Are Compression Socks Good For Raynaud’s Disease?
There is some debate regarding the effectiveness of compression socks for people suffering from Raynaud’s Disease. Since the disease causes restricted arteries, some may question whether the compression from socks is beneficial. However, those with Raynaud’s experience poor circulation, they frequently turn to compression socks to boost overall circulation and support a healthy vascular system.
Some doctors say that, since Raynaud’s is caused by already restricted arteries, further compression of the blood vessels should be avoided. Others insist that the way compression socks improve blood circulation between the wearer’s legs and heart can only offer relief since improper blood circulation is what causes symptoms of Raynaud’s in the first place.
Realistically, there is no cut and dry answer, just like there’s no cut and dry cause for Raynaud’s in the first place. The most effective treatment for Raynaud’s is going to vary from person to person, so if you suffer from Raynaud’s and aren’t sure whether compression socks would be a good choice for you, consult your primary care physician before trying a pair.
Raynauds.org recommends compression socks for runners who suffer from Raynaud’s Disease. We recommend them for all runners, as compression socks help move the blood that pools in your feet and ankles back up toward the heart. This helps get rid of that “heavy legs” feeling, and better circulation is always good for your muscles to keep them warm and loose.
What Is Raynaud’s Disease?
Raynaud’s disease is a health condition that causes a reduction in blood flow to the extremities, including the fingers, toes, and nose. Often causing these extremities to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud’s disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin become narrow, limiting blood flow to affected areas.
Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud’s disease, also known as Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s phenomenon or syndrome. It appears to be more common in people who live in colder climates.
What Are Raynaud’s Disease Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of Raynaud’s disease include:
- Cold fingers or toes
- Color changes in your skin in response to cold or stress
- Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain when warming or stress relief
- Hands that may become swollen and painful when warmed
Can Raynaud’s Disease Be Cured?
There is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, but it can be managed with proper treatment. Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:
- Avoiding exposure to cold
- Keeping warm with gloves, socks, a scarf, and a hat
- Stopping smoking
- Taking blood pressure medicines during the winter months to help reduce constriction of the blood vessels
- In some cases the use of compression socks
Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all treatment options for Raynaud’s disease.
Are compression socks good for Raynaud’s disease? A lot of people who suffer from Raynaud’s disease have found a lot of relief from compression socks, so we’re going to highlight the benefits they can offer people who have this condition. The most important thing that compression socks can offer people with Raynaud’s disease is better blood circulation.
Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the wearer’s feet and ankles. This pressure allows blood to flow more freely toward the heart, which reduces swelling, achiness, and fatigue in the legs. Numbness and coldness are often caused by a lack of blood flow to any area of the body, so wearing compression socks, which specifically promote and support healthy blood flow in the body, could prevent numbness from occurring in the first place well as help exposed extremities warm up quickly.
Remember that it’s always safer to discuss compression socks with your doctor before trying them for yourself.