Diabetic socks typically are made without seams along the toe to reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters that could lead to ulcers, especially for someone with neuropathy or chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Diabetic socks also sometimes have white soles to reveal draining of a wound that may not be felt.
Diabetic socks will keep your feet warm and dry to avoid blisters, ulcers, and fungal infection. You should also avoid wearing dark-colored socks because you may not notice blood or discharge from a wound on your foot.
White or light-colored socks can allow you to easily see if you're bleeding or have a draining wound on your foot. Seamless toes. Seams can irritate the skin, leading to blisters and wounds. Many diabetic socks don't contain seams or have nonirritating seams.
White material to increase awareness of bleeding cuts
By wearing white socks — the color of most diabetic socks — you are far more likely to notice a bleeding cut or blister.
White cotton socks were considered to be the gold standard for protecting our feet from moisture, infection and blisters. In fact, the gospel of white cotton socks continues to be espoused in many circles, even by some podiatrists!
They provide an ideal environment by aiding in temperature and moisture control. Those suffering from neuropathy should always wear white socks to help detect open sores on their feet and ankles.
The color of socks people wear communicate similar attributes when used for ties, scarves, hats and other accessories. Red denotes passion. Blue symbolizes trustworthiness. Green is the color of dedication and commitment, while purple communicates a desire for prestige.
Wear socks or stockings with shoes. Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night.
Socks for diabetics are made without top elastic that can cut off circulation and restrict blood flow to the feet. Length. Diabetic socks come in a variety of lengths from ankle to over the knee. The higher length is ideal for those with circulatory issues while other lengths are fine for everyday wear.
Also, don't soak your feet—that can dry your skin. Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes. This is because there are high-pressure areas under the foot. Too much callus may mean that you will need therapeutic shoes and inserts.
Outside of participating in physical activities, there is no place for gym socks. To be a stylish sock-wearer, you probably shouldn't be wearing plain white socks even when you are dressed casually in jeans and you NEVER want to wear white socks in formal attire like a suit.
“Socks that are too tight are going to impair circulation,” Tina said. On the other hand, loose socks are more likely to move around and cause friction. Fit is especially important for people with diabetes who have poor circulation and experience swelling in the feet or legs.
Definition: Diabetic foot is a condition in which foot ulcers form on patients with diabetes. People with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have a decreased quality of life and an 8% higher incidence of needing a lower extremity amputation (LEA) in the future.
Change them daily. Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin. Wear socks to bed.
Diabetic socks are specially designed to keep feet dry, decrease the risk of foot injury, and enhance blood circulation. They are a key part of foot care, which is an important aspect of diabetes management due to potential damage to the nervous and circulatory systems caused by high blood sugar levels.
Diabetic socks are typically loose-fitting and are designed to protect your feet from moisture, added pressure and injuries, such as blisters and sores.
Impaired blood flow: Elevated blood glucose can lead to thickening of arteries. As the arteries thicken, they shrink and lose elasticity, which can impair blood flow to the feet. “When our blood flow is not efficient to our legs, fluid will build up and create swelling,” Sanders noted.
Dry, cracked skin on your feet. A change in the color and temperature of your feet. Thickened, yellow toenails. Fungus infections such as athlete's foot between your toes.
The American Diabetes Association reports that any fruit is fine for a person with diabetes, so long as that person is not allergic to that type of fruit. In fact, studies such as one from 2017 have found that a higher fruit intake is significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
That's because diabetes often causes poor circulation that leads to numbness in the feet. Numbness makes it less likely that you'll notice cuts, scrapes, and blisters on your feet, and poor circulation means those wounds are less likely to heal properly.
The toenails can turn a yellow color for a number of different reasons when it is related to diabetes. Typically, a diabetic's toenails might turn yellow due to the breakdown of sugar.
In fact, we recommend that you instead blend the color of your socks with your pants. This will result in a cohesive, elegant look. Your socks should not match your shoes unless you are going for a monochromatic look such as black pants with black shoes and black socks.
But at hospitals, socks rock. Red socks indicate allergies; orange means the patient is a potential flight risk, and purple signals “do not resuscitate.” Like a neon sign, the socks are bright cues to all hospital staff.
Sock marks are a sign of lower leg swelling that could be caused by high blood pressure. If you're noticing tighter shoes or sock marks, there may be a reason. Standing or sitting too long may be causing lower leg swelling, or edema. These symptoms may not be a problem if they are mild and don't happen often.