A key factor in maintaining a healthy body is having smooth, continuous blood flow through your arteries and veins. For this, therapeutic socks are vital components of promoting blood flow in your legs.
Because the feet are the farthest away from the heart, blood flow in the feet and lower legs have the least-efficient circulation – especially in the veins. Therapy socks are specially designed to apply just the right amount of support, friction, and comfort to facilitate steady walking and healthy circulation.
Fighting varicose veins and preventing diabetic foot can be as simple as wearing the right kind of socks. Let’s talk about what you should look for when searching for therapy socks and compression stockings, and where you can go in southwest Texas for top-quality medical products and supplies that can help keep you healthy.
Types of Therapy Socks
Compression Socks and Stockings
Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs in order to improve blood flow and fluid flow. They are designed to address vascular and circulatory issues like varicose veins, spider veins, lymphedema (inadequate drainage of the lymphatic system), and blood clots, and they also greatly help in increasing aerobic performance.
Diabetic Socks
Diabetic socks can be worn by anyone, whether they have diabetes or not. These socks are slightly loose-fitting, making them comfortable and providing relief to the feet while keeping the feet dry and infection-free.
Choosing the Perfect Pair of Therapy Socks for You
Compression socks and diabetic socks are entirely different from basic socks. People who will benefit the most from therapy socks include the following:
- People who have or are at risk of developing vascular conditions, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, and spider veins
- People who recently had surgery and therefore have a higher susceptibility to blood clots
- Bedridden patients
- People with a movement disability
- Athletes
- Workers who have to stand all day
- Pregnant women
Compression socks are not all created equal. The material, sizing, durability, and amount of pressure all culminate in the final product. The key features to consider when buying compression socks include the following:
- Tightness – The amount of compression provided by therapy socks will vary. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about the appropriate tightness for your socks.
- Length – Compression socks and compression stockings can cover anything from your foot to your ankle, knee, thigh, or waist. The perfect length will depend on your needs. In general, knee-high compression socks are favorable, but waist-high compression stockings are best for mitigating varicose veins and spider veins.
- Fit and comfort – Compression socks should feel secure, but not so tight that you can feel them cutting into your leg. You also don’t want any irritation from creases that push into the upper leg.
Choosing the Right Diabetic Socks
For diabetics, even the slightest of foot wounds can become so serious that it warrants an amputation. Therefore, diabetic socks are carefully designed to have one or more of the following features:
- Seamless – Diabetic socks are made without seams that can rub against your skin and cause blisters or ulcers (open wounds on the skin).
- Moisture-wicking fabric – Breathable fabrics help keep feet dry, which is important for preventing skin infections in the feet. A foot infection can lead to serious ulcers and vascular problems for diabetics.
- Warm and padded – Diabetes can cause restriction in the blood vessels and decreased circulation in the feet. Fabrics of therapy socks should therefore keep your feet warm to improve blood circulation. Padding in the sock cushions the foot to protect it from injury while adding a layer of warmth.
- Fitted square toe box – Socks that are too narrow can squeeze the toes, causing irritation and allowing moisture buildup between the toes. Many diabetic socks therefore fit the whole foot, with plenty of room for the toes, and covering part or all of the leg. This prevents loose fabric from rubbing against the skin and causing sores.
Compression Socks and Medical Equipment in Southwest Texas
Reliance Medical is a pioneering medical supply company that provides special-order medical supplies directly to consumers. We go the extra mile (literally) for the well-being of our customers, which is why we can deliver medical equipment to remote and rural locations.
If you have any questions, contact our friendly staff today by calling (325) 692-7443 or fill out our information request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
