Diabetic socks - are they worth it?

According to the American Diabetes Association 1 in 5 diabetics needs hospital care because of foot problems. So if you have diabetes, then you probably know about the vital importance of looking after your feet.

Diabetic neuropathy (say ‘nuro-p’thy’) and/or peripheral (say per-ifr’l) vascular disease are common problems. They mean that you don’t have good sensation in your feet and/or that the circulation isn’t as good as it should be either. For more information on stockings to support the circulation click here.

Both of these conditions can have serious consequences – long-term and major infections, ulcers or ultimately leg amputation.

What should you look for in a diabetic sock?

1. First off: always wear socks as they will protect your feet when you’re walking around.
2. Always wear 100% natural fibers – cotton or wool – that will let the skin breathe and prevent it from becoming too hot (or too cold) and sweaty.
3. Socks should be well padded, soft and comfortable.
4. There shouldn’t be any inside seams that rub your feet
5. They should be about ½ inch (1.25cm) longer than your longest toe.
6. Avoid stretch sock, nylon or socks with an elastic garter band at the top as this will restrict the circulation.
7. If buying a new brand of socks, buy one pair first, try them and then buy more when you know they are right for you. This applies to buying them in a store or online – so be aware of bulk-buy deals as they could be a false economy.
8. Change socks and shoes every day.

Spot trouble early, or prevent it entirely:

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day, using a mild soap, warm water and pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
• Check the water temperature with your elbow rather than your foot.
• Put moisturiser on the feet afterwards to prevent them becoming dry. But don’t put it between the toes – nasty infections like athlete’s foot love warm, dark, damp places and moisturiser between the toes will provide that.
• Check your feet every day or ask someone else to look at them if you can’t see all over – tops and soles. Look for cracked skin, blisters, red areas where your shoes may have rubbed, in-growing toe nails, corns or calluses. If you see any of these then ask your health professional – doctor or podiatrist for expert advice.
• Look after your toenails – cut them when soft (after the feet have been washed) and cut them straight across to avoid in-growing nails. Best of all, ask your podiatrist for help.
• Walk and exercise in well fitting, comfortable shoes and don’t exercise when you have any open sores on your feet. Again, the hot, sweaty, moist atmosphere is great for infections to start.
• Never go barefoot – you may knock or injure your foot and, because of poor sensation due to neuropathy, you may not notice. An untreated wound can be serious for a diabetic.
• Always check the insides of your shoes with your fingers, or ask someone to do it for you. Look and feel for any nails or wrinkles in the lining of the shoe that might rub or injure the foot.
• Avoid high heels with pointed toes as these will squeeze and rub, and can mis-shape the foot.
• When buying new shoes, try them on with the socks you would usually be wearing with them.
• Wear new shoes for an hour or 2 at a time, until they become comfortable and mould to your foot shape without rubbing.
• Wear the right footwear for the right job – protected toe caps where necessary, boots for wet conditions etc.
• Avoid going barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes as your feet are unprotected.
• Get professional health advice on any foot problems sooner rather than later – don’t try to treat them yourself.
• To find out more about support hose and how they can be useful in circulation problems, click here.