What's the difference between Compression Socks and Diabetic Socks?

Person sitting in chair reading a book with feet up on desk. Socks are black with white and grey dots. Socks say "Dr. Segal's' on the bottom.

It can be really hard to find the right medical accessories to treat your health conditions. With a quick google search, you’ll often find a million sources telling you one thing, and a million others telling you something different. Sometimes there is just too much information and it’s impossible to narrow down what is important and relevant to you.

That’s what often happens when it comes to compression socks and diabetic socks. Who should use compression socks? What are their benefits? Why should someone wear diabetic socks? What can they do? These are just a few of the questions we get asked every single day!

To make things simple, we’ve broken down the differences between these two socks, and created a guide for you to easily determine if you should wear compression socks, or if you should wear diabetic socks. Keep reading to learn all about diabetic and compression socks!

COMPRESSION SOCKS

What are they?

First thing’s first - what are compression socks? Compression socks work to stimulate circulation in your legs and feet by helping push fluids and blood out of your legs and back up to the heart. They create a gradient of pressure by having a snug fit around the ankle, with the tightness gradually reducing towards the top of the sock.

Dr. Segal’s sock technology incorporates special design and technological features to ensure that the compression socks provide you with the ultimate support, comfort and performance! Click here to learn more about Dr. Segal’s sock technology.

Product photo of compression socks listing benefits: wide-top comfort band, cotton blend, flat-felled seam construction, terry cushioning foot bed, anti-microbial & silver-ion wash.

Who should use compression socks?

Everyone can benefit from wearing compression socks! Most of us sit or stand for extended periods of time throughout the day. Studies have shown that blood flow in the lower legs can decrease up to 50% after just 60 minutes of immobility. This results in increased pressure in the veins of the lower legs.

Wearing compression socks can combat this increase in pressure on the surface of the skin which can result in varicose and spider veins. Wearing compression socks also helps alleviate the swelling and achiness experienced in the legs and feet.

What is the right level of compression for me?

Dr. Segal’s offers two types of compression: 15-20 mmHg (mild compression) and 20-30 mmHg (moderate compression).

The 15-20 mmHg compression socks are perfect for travellers, people during pregnancy, and anyone who sits or stands all day. These mild compression socks provide fast relief for anyone experiencing tired, achy legs or mild swelling.

The 20-30 mmHg compression socks are for those who need a little more compression to deal with moderate swelling, chronic venous insufficiency, post sclerotherapy treatment or the management of healed venous ulcers. Usually these are medical-grade compression socks nurses and other health-care professionals enjoy wearing.

*Please speak with your physician to see which level of compression is right for you.

What are some of the conditions that compression socks treat or combat?

Compression socks can help treat conditions such as varicose and spider veins, edema, deep vein thrombosis, and achiness and swelling that comes with pregnancy.

They’re also great to use when travelling to combat any leg swelling and discomfort, and for sports recovery where they increase circulation and can help prevent injuries.

*Always speak with your physician first about any health conditions and best treatment practices.

Shop Compression Socks

DIABETIC SOCKS

What are they?

Diabetic socks are non binding socks and seamless socks created to provide comfort for diabetic and neuropathy patients, or anyone requiring special foot care.

Dr. Segal’s diabetic socks are a premium cotton blend and have a non-binding top band for a comfortable fit that promotes circulation, a seamless toe to prevent rubbing and blisters, and are moisture wicking to keep feet dry and to prevent skin infection. They also have a cushioned footbed to provide extra padding to prevent injury, and are antimicrobial to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Who should wear diabetic socks?

Diabetic socks are great for anyone seeking:

Diabetic Socks - For those requiring special foot care
Neuropathy Socks - For anyone with diminished sensation and foot sensitivities
Extra Wide Socks - For anyone with wide ankles or calves
Edema Socks - For anyone with foot or ankle swelling that want a non-constricting top band
Everyday Socks - For anyone wanting premium cotton socks that are extra comfortable

It is important to recognize that diabetes may cause many complications that affect a patient’s circulatory, nervous and immune systems that make them more prone to foot injuries and infections. Click here to learn more about diabetes and foot care.

What are some conditions that diabetic socks treat or combat?

Diabetic socks are specially designed to decrease the risk of foot injury, offer maximum blood flow and comfort, as well as prevent infection, bacterial growth and fungal growth.

SHOP DIABETIC SOCKS

CONCLUSION

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions, choose the compression or diabetic socks that are right for you!

Discover more about the comfiest diabetic socks Canada has to offer as well as the most supportive compression socks Canada has seen.