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Diabetic Socks

The Benefits of Diabetic Socks

There are several brands of orthopedic socks on the market that tout promises of foot relief for diabetics. These socks offer important features such as seamless toes, moisture control, anti-microbial agents and stretchy fabric that will not bind the foot. But are they really worth the investment?

Let’s start at the beginning and examine the problems of wearing an ordinary sock. Diabetics who have developed complications such as peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation have to be very careful when it comes to taking care of the delicate skin on their feet. An ordinary pair of 100% cotton socks is made with a seam across the toes. As small as this seam is, it is possible that its presence on the top of the foot will rub against the toes and lead to small abrasions, corns, calluses or blisters. One hundred percent cotton socks are also thought to be too tight on the feet. We have all seen the funny lines that are sometimes imprinted on our skin after wearing a tight pair of socks all day. For diabetics, whose circulation is already impaired, any sort of sock that constricts the foot or lower leg could be disastrous. Finally, cotton socks do not have much to offer when it comes to moisture control. They tend to stay wet once they get wet, and wet, smelly socks promote infection.

It seems like specially made diabetic socks would be a big improvement! And in many ways they are. A simple search online will yield diabetic socks that advertise seamless toes and anti-microbial fibers. Many diabetic socks are “cotton free” and are made instead from synthetic fabrics such as lycra, nylon and acrylic yarn, which are supposed to wick moisture away from the feet. Diabetic socks also provide more cushioning and protection from blunt trauma than regular socks. Certain vulnerable areas of the foot such as the heel and the big toe receive extra padding thanks to the sock’s structure.

All of the above features are excellent for diabetics. And, at least compared to diabetic shoes, diabetic socks are a relatively cheap investment. That said, when doctors and nurses are questioned about the importance of diabetic socks for treating foot problems associated with diabetes, they remain unconvinced. Instead, they stress comfort: simple socks that will not constrict the foot. But no matter whom you side with, if you are suffering from foot problems associated with diabetes, you should be wearing some sort of sock all the time.