Mild-compression diabetic socks safely reduce lower extremity edema in patients with diabetes

This One-Pager reviews the effects of mild-compression diabetic socks on lower extremity edema in patients with diabetes. The results of the conducted study with two randomized groups show a positive effect of diabetic compression socks on lower extremity edema. Lower extremity edema significantly reduced in patients wearing the diabetic compression socks while the vascularity of the lower extremities was not affected. This clearly indicates that diabetes is not necessarily a contraindication for mild to moderate compression. The comfort of wearing the diabetic compression socks increased over time, which suggests that the wearing of compression is subject to a learning process during which the patient’s appreciation towards compression rises.

Study aim & design

The aim of this study was to assess whether diabetic socks with mild compression (18-25 mmHg) could reduce lower extremity edema in diabetic patients without negatively impacting vascularity (1).

To this end, 80 patients with diabetes and LE edema were randomized to receive either mild-compression knee-high diabetic socks („DCS“) or non-compression knee-high diabetic socks („CON“). Subjects were instructed to wear the socks during waking hours. Primary outcomes were assessment of lower extremity edema and lower extremity vascularity.

Participants

38 patients with DCS and 39 patients with CON completed the study.

Abbreviations

CON: Control socks
DCS: Diabetic compression socks

Patient randomization

Group 1: DCS = 18-25 mmHg knee-high diabetic socks

Eligible: n = 40
Dropout: n = 2 (did not return to visits)
Final evaluation: n = 38

Group 2: CON = Non-compression knee-high diabetic socks

Eligible: n = 40
Dropout: n = 1 (due to family issues)
Final evaluation: n = 39

Both groups wore their socks for 4 weeks. The following measurements were taken at the baseline and at the weekly follow-up visits:

Edema = midfoot, ankle & calf circumferences
Vascularity = ankle brachial index, toe brachial index, skin perfusion pressure

Results

With diabetic compression socks, lower extremity edema was significantly reduced, while lower extremity vascularity remained unaffected.

A high compliance rate was observed as 96% of the patients wore the DCS during more than 75% of the waking hours.

Moreover, the comfort of DCS was rated as high and it increased over wearing time:

Graphic showing the % ratings of "very comfortable"

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that mild-compression diabetic socks effectively reduce lower extremity edema in diabetic patients, without negatively impacting lower extremity vascularity. This clearly indicates that diabetes is not necessarily a contraindication for mild to moderate compression.

In addition, the increase in comfort rating over time suggests that the wearing of compression is subject to a learning process during which the patient’s appreciation towards compression rises.

Author's suggestion

Wearing mild-compression knee-high diabetic socks may be effective and safe in reducing lower limb edema in patients with diabetes.

Leitura adicional

Compression hosiery in the elderly reduces falls and is easily donned thanks to simple donning devices

This One-Pager presents the promising findings of two studies that will motivate elderly people and their caregivers to use compression therapy. One of the two studies finds that medical compression stockings (MCS) reduced the levels of stabilometric parameters (especially on an unstable surface). MCS had an immediate positive effect on somatosensory function and postural regulation. The other study examined whether donning devices facilitate donning in the elderly. It finds that Donning devices significantly improved donning success. SIGVARIS devices were among the most successful. Donning with a device was rated significantly better than without. These results show that medical compression stockings can be used as an addition to balance training to reduce the risk of falling in elderly people. Donning devices should be mentioned by physicians to encourage elderly patients and their caregivers to wear and comply with compression therapy.

Compression therapy in veno-lymphatic disorders

This One-Pager discusses different types of compression products in veno-lymphatic disorders. It focuses on characteristics of compression therapy types and on how to choose the best garment for an individual patient. This One-Pager is published in English, German, French, Italian, Polish and Spanish.