People who are suffering from diabetes have very high blood glucose or blood sugar. It comes with many different symptoms, such as frequent urinating, thirst, sudden loss of weight, hunger, blurry vision, numb or tingling feet and hands, fatigue, dry skin, sores that heal slowly, and infections. It is a type of disease that needs many medical pieces of equipment for daily monitoring and treatment. The most commonly used supplies for diabetes are syringes, lancets, blood glucose monitors, and glucose test strips.
In addition to those medical supplies, some people also consider wearing diabetic socks. For them, these are important for better health and the prevention of different complications caused by diabetes. But do you think it is worth it to invest in diabetic socks? If you have the same question in mind, read on as we’re giving you more information.
What are Diabetic Socks?
Diabetic socks are socks that are made to lessen pressure in the lower leg and foot, avoid blistering on the skin surfaces, and minimize moisture buildup. The main job of diabetic socks is to keep your feet protected and provide maximum comfort. Most of these socks are non-elastic and seamless to prevent tightening due to common feet swelling tendencies and to lessen friction to the nerves, and minimize neurological pain and discomfort.
Diabetic socks fit well to avert restrictions in the calf from a skintight sock line that can limit circulation. It’s because when circulation is decreased, it will be more difficult for the body to heal. In addition to that, high blood sugar can also cause the immune system to slow down. To combat these, wearing specialized socks is one of the ways. It might also help prevent the need for future amputation or death due to foot injury.
In addition to that, diabetic socks are also cushioned a bit to prevent injury. They also have a moisture-wicking ability to prevent the trapping of sweat and humidity from the shoes between the sock and foot. Keeping your feet dry will prevent you from developing fungal infections and blisters.
Difference Between Diabetic Socks and Compression Socks
If you have diabetes, you need to be careful when using compression socks. These are different from diabetic socks and are made of unpadded polyester material that provides aggressive compression to the lower leg and foot. People with diabetes need to avoid wearing garments that are tight and those that constrict the blood vessels in the feet.
Aside from that, compression socks also feature an open toe with narrow elastic bands at the bottom and top that press into the skin. These can compress the blood vessels greatly and rub against the skin, which can cause an ulcer.
When choosing socks, pick diabetic socks instead of compression socks. Ensure that they have seamless toes and a loose-fitting upper band to avoid tightening. Diabetic socks have different materials, from wool to synthetic blends, and most of them have thick padding.
Should You Invest in Diabetic Socks?
Keep in mind that not everyone who has diabetes needs to wear diabetic socks. It is advisable for a diabetic to wear these socks if he or she has decreased pedal pulses, changes in color and temperature of the feet, nerve damage, and as well as other changes in sensation. In addition to that, it is also recommended for those who frequently get foot injuries like friction rubs. It is also best for those whose feet are sensitive to temperature changes and are prone to irritation spots, swelling, and redness. Switching to diabetic socks can offer them better protection.
If none of these symptoms are present, it is not recommended for you to wear diabetic socks, and you can wear any type of socks you want. But you still need to avoid wearing socks that are constricting, loose and lumpy, or those that have uncomfortable or rubbing seams.
Diabetic socks are also perfect for pregnant women who are suffering from gestational diabetes. They can be great for their swollen feet. They are lightweight and highly breathable, which will keep the feet warm and lessen the chance of developing deep vein thrombosis or DVT and blood clots.
People with diabetes may not need to wear diabetic socks regularly. But if you plan to travel, getting a pair is also great. If you are sitting for long hours when you travel, your feet can be prone to swelling. To keep your feet warm, you can wear diabetic socks, as they do not have elastic bands binding against your skin.
When Should You Wear Diabetic Socks?
If you plan to use diabetic socks, it is usually recommended to wear them from the time you step out of bed in the morning and until before you go back to bed at night. It’s because the less time you spend barefooted, the less likely your feet will get injured by accidentally stepping on items. These socks can also help maintain your feet at an optimal temperature for better blood circulation. But remember to change your socks throughout the day, too.
Conclusion
Diabetic socks are indeed helpful for diabetics to protect their feet from injuries and sores. However, you need to remember that they are just one part of the equation in taking care of your feet. Remember to do other steps as well, such as inspecting your feet for color changes and injuries, trimming toenails with care, washing your feet daily, and taking all foot injuries seriously. We hope this post helped you decide about getting diabetic socks.