Wearing Diabetic Socks: What Are The Benefits?

Everyone knows that proper footwear is the most crucial thing for diabetes, but most people don’t know what type of footwear to wear.

Wearing diabetic socks is a great way to lower the risks of developing a foot ulcer or removing a diabetic foot ulcer in its early stages. But, what exactly are Diabetic Socks, and why are they better than others? This post will tell you everything you need to know about these valuable accessories.

What Are They?

In addition to keeping your feet dry, diabetic socks also improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of damage. They are a crucial element of foot care, which is an important feature of diabetes treatment since excessive blood sugar levels can harm the nerve and circulatory systems. They usually come in many varieties for both men and women, and specific non-binding men’s cotton socks have numerous features that make them ideal for those with diabetes. The non-binding part essentially means that they are designed to stay up without cutting circulation. These kinds of socks are specially designed to:

• Improve blood flow to the feet: Diabetics often suffer from reduced blood flow to their extremities, so the garments you wear must allow for sufficient blood circulation. These socks can do this by not allowing your feet or legs to be overly compressed.
• Keep your feet dry: Wet feet are softer and therefore more likely to rip and tear. This is bad for most people, but it can cause severe injuries for those with diabetes. These tears can become easily infected and cause life-threatening ulcers. By keeping your feet dry and comfortable, these socks rescue the chance of injury.
• Assist with cushioning: While this may appear like an extra feature, it is essential for the comfort of many users.
• Avoid cuts and other injuries to your feet: the seamless designs make it less likely to receive friction injuries that can turn into more serious issues.
• Keep fungal infections at bay: Most diabetic socks are antimicrobial, which means they are resistant to most infectious bacteria and fungi.

What Benefits Do They Have Over Normal Socks?

These socks have numerous differences over a conventional pair of socks, including:

• A seamless construction: Diabetic feet can be severely affected by even the slightest projection. Seamed socks can cause skin irritation and develop sores or ulcers, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Most diabetic stockings are seamless and woven with inverse linking, which maintains the thread ends outside the sock rather than within.
• Non-binding in nature: These socks must be loose-fitting but able to stay up on the leg. The material used in their creation is stretchy to prevent constriction.
• Extra padding: Padding provides additional comfort, especially useful for those who suffer from nerve damage.
• Additional material for warmth: Your blood vessels need to be dilated to allow the best circulation, and warmer temperatures help this process.
• They are usually white: Some people with diabetes will be unaware of when their feet become injured. Therefore, white is required to see at a glance if any injuries need to be inspected further.
• Moisture-wicking properties: As previously mentioned, wet feet are soft and soft feet are more likely to become injured. Therefore, the best option is to keep them dry.
• Made using soft fabrics: Soft fabrics are less likely to cause friction injuries and irritation, so they are often made using soft materials like bamboo fibers.

Why You Might Need Them If You Suffer From Diabetes

The socks are packed with several features designed for the health of your feet. Additionally, they are designed for people with diabetes that suffer from peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy.

Neuropathy 

Neuropathy refers to several disorders of the peripheral nervous system. The term usually describes diseases that affect peripheral nerves. There has been some damage or dysfunction caused by some factors such as diabetes, drugs, trauma, toxins, electrolyte disturbances, and autoimmune disorders. It is often characterized as burning or tingling sensations in the extremities that are difficult to pinpoint their origin. It can also cause pain or numbness in these areas.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. PVD affects blood circulation, leading to limb pain, heavy legs, shortness of breath, and a swollen ankle or foot. Diabetic socks are designed to reduce PVD effects on the lower extremities.

Can You Use Compression Socks?

Diabetic socks are different from compression socks because they are meant to reduce the compressive force rather than increase it. Compression socks can also be a valuable item of clothing for those who have diabetes, but you should speak to your doctor and find out before making any decision.

Tips For Looking After Your Feet

Diabetes may damage your feet, and even a minor cut can have significant implications making regular foot care essential. Diabetic nerve degeneration can result in the loss of feeling in your feet. Diabetes can also limit blood flow to the feet, making repairing injuries and fighting infections more challenging. Therefore, you must have a proper foot care routine set up to ensure your feet remain healthy.

Inspect Your Feet Daily

You should set an alarm at the same time each day to perform a foot inspection. You will check for things like blisters, cuts, sores, or anything else out of the ordinary.

Never Wash Your Feet With Hot Water

Lukewarm water is advised when washing your feet so that you refrain from burning them and causing more damage.

Keep Your Nails Short

You should maintain proper nail hygiene and keep your toenails short. If they are too long or poorly cut, they could become ingrown, causing a headache that you don’t want to deal with.

Shake Out Your Shoes Before Placing Them On Your Feet

You never know what has fallen inside your shoes, which could cause you a problem. Remember that even the slightest injury can spiral into something far more severe if left unchecked.

Diabetic socks can provide added protection for your feet and help wick moisture away from your feet, among other things. They keep your feet in top condition giving you peace of mind that your feet remain safe and protected so that you can get on with your life.