The mechanism behind compression therapy is that it creates a higher level of blood flow to the affected area. This helps the nerves regenerate and reduces inflammation.
So, should you wear compression socks if you have peripheral neuropathy? Well, compression socks work by applying pressure on your feet and ankles, what results speeding up of the recovery process for people with neuropathy.
If you’re looking into how these socks are good for neuropathy, hang with us.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is damaging of the peripheral nerves, which often occurs due to numbness and weakness of the muscle. Peripheral nerves control the communication between the brain, the spinal cord and other body organs. These are the nerves responsible for sensation, movement, and motor coordination.
When the peripheral nerves called neurons are damaged or destroyed, the communication is cut off. Neuropathy affects three types of nerves in the body that include sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves. It is estimated that this condition has affected 25% to 30% of Americans.
What are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specifically designed to compress your legs at the ankles for easy blood flow. These socks exert more pressure at the ankles, but the pressure reduces as you go up the leg. As a result, they stimulate a more gentle and easy flow of blood from the arms to the heart.
However, compression socks are of three types; graduated compression, anti-embolism, and non-medical support. Graduated compression socks exert more pressure at the ankle, but it lowers at the top.
Anti-embolism is slightly tight and is designed for those who aren’t mobile. On the other hand, Non-medical support hosiery has uniform compression and target tired and aching legs.
Read also: Can Wearing Compression Socks Be Harmful?
Why you need compression socks for neuropathy?
We know, neuropathy occurs due to damaging the peripheral nerves in the body. So, people with increased blood flow velocity often experience stabbing, burning, or tingling pain on their legs. The condition can result from injuries, infections, and metabolic problems. In this neuro problem, compression garments reduce cramping and help with nerve and temperature sensitivity.
Pregnant women, those who have just come from surgery, or those who risk blood circulation use the socks often. So, how it works? Well, compression stockings are stretchy that gently squeeze from the ankles of the leg to the knee. These socks are tightest at the ankles, but the pressure reduces as the socks move up the leg.
So, you need compression socks for neuropathy. Many people find relief from their symptoms after wearing compression socks. However, others say they don’t notice any difference in their symptoms.
Read also: Do Compression Socks Help With Numb Feet? Or, What Is The Best Pressure For Compression Socks?
Do Compression Socks Help With Neuropathy?
Are you wondering do compression socks help neuropathy? The answer is a big yes! These socks boost blood circulation in your legs and reduce orthostatic hypotension. Also, they help prevent venous ulcers and your legs from developing deep vein thrombosis.
Additionally, if you have recently been having leg swellings, these socks can help you. They support your legs so that the blood flows efficiently. At your ankles, these socks prevent blood from reversing towards the foot.
Instead, they ensure more blood flows up towards the heart by reducing the diameter of major veins. In the end, this increases the rate of blood flow.
Conclusion
If you had doubts on whether compression socks are good for you, the article might have cleared them. Compression helps you increase the amount of blood flow within the leg. What’s more, they help you avoid certain diseases associated with the improper circulation of blood.
