain, tingling, and numbness. The symptoms vary depending on what caused the neuropathy but what they all have in common is that they can affect your daily activities and even make it difficult to walk or stand. Compression socks are a common recommendation, but do they really help? Read on to get to know if compression socks are good for neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition in which nerves are damaged. Neuropathy can affect the entire body or just a portion of it, depending on the cause. It can be caused by diabetes, injury, or another condition that causes inflammation of the nerves. Neuropathy may also be hereditary in other words, you were born with it. Neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness to varying degrees depending on what part of your body has been affected.

Compression stockings for neuropathy

You may have access to treatments such as light therapy and electrical currents or gel pads. Compression socks can also be a huge help, reducing pain and improving stability and blood circulation. Why and when should you use compression socks for neuropathy? Regardless of the cause of your neuropathy, using compression stockings or socks, in conjunction with some other treatments and changes to your lifestyle, can make a huge difference to how you feel and to the health of your lower legs. However, there are causes other than diabetes that can also lead to neuropathy. These include trauma e.

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Since open wounds make you more prone to infection, healing existing ulcers is an important step in the prevention of gangrene. Neuropathy socks are most useful for the second category of treatment. Second, doctors prescribe medications and provide recommendations to ease the burdensome symptoms of neuropathy. Moreover, underlying DM neuropathy may decrease sensation, so the warning signs of ischemia such as pain or numbness might have been less clear for the patient to alarm clinicians. Types of Compression Socks By choosing from a variety of compression levels, you can tailor the effectiveness of the socks to your specific needs. Even those who stand all day at work—nurses, retail workers or teachers—will appreciate how this toeless sleeve reduces discomfort over time. Even among the best socks for neuropathy, the wearer's needs can vary drastically. In particular, graduated compression socks can improve your circulation , reduce pain, and help you to heal dangerous injuries. In addition to wearing medical-grade compression socks as prescribed by your doctor, you could also address neuropathy symptoms by following these tips:. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Compression socks have been shown in some cases to help runners and other athletes reduce swelling and muscle fatigue and improve recovery. Athletes and Runners If you lead an active lifestyle , needless to say, you are probably used to dealing with aches and pains. Fabric Collections.

How will that help, and are they all the same? A number of tips and tricks can help to properly use and care for them so that they provide the intended therapeutic benefit with minimal risk of side effects.

Neuropathy should be treated by addressing the underlying causes e. Highlights Toe — less design for enhanced breathability and flexibility Provides compression support to the ankle for improved stability and reduced swelling. There are several methods available to combat the pain of neuropathy. Published December 19 Compression socks provide different pressure levels, so choosing the best ones for your neuropathy is important. Graduated compression stockings NCBI. In addition to this, the NCBI says that peripheral neuropathy can also be a result of thrombophlebitis, which is followed by deep venous thrombosis DVT. When selecting neuropathy socks, it is important to consider factors such as proper fit and sizing, compression level, material and breathability, durability, and long-lasting support, as well as customer reviews and recommendations. Since PN can cause painful feet and aching legs, it's important to make sure that the compression socks you buy are as comfortable as possible. The gentle material is kind to your skin while providing enhanced ventilation to keep you warm and dry throughout the day.