That includes at pharmacies like those at Walgreens and Walmart, at your local farmers market, and from online sources such as Amazon. Keep in mind that, if you don’t have the option of buying compression socks with insurance, you can nab over-the-counter socks with light compression almost anywhere. The correct fit is integral to getting the right amount of compression, Andersen says. Your healthcare provider may do this measurement, but you may also get fitted at a medical supply store that sells compression socks. In addition to getting a prescription and considering the length, you should be measured for size, Andersen notes. “Unfortunately, they are not always going to covered by insurance, and they’re fairly expensive, so that’s something that the person, maybe, has to be prepared for,” says Karen Kemmis, a doctor of physical therapy and certified diabetes educator at the Joslin Diabetes Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

If your insurance covers the cost of compression socks, you’ll need that prescription to buy them at the store.

That’s why you’ll often hear them referred to as compression hose, not just compression socks, by your provider and in the rest of this article. Andersen says that the prescription should also note the recommended length of the socks: below-the-knee socks, thigh-high hose, or full-length panty hose. Prescription-Strength Compression SocksĪ prescription should include the “strength,” a term used to describe the amount of compression in the socks, which is measured as millimeters of mercury (mmHg). If you’re thinking about buying compression socks for your feet, consider this a guide to help you pick the best pair to meet your needs and desired price point.įirst, here’s a look at the different types of compression socks available:ġ. “Compression socks are hosiery that provides compression on the lower extremities - your feet, ankles, and legs - in order to control swelling and other issues,” says Jane Andersen, a doctor of podiatric medicine and a board-certified surgical podiatrist at InStride Chapel Hill Foot and Ankle Associates in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Your diabetes care provider may prescribe compression socks to help prevent swelling, which, if left untreated, could increase your risk for foot infections. The Benefits of Compression Socks for People With Diabetes A foot exam typically includes a visual check of your feet for swelling or signs of infection, as well as tests that measure your level of sensation. That’s because you can have damage to blood vessels in your legs and feet, which can affect circulation, promote swelling, and increase your risk for infection, among causing other diabetes complications.Įach year, you should aim to have your feet examined by your diabetes care provider and, if you are aware that you have foot problems, by a diabetes specialist, such as a podiatrist. Why It’s Important to Protect Your Feet If You Have Diabetesįoot problems are more common in people with diabetes than in those without the disease. It’s important to know what specific characteristics to look out for if you’re in the market for compression socks so you can live happier and healthier with type 2 diabetes. But not all compression socks are created equal. Living well with type 2 diabetes means taking care of your legs and feet, and a good pair of socks, particularly those with compression as a feature, are a key accessory to have in your management toolkit.

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