As a diabetic, you know that you need to take some extra precautions when it comes to caring for your feet. You check your feet every day and make sure you always wear shoes, whether you’re in your own home or taking a walk on the beach. But you just aren’t understanding the buzz about “diabetic socks.” How do they even work? One of the most common questions from those who have never tried diabetic socks is “Are they tight or loose?”
The answer?
Neither. That’s because both are a potential threat to the foot health of the wearer. Socks that are too tight can cut off some circulation to the lower legs and feet, while socks that are too loose can shift in the shoe or fall down, both of which can lead to rubbing and blistering quickly.
Diabetic socks are designed to fit snugly without constricting the leg or foot. Typical socks contain an elastic band at the closure to help them stay up, but this band can turn into a big threat if it’s at all too tight. The elastic can compromise circulation to the foot and contribute to blood clots or varicose veins over time.
Diabetic socks, on the other hand, don’t use any elastic, avoiding the issue of restricted circulation. Instead, most use a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex to evenly distribute slight pressure around the leg and keep the sock in place. With this design, socks fit close to the skin, preventing any rubbing from loose fabric, but allow your circulation to flow unrestricted.
The exception to this answer is diabetic compression socks. These are specifically designed to fit the feet and legs more tightly. In order to; reduce pain and swelling in those areas. These socks are a great option for those who may already have developed some foot complications. Those complications associated with diabetes and need some help dealing with the symptoms. While not recommended for overnight wear. They are ideal for when exercising or standing for long periods. Regular diabetic socks, on the other hand, are a prime choice for every day and overnight.
Socks seem like a small detail in the scope of caring for your diabetes. But; they’re worth putting some thought into. Ultimately, having healthy feet makes a big impact on the quality of your life. So; do what you can to keep them well.
