Ask The Experts

Can a diabetic use an anti-fatigue compression foot sleeve?

Thank you for contacting IPFH. We do not provide medical advice or diagnoses on line. People who have diabetes are always well advised to take special precautions and pay close attention to preventive foot care practices. This includes daily self-exams, selecting and properly fitting footwear, and (in addition to regular medical examinations) regular foot examinations with a foot health professional, usually a podiatrist. See our recommendations here for daily foot care for people with diabetes. Our best advice to you is to consult your primary care physician or your foot health professional (hopefully you see each of them for regular examinations) and pose this question to him or her. They are familiar with your situation and your medical history, and are in the best position to advise you.

Compression sleeves and hosiery are typically recommended for medical purposes for people with issues related to improper or suboptimal function of the veins that return the blood flow to the heart. Unfortunately, it is sometimes the case in people with diabetes that the arteries that carry the blood away from the heart can be compromised due to the buildup of plaque (see our page on peripheral arterial disease), and compression sleeves and hosiery may actually further inhibit blood flow. Bottom line: do not use any compression on your legs or feet without consulting your doctor and/or foot health specialist. We hope you will do this, and we wish you the best.

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