How Compression Can Help with Venous Disease
Vein issues, particularly in the legs and feet, are very common and can impact many individuals. Two conditions that can affect circulation in the legs and feet are chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Chronic venous insufficiency affects the veins, while PAD affects the arteries.
Because diabetes can affect circulation and overall foot health, those with diabetes may be more prone to developing certain circulation problems, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). If you have diabetes and also experience vein problems or have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency or PAD, there are steps you can take to help manage your symptoms and support your leg and foot health. The type of socks you wear can actually play a role in managing certain symptoms.
What is chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral arterial disease?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a result of impaired blood flow from your legs back up to your heart. This occurs when the veins in your legs have difficulty moving blood back toward the heart. Tiny valves inside the veins help keep blood moving in the right direction. Because blood has to travel against gravity from the legs back to the heart, these valves play an important role in moving blood from your feet and legs back up to your heart.
If the valves become damaged or are not working properly, blood can pool in your feet and legs. This can result in swelling, heaviness, fatigue and discomfort in your feet and legs. Other symptoms can include varicose veins, skin changes and leg ulcers.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects the arteries, which carry blood from your heart throughout your body, including your arms and legs. PAD occurs when the arteries become narrowed, often due to a buildup of plaque, making it more difficult for blood to reach the legs and feet. Symptoms of PAD can include cold feet or legs, numbness, weakness, cramping and discomfort.
As a person with diabetes, you may already practice proper foot care by wearing the right type of socks and keeping your feet clean and dry. If you also have venous insufficiency or PAD, it is especially important to pay attention to your circulation and foot health.
How Can Compression Socks Help?
Compression socks may help manage certain symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Compression socks apply graduated pressure to the legs, with the most pressure typically around the ankle. This pressure helps support the movement of blood back toward the heart and may help reduce swelling, heaviness and discomfort in the legs and feet.
However, compression is not right for everyone. If you have PAD or another condition that affects blood flow to your legs and feet, it is important to talk with your doctor before wearing compression. Your doctor can evaluate your circulation and determine whether compression is safe for you.
One test your doctor may use is an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), also called an Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI). This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm and can help your doctor evaluate blood flow to your legs and feet.
What Does the Research Say?
In a clinical study¹, the use of mediven angio diabetic compression socks was studied in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease. For patients with PAD, ABPI testing was an important part of determining whether they were eligible for the study. Patients had to meet specific circulation requirements before participating.
As a result of the study, mediven angio diabetic compression socks were found to be safe for the specific patients included in the study who met the criteria for compression. The study found no relevant impairment of microperfusion while patients were wearing the compression stockings in the positions that were evaluated. Patients also rated the wearing comfort of the socks positively.
While these results are encouraging, they do not mean that compression is right for everyone with diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency or PAD. Always talk with your doctor before wearing compression to make sure it is appropriate for you.
About mediven angio Diabetic Compression Socks
mediven angio was designed to provide compression for people with diabetes who need support for venous or vascular conditions. The socks include Merino Plush throughout the entire foot for added comfort and protection. Unique padding throughout the foot and ankle helps reduce pressure and protect the skin from pressure-related irritation and lesions. They also feature an extra-long, flat toe seam that helps reduce pressure points on the toes and feet for a more comfortable fit.
If you have diabetes and experience symptoms related to venous disease or another circulation condition, talk with your doctor about whether compression may be right for you.
Mediven Angio 15-20 mmhg Knee High
Mediven Angio 20-30 mmhg Knee High
Talk to Your Doctor Before Wearing Compression
You should always consult your doctor before wearing compression to make sure it is the right choice for you and your symptoms. If you have diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, PAD or another condition that affects circulation, your doctor can help determine whether compression is appropriate and what level of compression may be right for you.
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References:
1. Rother U et al. Safety of medical compression stockings in patients with diabetes mellitus or peripheral arterial disease. BMJ Open Diab Res Care 2020;8e:001316. https://tinyurl.com/3cjmcr7k