While there is currently no known cure for lymphedema, you can reduce the symptoms using surgery or massage, or readily available products like compression socks. Learn more about what compression socks are and how you can use them as part of lymphedema treatment.
What are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specialty socks that gently squeeze the legs and feet. They are longer than normal socks and sometimes reach to the knee.
Applying gradual pressure to the legs through compression socks improves microcirculation through the blood vessels. Your lower leg muscles do this naturally through contraction and expansion when you move, but damaged lymph nodes can obstruct the lymphatic system and cause fluid to pool.
Athletes, runners, and long-distance travelers already use compression socks regularly to combat swelling, inflammation, and Deep Vein Thrombosis. Because they are so effective at improving circulation, compression socks are a readily available treatment for reducing the severity of lymphedema symptoms.
Essentially, compression socks complement the natural compression and decompression of the lower leg muscles to assist with fluid transport.
Why Compression Socks Are Essential for Lymphedema
Lymphedema is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and often debilitating condition. Without a cure, the only way patients can get relief is through various treatments like massage, compression stockings, compression sleeves, or compression socks.
In some cases, early treatment of lymphedema with compression socks can cause a spontaneous reversal of the condition. A good pair of medical-grade compression socks for lymphedema can, at the very least, reduce its progression and improve your quality of life.
Where To Get the Best Compression Socks for Lymphedema?
You won’t get the best results from a cheap pair of compression socks bought from your local department store. While many of the cheaper brands do compress, most do not provide what is known as graduated compression.
The best type of compression socks for lymphedema are medical-grade garments with advanced graduated compression. These types of socks deliver higher pressure at the lower end of your legs, which gradually tapers off towards the top of the socks.
You can purchase lymphedema compression socks at different levels of pressure. The type of socks that will provide the most benefit will depend a lot on the amount of swelling and the severity of your lymphedema. It’s for this reason that getting fitted by a compression garment specialist is highly recommended.
In this way, your socks will apply the right amount of pressure to move fluid from the bottom of the extremities back towards the heart. If you suspect you have lymphedema, you should consult with a medical professional to ensure you are receiving the best treatment.
How to Know if Compression Socks are Too Tight
Even if you are wearing professionally fitted compression socks, lymphedema can cause bodily changes for which you may need to make adjustments. It’s always a good idea to monitor for sensations like pain, numbness, pins and needles, and color changes when you use medical-grade garments like compression socks.
Here’s Your Next Step
Call today for a consultation at Caring Touch Medical as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
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