Diabetes is a severe condition that can be detrimental to various aspects of a person’s health. A major problem that diabetics encounter is that the disease attacks the blood vessels and nerves in the body. Therefore, a person’s eyes, liver, heart, kidneys, and other vital organs are vulnerable to health complications. Issues with the feet that stem from nerve damage is especially common. Fortunately, people with diabetes can prevent foot problems by wearing the best diabetic socks. While these socks cannot eliminate the problem altogether, they can help immensely by providing a person’s feet with comfort and protection.
Features and functionality of the best quality diabetic socks
One of the problems that diabetes can cause is blood pooling in the legs. Damaged blood vessels cause poor circulation that results in inadequate blood flow to the feet and the legs. The best diabetic socks help increase circulation through its wide sock tops. They are non-binding so it does not hinder blood flow and keeps the the feet warm. Another benefit is that this feature keeps your feet feeling more comfortable by not leaving constriction marks.
Besides leg circulatory problems, diabetics often experience sensitive feet that are prone to irritation. Regular socks can further agitate the feet with its poor design. Compared to regular socks, diabetic socks are softer and more gentle on the skin. Softer material can decrease the amount of friction that occurs between the skin and sock. These socks also have no seams or flat ones around the toes. Regular socks have bulky seams that stick out and often rub against the skin. This causes irritation, blisters, and creates more pressure on the toes, which is a common problem area. There is also cushioning on the bottom to protect against injuries and blisters but without adding bulk to the socks.
Lastly, many diabetics have issues with foot infections. Any foot injuries are worse for diabetics since they are slow to recover from them due to having poor leg circulation. Diabetic feet have greater risk of infection because the feet are constantly wet from wearing socks and shoes. Socks for diabetics minimize moisture build up through properly vented areas in the hosiery. In addition, the fibers used are designed to wick sweat away to keep feet drier than normal socks.
Choosing the best rated diabetic socks
For those that suffer from diabetes and the foot complications associated with this disease, it is best to select the best diabetic socks available. Here are some tips and advice in helping you decide what to buy:
- Make sure that the socks you choose has a nice snug fit but are not too tight. Tightness can cause a lot of problems that you do not want. A good fit can also prevent loose socks that can cause blisters.
- Try to buy socks that support your entire lower leg by extending up to or past the knee.
- Anti-bacterial socks for diabetics can prevent foot infections. Usually silver or copper is used. These metals are naturally anti-bacterial. The socks can either be coated with these materials or woven into the fibers. Socks woven with silver is preferred because their anti-bacterial effects last much longer.
- Make sure that there is a good amount of padding on the socks, but not so much that your feet are tight in the shoes. You want to have room for your feet to breathe.
- Do not pick your socks based on price alone. Quality socks can be more expensive. For instance, seamless diabetic socks are more labor intensive since each sock seam has to be hand linked. You often get what you pay for.
While diabetes can wreak havoc on the feet, proper foot care can keep foot complications in check. Wearing a good pair of diabetic socks is one way to take care of diabetic feet. They can prevent a myriad of problems such as blood pooling in the legs, irritation, and foot infections. Be sure to follow the pointers above to select the best quality diabetic socks for your feet.