Reasons you may need to wear diabetic socks.
Diabetic socks are specially designed socks that keep your feet dry, decrease the risk of a foot injury, and prevent or decrease blood circulation. They are typically made from materials with superior moisture-wicking capabilities, snug, cushioned, and non-binding. They differ from normal socks in that they are non-elastic and seamless. By removing elastic, diabetic socks reduce the constriction that often occurs in swelling, limiting blood flow.
Why do people with diabetes need special socks?
People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot injuries and infections due to potential damage to their nervous and circulatory systems caused by high blood sugar levels. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, decreases sensation and increases the risk of injury, especially to the feet' bottom. It can also cause a person with diabetes to ignore an injury and delay treatment.
Circulatory problems make it difficult for wounds to heal because it is difficult for them to benefit from continuous blood flow healing properties. High blood sugar levels can also create a sluggish immune system. These problems can create a situation that could lead to amputation or even death.
Foot care is an extremely important consideration for a person with diabetes. The 8 Best Diabetic Socks of 2019
Who should wear diabetic socks
Not all people with diabetes need diabetic socks. Those who do not have foot problems, regular socks that are comfortable, without ties, tight, and without bulges or uncomfortable seams would suffice. Socks should not be tight, constricted, lumpy, or have uncomfortable seams. Ideally, they should keep your feet dry. Practice good foot care and inspect your feet regularly for injuries.
Diabetic socks can be useful in the following conditions:
- If you see foot color changes, temperature, see redness, irritation, nerve damage, blisters, or fungus.
- If you have diabetes and get extreme sweating on your foot. These are specialized socks that keep your feet dry by absorbing moisture and thus reducing the recurrence of fungal infections.
- If you are currently pregnant and diagnosed with gestational diabetes, specialized socks can help prevent blood clots in swollen feet.
- If you have diabetes and are traveling long distances and will be sitting for a long time (such as in a car, plane, or train), these socks can help promote proper circulation and reduce bloating while traveling. Choose a style with light compression covering your calf and/or goes up to the knee for the best results.
If you have experienced any of the above problems, speak with your healthcare professional for advice on wearing diabetic stockings.
Benefits of wearing diabetic socks
Diabetic socks can help people with diabetes who are prone to foot infections and injuries. Here's how they can help:
- Moisture-wicking materials keep feet dry, so excess moisture doesn't form a breeding ground for yeast infections
- The antimicrobial characteristics prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Increase comfort and decrease swelling.
- Keep feet warm to improve circulation.
- Seamless socks reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters, which can ultimately lead to a foot ulcer in someone with neuropathy or chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Extra padding for sensitive areas, such as the soles of the feet, can help prevent foot injuries
- White-soled socks can alert people with diabetes if they have a wound that is draining
An overview of hyperglycemia
Types of diabetic socks available
There are many different types of diabetes socks on the market, making it difficult for a person with diabetes to know which type of socks to select. Price can also play a role in decision making, as some socks can be expensive. Here is a breakdown of some features and price points:
Copper- Infused: Made with Cupron, a copper-infused yarn, these socks have antifungal properties that have been shown to kill athlete's foot fungus. Copper-infused socks can also prevent an athlete's foot re-infection in later use. These socks also offer odor protection.
Absorb Moisture - Absorbent socks remove moisture from the foot to evaporate sweat, reducing the risk of fungus, infection and preventing odor. The drier your foot is, the more protection you will have against blisters and other foot injuries. They typically cost between $ 5 and $ 20 and can be purchased online or in stores. Read more at Dr scholls diabetic socks.
Padded Acrylic Socks: People who exercise vigorously should consider padded acrylic socks because they keep feet drier and cause fewer blisters than cotton socks. Acrylic fibers seem to have better moisture-wicking abilities and may also be good for people who have decreased sensation or neuropathy, as the extra padding can help prevent foot injuries. Many types of diabetes socks are made from this type of fiber.
Extra Padding or Gel Padding: Heavily padded socks or padded gel socks are also available that can help wick moisture away, protecting the foot from injury, reducing sensitivity and irritation, as well as providing comfort.
Soft yarns - Diabetic socks are often made from finer-textured fabrics, such as bamboo and wool. These types of yarns have natural antimicrobial properties and reduce rough abrasion on the skin.
Blister Protection Thread: This type of thread is intended to reduce the friction caused by the blister. Approved by the American Podiatric Association, Dr. Scholl makes them for around $ 8 to $ 12.
Smart Tech Socks - Some diabetic socks have built-in sensors that record the temperature of the foot and alert you via an app if there is any change, such as an ulcer or ulcer forming. The coin-sized battery is located on the outside of the sock near the ankle.
Where to buy diabetic socks
Diabetic socks can be purchased at most chain stores, on specialized sites like diabeticsocksclub.com which offers best diabetic socks.
There is a wide range of prices, from $ 2 to $ 140 per pair, depending on materials and functionality. Unfortunately, diabetic socks are not currently covered by Medicare or commercial insurance, although some may be eligible for reimbursement under a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Call your plan provider to verify your eligibility for reimbursement, and you may need documentation provided by your doctor that the socks are part of your treatment plan.
Read more at: medi peds diabetic socks
How to clean and care for diabetic socks
Diabetic socks should and can be worn daily, and should be changed and washed frequently to avoid a build-up of bacteria or fungi, especially if your feet get wet or sweaty.
The lifespan of the sock is generally around six months with regular use. Also, socks should be thrown away at the first sign of wear, such as holes, rips, or pilling. This may seem overly cautious, but pinholes or pilling can cause additional friction on the skin, which can lead to blisters.
To increase their longevity, wash your socks in a mesh underwear bag in the washing machine and dry them on low heat, as higher temperatures can cause the fibers to break down faster. You may also want to use a sweater comb or razor to remove any fabric pilling.
Differences Between Diabetic Socks, Regular Socks, And Compression Stockings
Normal socks differ from diabetics in that they are usually made of cotton, which can trap moisture. They may be too tight or loose and contain seams around the cuff or toe, which can increase friction and / or decrease circulation to the foot.
People with diabetes who also have peripheral arterial disease may need compression stockings or stockings to help with circulation and reduce swelling. Compression stockings are not the same as diabetic socks; Its purpose is to increase the constriction so that blood can return to the heart more easily.
