Did you know that diabetic socks have helped hundreds of people achieve a healthier life due to the relief they provide? These socks are specially designed for people with diabetes to live a regular life and reduce the chances of severe and life-threatening injuries. But what exactly are they, and how do they help?
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body functions. It affects the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood and how well your body uses insulin to move glucose into cells, where it can be used for energy or stored. Type 1 diabetes typically begins in childhood or early adulthood. Type 2 diabetes generally starts later in life, but it can also begin at any age. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are different from those of type 2 diabetes and are much more severe because there is not enough insulin to metabolize food. Diabetes can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.
How Can It Affect Your Feet?
One of the first effects diabetes has on a person is nerve damage in their feet, leading to numbness and tingling, especially in the toes. When this happens, it leads to decreased feeling or tingling in the toes, and as a result, a person may not feel things like stepping on something sharp or getting injured by an object that they didn’t feel before. The most common complication connected to diabetes is foot ulcers or infections. Diabetes can make it difficult for your blood to clot and lead to ulcers due to poor circulation. If you do not get proper treatment for foot infection or ulcerations, they can lead to severe complications such as amputation of the toes or feet.
What Are Diabetic Socks?
These are unique socks that have been designed in such a way as to dramatically reduce the chances of foot injuries that could turn nasty pretty quickly if left unchecked. They are often made of soft materials and have a loose construction to maintain proper blood circulation and the benefits of wide socks are numerous. The socks will, for example, be made with fabrics that will keep your feet dry since moisture can cause your feet to become soft and soft feet are more susceptible to injury. Some other advantages include:
- A seamless design: Seams can create additional opportunities for friction-based injuries, so these socks feature a seamless construction. A unique weave allows seams to be placed outside.
- Extra padding: Many people with diabetes suffer from pain in their feet when walking. These socks usually have extra padding to reduce the amount of pain.
- Light colors: People who have neuropathic diabetes lose sensation in some cases due to nerve damage. This can result in injuries going unnoticed. Light-colored socks enable a quick check of the feet for blood or certain types of wounds.
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties: Infectious ulcers are usually caused by fungi and bacteria. Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties dramatically reduce the risk of infection with these socks.
Considerations When Purchasing Diabetic Socks
There are many different types of diabetic socks available in the market. You should consider your needs while purchasing a diabetic stocking because they vary depending on the type of diabetes you might have and your activity levels. Several considerations come into play when purchasing diabetic socks. The first and most important consideration is the size of the socks, as this will determine if you are buying the wrong size. The second consideration is for those who want to purchase socks for men or women; there is a difference in sizing between men and women. In most cases, your doctor can recommend the perfect stockings for your foot size to ensure you have an ideal pair of socks. Some other points to consider include:
Material
Cotton Blends are superior to 100% cotton because cotton does not have the requisite moisture-wicking properties despite its softness. Wearing fully cotton socks is hazardous for diabetic feet for various reasons. They wear out more quickly, are less robust, and create a higher chance of friction. Rubbing can cause skin irritation, leading to blisters or ulcers. Wearing the correct synthetic mixes that include rayon, nylon, or acrylic blended is advised.
Suitable Design
When people with diabetes suffer foot injuries, they must take all necessary precautions to ensure that they recover properly. Binding tops on stockings can restrict circulation to the feet, prolonging the healing process by preventing blood flow. Proper blood circulation can occur when non-binding tops are worn.
Style
This point is only really important if you care about style. If so, you can usually select socks that don’t look like medical attire. If you choose a color, it’s recommended that you stick with white or light options to see if there is an injury on the soles of your feet that you are unaware of.
Fabrics
People with diabetes must treat their feet with care. Socks made of soft materials such as bamboo or wool are ideal. These fibers won’t irritate the skin and help avoid sores by reducing friction.
How To Care For Your Socks
Most diabetic socks can last up to six months if cared for properly. They should be washed in a mesh washing bag and air-dried. You may also use a low-heat setting to dry them. Check your socks for wear and tear or indications of deterioration regularly. Any holes or breaks in the socks might cause skin irritation and should be discarded.
General Tips To Care For Your Feet
You must treat your feet with the utmost respect. In order to reduce the chances of injury, you should do the following things to keep them in good health:
- Take care when exercising
- Never walk barefoot (or even in just your socks)
- Establish a regular cleaning and inspection schedule
- Ensure that your shoes are the right fit
- Keep your toenails neatly trimmed
- Never use hot water to wash them
- Keep your socks in good condition
Wearing diabetic socks provides many benefits, like preventing blisters and keeping your feet healthy. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available that are comfortable, stylish, and attractive. You’ll find that a bit of research goes a long way regarding diabetic socks.
