A Guide to Compression Socks for Neuropathy

Our nervous system is a highly complex network that allows us to perceive the world. When working correctly, our nerves inform our sense of touch, regulate our body's processes, and control our motor functions. When there's an issue with these nerves, however, it can make daily life a painful and unpleasant challenge.

Many first experience nerve issues in their hands and feet, also known as neuropathy. From tingling to pain, neuropathy can be frustrating and chronic. If you're dealing with neuropathy, any extra support and relief can significantly impact your moment-to-moment enjoyment of life.

Fortunately, compression socks for neuropathy can relieve symptoms and improve your overall health and wellness. For example, diabetic socks are specifically designed for this condition. Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect pair. 

A Holistic Approach to Neuropathy Management

Managing neuropathy involves more than just wearing compression socks. It's essential to take a holistic approach, which includes regular foot care, exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and stress-relief techniques like warm baths. Compression socks can be a valuable part of this broader management plan, helping to improve your quality of life while addressing multiple aspects of your health.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs when the nervous system is damaged. Peripheral neuropathy is any condition affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can often impact the hands and feet, leading to tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness.

Peripheral neuropathy can be a symptom of many different health conditions. Hence, diagnosing, managing, and treating the cause as early as possible is essential to prevent further nerve problems.

Nerves can regrow themselves under many circumstances, but neuropathy may be reversible depending on the degree and cause of the damage. Fortunately, no matter the reason, you can always take steps to limit further damage. 

Causes of Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be a symptom of a range of different health issues. It's typically caused by disease, injury, or pharmaceutical complications and can stem from the following conditions.

• Diabetes, also known as diabetic neuropathy.
• Long COVID
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Medications and toxins like chemotherapy
• Infections and viruses, such as HIV, Lyme disease, or shingles
• Injury or trauma, including after surgery

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Because the nervous system governs all aspects of our physical experience, peripheral neuropathy can cause a wide range of abnormal sensations in your body, including:

• Reduced sensation or numbness
• Swelling in the legs and feet
• Pain, often spontaneously
• Tingling or pins and needles
• Problems with balance or clumsiness 

However, sometimes, there's no known cause at all, which is known as idiopathic neuropathy.

No matter the cause of nerve damage, symptoms such as pain or numbness can interfere with comfortable daily functioning. Thankfully, compression socks for neuropathy have become a popular management tool for foot and leg discomfort.

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Compression socks or stockings are long, tight socks that constantly pressure the lower legs and feet. Known to provide graduated compression, they are usually the firmest at the feet and ankles. They gradually become less compressive up toward the knee.

Compression socks benefit people in any activity that stresses their feet and legs and causes discomfort and swelling. They can be found in athletics, maternity wards, airplanes, and any environment where people stand long. They are also excellent for people who struggle with mobility and circulation issues that often result in peripheral neuropathy. 

It's important to note that the compression level is crucial when selecting compression socks. For those with peripheral neuropathy, medical-grade compression levels, typically in the 30-40 mmHg range, are recommended. This compression level provides the necessary pressure to support blood flow without causing additional discomfort.

How Do Compression Socks Help Neuropathy?

No matter the cause of your nerve issues, compression socks can help manage the uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the benefits of compression socks for neuropathy:

Reduce Swelling in the Legs and Feet

Peripheral neuropathy can cause swelling (edema) in the lower legs, which can be uncomfortable and hinder proper movement. However, the pressure applied by compression socks helps boost circulation and prevent fluids from pooling in the lower legs, keeping swelling to a minimum.

Boost Circulation

Peripheral neuropathy can impact proper circulation, but thankfully, compression socks can encourage healthy blood flow to the legs and feet. By promoting blood flow, compression socks help prevent severe complications like ulcers and gangrene, which are particularly important for people with diabetic neuropathy or severe nerve damage. Giving your lower legs a squeeze in the right places works with your body's natural circulatory processes to pump blood back to your heart. This can help manage symptoms and keep you comfortable on your feet no matter what the day brings.

Better Balance

Peripheral neuropathy can cause poor stability and muscle weakness, increasing fall risk. Compression socks can help support posture, prevent numbness, and relieve joint pressure, improving overall balance. Some compression socks even include cushions for extra comfort and stability.

Improved Leg and Foot Health

Because peripheral neuropathy can lead to numbness, you may not notice when you have a cut or scratch on your legs and feet. Combined with the slow healing that comes with poor circulation, those with neuropathy are at a higher risk for ulcers and sores. Compression socks provide physical protection to the legs and feet and a boost in circulation to prevent infection.

Material and Comfort

When choosing compression socks for neuropathy, the material is as important as the compression level. Socks made from bamboo-derived fibers are particularly beneficial for people with sensitive skin. Bamboo fibers are softer than cotton, reduce friction, and wick away moisture, which helps keep your feet dry and comfortable while reducing the risk of infections. Meanwhile, nylon and merino wool are common and effective compression socks materials.

Compression Socks for Nerve Damage

If you are dealing with peripheral neuropathy, compression socks can help. Crazy Compression makes graduated compression socks designed for everyday wear, and the best part is they also look great! Here are some of our faves that will make sure the only tingling you're experiencing is the good vibes of the people around you:

360 Rainbow Paint

Add some color to your wardrobe with our 360 Rainbow Paint compression socks. For neuropathy, this fun pair will help boost circulation and reduce swelling in your legs and feet, keeping you comfortable all day.

360 Tie-Dye Black

Embrace the tie-dye trend while supporting your leg health with our 360 Tie-Dye Black compression socks. Wear them under any outfit to enjoy the benefits of better balance, added protection, and improved sensation while entering the room with style. 

360 Mermaid Tail Extra-Wide Calf

If you're worried that compression socks may not fit, you'll be pleased to know we have a full range of wide-calf compression socks. These 360 Mermaid Teal compression socks provide all the benefits of compression for neuropathy in a broader size accessible to anybody.

Durability and Customer Reviews

When selecting compression socks for neuropathy, durability is a crucial consideration, especially since these socks are often worn daily. High-quality socks should withstand regular use and maintain their compression levels over time. Customer reviews can be an invaluable resource when determining the reliability and effectiveness of different brands. Positive reviews often highlight socks that provide lasting comfort and therapeutic benefits, particularly important for managing chronic conditions like neuropathy.

Crazy Compression Socks for Neuropathy

If you're dealing with the tingling, numbness, or pain of peripheral neuropathy, Crazy Compression is here to help. All our compression socks are constructed with high-quality materials and design features like a seamless toe to ensure your feet are as comfortable and protected as possible. 

Compression socks for neuropathy are a tool to support your health and comfort, so add them to your morning routine and enjoy the benefits of compression socks day after day. Start exploring our collection of men's compression socks and women's compression socks today!