Diabetic Socks and Their Benefits
Posted on June 2, 2010
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Diabetes can put the feet at the risk developing a skin ulceration. This particular complication makes it imperative for a diabetic to take a proactive approach to maintaining the health of their feet.
Wearing true diabetic socks is one easy and effective way to prevent ulcers and allow for blood flow when the feet and lower legs may be swollen. Here’s how and why: Over time poor circulation can cause a decrease in oxygenated blood’s ability to reach the skin making it more susceptible to cuts, scraps, blisters, all of which could develop into open sores (ulcers), especially on the lower legs and feet. Poor circulation and low glucose levels can also cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) that increases the risk of getting ulcers. Not only are these sores very painful, but they are difficult to heal. If left untreated, infection could set and ultimately amputation could occur. With nerve damage, some diabetics who might step on a sharp object or puncture the bottom of their foot and not realize it.
It should be noted that If a diabetic does not have sensitive feet due to nerve damage, but instead poor circulation, diabetic socks are necessary as the tops of conventional socks are just tight enough to restrict blood flow. Also true diabetic socks are made with non-cotton fibers that are super soft and will keep feet nice and dry.
WHAT ARE DIABETIC-SOCKS?
Diabetic socks are specially designed to conform to the feet, keep them dry, comfortable, well protected against blisters, cuts, and scraps, and allow for unrestricted blood flow. Unlike conventional socks, true diabetic socks will not create conditions that can be particularly problematic for diabetics. They look similar to regular socks, but their differences are many.
KEY FEATURES:
Moisture control
True diabetic socks should be made with the best fiber technologies available for moisture control. These high-tech fibers actually wick the moisture away from the skin to the exterior of the sock so that it can evaporate. Moisture-wicking fibers dry up to four times faster than cotton effectively controlling moisture, thus reducing friction between the skin, sock, and shoe.
Seamless
Bulky sock seams around the toes and heels can increase repeated rubbing against the skin of sensitive feet that can vary from mild irritation, to blisters and sores.
Reduced wrinkling and bunching
For a diabetic, one size sock does not fit all. Socks that do not properly conform to the feet have a tendency to wrinkle or bunch up inside the shoe (especially around the toes and heels) putting feet at risk for pressure blisters and ulcerations.
Non-binding tops
Anyone who has ever worn regular sock will have seen a pinch mark that is left from the elastic top. For a diabetic, even the slightest pressure could potentially reduce blood flow through the legs and feet. Quality diabetic socks that do not have an elastic band in the top. They stretch at the top for a comfortable fit and won’t slip down.
Anti-microbial
Most quality diabetic sock’s fibers are infused with anti-bacterial properties as even the smallest amount of perspiration can potentially create a perfect environment for odorous bacteria.
WHAT ARE DIABETIC COMFORT SOCKS MADE OF?
Proper Diabetic socks comprised of a blend of a blend of natural and synthetic materials or all synthetic spun fibers (ex: 72% Polyester, 25% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex) and CoolMax. Synthetic fibers are important as they provide a smooth, non-bulky fit that that not only prevents friction between the skin and sock, but are non-absorbent. Synthetic fibers transport moisture away from the skin to the surface of the sock where it can quickly evaporate or be absorbed by the shoe keeping the skin dry. These fibers have also been proven to be less compacting than natural fibers. It is also worth noting that these fibers will not absorb moisturizing skin treatments. Diabetic socks should contain colloidal silver particles (anti-bacteria) that are infused into the fiber’s threads.
An online search for diabetic socks will produce a plethora of retailers/distributors/manufacturers who advertise their diabetic socks that are made of 100% cotton or wool. Such materials are fine for a diabetic who does not have sensitive feet or whose feet do not heavily perspire, but for those with perspiration problems, it is imperative that they wear diabetic socks made of either a blend of natural and synthetic fibers or all synthetic materials. Keep in mind that the more natural materials that are present the bigger chance of having a damp sock. That is the perfect scenario and environment for blisters. Also, all natural materials have a tendency to lose their shape and condense (shrink) when washed. That results in an even tighter sock that will constrict swollen limbs. Without elasticity, natural fiber socks have a tendency toward bunching up and wrinkling, which creates pressure points on the foot.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WHITE OR LIGHT-COLORED DIABETIC SOCKS
If nerve damage is present in the feet and a diabetic does get a blister, it could pop open and bleed. White or light colored socks will alert them to the problem for the obvious reason that blood will show up more distinctly than on dark ones. When you see a blood, you can get treatment for it right away, and hopefully prevent any further problems. For the fashion conscious wearing light or white socks is not good news, but it’s an unfortunate necessity unless they are willing to remove their socks several times during the day to check visually. Also, if a diabetic is bent on wearing dark colored diabetic socks, they should make sure that are color-fast as any undetected open wound could easily become infected by the sock’s dye.
WHAT DIABETIC COMFORT SOCK STYLES ARE AVAILABLE?
There are diabetic socks for men, women and children for casual, sport, and dress in three lengths: regular (crew), quarter (mini-crew), and low-cut, and no-show. Extra-wide diabetic socks are generally available for people with severe edema or swelling.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF DIABETIC SOCKS?
Quality diabetic socks can range in price between $5 to $15 depending on brand name, style, and fabric. Some online manufacturers, distributors and retailers will offer sales such as – buy 3 get 1 free. Keep in mind that, like anything else, quality diabetic socks will last longer than cheaper diabetic socks. Suffice it to say those made in China, India, or Pakistan, all three of which are major suppliers to distributors, wholesalers, and retailers such as Walmart, will, after several washings, lose their shape in the top-cuff, condense in the foot area (if made of 100% cotton), develop holes, and in many cases eventually fall apart.
In the long run the money you think you are saving will quickly get eaten up when you have to replace them several times in one year. The best diabetic socks are made in the U.S., Germany, Canada, and Sweden, most of which are nearly are synthetic. Stay away from 100% cotton and by all means, don’t let price stand in the way of adequate comfort and protection and the health of your feet. A good rule of thumb to follow is that you, generally, get what you pay for.
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