Why do you need diabetic socks? People with diabetes are known to have issues with their feet due to diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.
Neuropathy results in losing feeling in one’s legs and feet due to nerve damage. On the other hand, peripheral vascular disease is a circulation disorder that causes the blood vessels to spasm. Plus, diabetes can also lead to nerve damage, which can impact one’s sense of temperature.
Consequently, you should consider purchasing diabetic socks, which have special features and proven benefits, which we’ll go in-depth about in this article:
- Learn about why you should consider purchasing diabetic socks
- Mentioning the benefits of using diabetic socks
- Advising you on how to find a suitable pair
Benefits of Using Diabetic Socks
Now that you understand why diabetic socks are essential, let’s look at some of the additional benefits you’ll enjoy from wearing them:
- They prevent toe irritation, which is often caused by tightness and seams found in regular socks.
- They promote a healthy blood flow, which is necessary because diabetes often causes poor blood circulation, leading to other serious issues, such as peripheral artery disease.
- They relieve feet of excessive pressure from swelling caused by water retention, also known as edema.
- They ensure that your skin breathes and prevents any foot sweat caused by diabetes thanks to natural materials that promote airflow and healthier blood circulation.
- They stabilize the foot, which is necessary because diabetics’ feet are always under a lot of pressure, leading to diabetic foot ulceration.
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What You Should Know When Choosing Diabetic Socks
With so many different types of diabetic socks on the market, it’s good to know how to distinguish high-quality brands from cheaper, lower-quality examples.
Low-quality diabetic socks can cause more damage than good, which is why we’ll now show you how to choose a perfect pair.
1. Diabetic Socks Should be Seamless
Seams can put additional pressure on the foot, which promotes swelling and pain. They also rub against an individual’s skin, which further irritates it and can lead to ulcer and blister formation. Diabetics’ skin is already sensitive enough, and firm stitching can cause significant damage. Seamless diabetic socks won’t create this problem for you.
2. They Should Have Extra Padding and Cushioning
Diabetics’ feet are already under so much pressure because of frequent swellings that they must wear socks that stabilize their feet to relieve the pressure. Extra cushioning and padding stabilize the foot and maximize comfort, which is why you should look for socks that have a padded bottom, padding around the toe area, and under the heel. It’s important because these areas on your feet are the most sensitive and prone to damage because of neuropathy, which causes tingling and loss of sensation.
3. Diabetic Socks Should Keep Your Feet Warm
Narrow blood vessels lead to a non-desirable and lower blood flow to the foot, which results in decreased circulation due to neuropathy, making your feet feel colder, which can lead to unnoticed cold sores. Untreated sores are dangerous because they get easily infected. Ensure that your diabetic socks of choice were made from materials, such as bamboo yarn, that are soft and warm up the feet without them sweating too much.
4. Diabetic Socks Should Be Moisture-Wicking and Anti-Microbial
Avoid synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester at all costs because they prevent the foot from breathing, resulting in sweat, moisture, and possibly infections. Look for socks that use special technology designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
That’s especially important because people with diabetes tend to form sores more frequently than regular people. If the socks hold too much moisture, these sores can get infected, which can even lead to amputation. Moreover, these materials will help with any potential foot odor.
Because diabetics’ feet are exposed to more sweat and moisture, they can turn into breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. That can be devastating and even lead to amputation, so make sure you choose high-quality diabetic socks that use anti-microbial technology.
5. Diabetic Socks Should Be Stretchy
Unlike compression socks, for example, high-quality diabetic socks should be stretchier and almost entirely non-constricting. That promotes a healthier blood flow, which is necessary because diabetics suffer from neuropathy. Neuropathy can lead to untreated sores that get infected. Ensure they’re loose and stretchy enough that you don’t feel any added pressure and swelling when you wear them.
Are Diabetic Socks the Same as Compression Socks?
While they’re often confused, diabetic socks and compression socks are two completely different things.
Compression socks use more rigid materials and stronger elastics, which is not always suitable for overweight individuals or individuals who have diabetes. In general, compression socks are mostly used for pain relief.
Moreover, compression socks promote a healthier blood flow to the heart, reducing swelling, preventing clots, and deep vein thrombosis. Doctors recommend compression socks for minimizing the damages of prolonged sitting, for example, when you go on longer flights.
Can Non-Diabetics Wear Diabetic Socks?
Yes, non-diabetics can wear diabetic socks if they want to make their feet more comfortable and stable.
Some medical resources claim that it has many benefits for regular users, such as more effortless healing, improving foot odor, and preventing numbness.
So if you’d like to give it a try, just go ahead!
We offer some cool and unique designs - your diabetic socks will never look dull and boring again!
Get Your Diabetic Socks Today
Diabetic socks are a great way to relieve your feet from any pain and discomfort. Doctors say that there are many benefits to using them, such as:
- Preventing feet odor
- Promoting a healthier blood flow
- Preventing toe irritation
- Relieving foot of excessive pressure
