Its all about weave pattern, construction and fabric composition
For a diabetic with problem or at-risk feet there is no better substitute for regular or conventional socks than genuine diabetic socks.
While regular socks do provide a modicum of protection it simply is not enough to be considered therapeutic. Here’s why: Regular socks are made using a dense weave so that they fit tightly on the feet. Their tops contain for the sole purpose of keeping them from falling down.
For people with normal feet this is not a problem but for a diabetic with poor circulation their feet and ankles have a tendency to swell and wearing regular socks will restrict blood flow, as evidenced by the pinch marks left behind when they are removed.
Regular socks are also constructed with coarse seams in the toes and heels which can be a source of irritation for a diabetic who has acutely sensitive feet.
Regular socks are typically made of either a cotton blend* or 100% cotton (Any amount of natural fiber will retain moisture rather than wick it away.) which after several washings will shrink which will cause further tightness and restriction on the feet.
Diabetic socks to the rescue
In stark contrast to regular socks, diabetic socks are specially made to provide comfort and flexibility while adequately conforming to the feet. They are loosely woven from top to bottom thus allowing them to accommodate swelling should it occur. They are seamless, wrinkly free in the toes and heels and contain enough synthetic fibers to keep them from shrinking.
Socks for diabetics are also constructed without seams around the toes and heel area and although there are diabetic socks that are made of 100% cotton, most are composed of a combination of cotton, acrylic, nylon, and elastic fibers to minimize shrinkage shrink and maximize comfort by providing more cushion for the heels, foot pads and toes, and they retain their memory, i.e. they can be stretched much further than conventional socks and will return to their original shape, and they effectively wick moisture away from the skin to keep the feet dry and cool.
The controversy over regular socks and diabetic socks
Although I am not a diabetic nor do I have problems with my feet, I decided that as I promote diabetic socks I should put them to the test.
I purchased Dr.Scholl’s acrylic non-elastic socks at Walmart (If memory serves me well, I paid around $12 for a package of two.).
I first worn them for a full day and was immediately hooked on their comfort factor. I then decided to see how they dealt with moisture during strenuous activities, in my case jogging.
After a good run one day I removed them when I got home and they were nice and dry. And, after two weeks of washing and drying them they have not shrink and they lost their elasticity in their tops.
Be all that as it may my argument and testamonial may fall on deaf ears for many as all too often price seems to a bigger consideration than the therapeutic advantages diabetic socks provide.
Google any diabetic forum and I think that you’ll find that there are countless negative comments about the cost of diabetic socks.
For example, here is a typical comment that was made on Diabetes Forums.
“The socks labelled Diabetic socks are typically more expensive simply for the label. Many manufacturers make socks that are in fact seamless and cost a fraction of the amount of the “Diabetic” ones, and deliver all of the benefits.”
I will assume that the seamless socks this person is referring to are ‘tube socks” as they are the only “regular socks” that are remotely similar to diabetic socks in terms of being seamless and soft, but again their tops are still elastic and they are, again, 100% cotton which means they will shrink.
Also, tube socks are available in a one-size-fits-all which obviously cannot properly accommodate all diabetics, especially those who are overweight.
Conversely diabetic socks are available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.
As for the portion of the comment “Many manufacturers make socks that are in fact seamless and cost a fraction of the amount of the “Diabetic” ones, and deliver all of the benefits.”, that is simply untrue.
For a manufacturer to produce a sock that includes all of the beneficial features of diabetic socks, the production costs would be similar to those produced by other diabetic sock manufacturers, subsequently such production costs would be passed on to the consumer accordingly in order for them to make a profit.
Like many consumer products diabetic socks are priced based on branding, where they are produced, their materials and special features, and who sells them.
In other words, they can be very expensive but they can also be moderately to low priced.
To further illustrate a popular misperception of diabetic socks Here is one such definition found on Wikipedia.com.
“The term, “diabetic sock” is a marketing term. Socks appropriate for diabetic wear may be found in virtually any sockwear display, often at less cost than so-labeled, “diabetic socks.”
According to this person’s definition any and all socks that are sold specifically for diabetics are nothing more than regular socks with a different label and a higher price tag.
Clearly this was written by someone who does not have first hand experience with diabetic socks. Let’s take a look at the first sentence “The term, “diabetic sock” is a marketing term.”
This is true, however, the term “diabetic socks” is being used in the proper context to target the diabetic market for the purpose of distinguishing them from regular socks.
As for the second sentence, “Socks appropriate for diabetic wear may be found in virtually any sockwear display, often at less cost than so-labelled, “diabetic socks.”, that is patently false.
Because diabetic socks are considered to be therapeutic due to their special features, they cannot be found in virtually any sockwear display.
With very few exceptions, most proper diabetic socks are sold at a pharmacy or drug store, a medical store, and are also available at stores like Walmart, Target, etc., and are labeled and priced as such.
To show the differences between those diabetics who can wear regular socks versus those diabetic who should wear diabetic socks it is important to divide the condition of a diabetic’s feet into three categories and then break each down into what type of socks will best fit those conditions.
Those three categories include, diabetics with normal feet, diabetics with poor circulation, and diabetics who suffer with poor circulation and an array of neuropathic symptoms such as acute sensitivity or loss of feeling in their feet.
Those diabetics who have no problems with feet can typically wear any regular sock they deem comfortable. For those who fall into the second category, they should wear diabetic socks that snuggly conform to the feet, are shrink-proof (e.g. synthetic), and non-binding in their tops.
For diabetics in the third category, they can most benefit from wearing diabetic socks that are synthetic (acrylic or lyrca), woven not seamed, shrink-proof, wrinkle-free, non-binding, and moisture controlling as their feet are at a bigger risk of developing ulcers (sores).
I think that majority of complaints regarding costs comes from those diabetics who fit into the first and second categories.
But for those diabetics who fall into the third category I believe they have a better understanding of the necessity of proper diabetic socks that is based on either recommendations by their podiatrist or physician or through personal experience.
For those with the mindset that diabetic socks are nothing more than regular socks with a fancy label and a higher price they should consider this; spending a little more on diabetic socks may make the difference between getting adequate blood flow to the feet should a skin injury occur to keep it from becoming infected which could lead to amputation if not contained.
In other words, when it comes to the health and mobility of your feet, price should be negligible.
In conclusion:
The bottom line is this, diabetic socks are made specifically to address the conditions associated with problem feet.
If you have normal feet then you can wear any type of socks you want, or wear no socks at all. But for those diabetics with at-risk feet, wearing regular socks because they are cost less or because you think that diabetic socks are a marketing ploy and one of which you’re determined not to be duped by, you are only using that as an excuse to put your wallet before the health of your feet. Period.
