Being diabetic, a patient has to deal with multiple health issues including kidney and cardiac disorders, poor vision, as well as frequently occurring foot ulcers. As a preventive tool for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), the use of socks for diabetic feet is often recommended by physicians. These diabetic socks are fully padded, seamless, and are constructed with soft anti-microbial material. These properties effectively prevent the occurrence of foot ulcers.
In this article, let us first understand how these diabetic foot ulcers occur and in what ways the use of socks for diabetic feet can prevent them.
How Do Diabetics Develop Foot Ulcers?
Foot ulcers are often reported by diabetic patients. As for the reason behind their occurrence, foot ulcers can develop due to two major reasons:
● Injury or Physical Trauma
With diabetes, it is common to have diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which the patients lose the sensation of foot pain upon an injury or physical trauma. This happens due to the damage that occurs to the peripheral nerves. As a result, diabetic patients cannot notice if a sharp object punctures their skin. Resultantly, the injury persists without getting treated which often leads to foot ulcers.
● Callus Formation
Apart from injuries, foot calluses can also lead to ulcers. Dry skin on the feet is often associated with diabetes. If not moisturized properly, the dryness leads to the development of foot calluses which, with time, get converted into foot ulcers.
In nearly 40% of patients, diabetic foot ulcers heal after 3 months of treatment. However, the ulcers usually return in 40% of cases within 1 year and in 65% of the patients after 5 years.
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 2023
How Dangerous are the Diabetes-Associated Foot Ulcers?
Prolonged foot ulcers can become the cause of foot infections. As the feet experience poor circulation in diabetics while the blood glucose level is extremely high, there is a chance that these foot ulcers spread to the whole body. In addition, this ulcerative condition can also result in foot amputations.
Incidence of Foot Ulcers in Diabetics
The incidence of foot ulcers in diabetic patients is a common occurrence. As per the statistics reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), in the year 2023, nearly 1.6 million Americans developed diabetic ulcers. The number is significant in comparison to the globally reported cases of diabetic foot ulcers which are nearing 18.6 million.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Preventive Strategies
For the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers, the following strategies should be adopted:
Routine-Based Foot Inspections
For the prevention of foot ulcers, it is recommended that diabetic patients develop a habit of inspecting their feet daily. If it is hard to lift your feet, you can use a mirror to take a look at the sole. Check if any of the following is visible:
● Redness
● Inflammation
● Feeling of warmth
● Scratches
● Blisters
● Cuts
● Ingrown toenails
In case of any of the above mentioned signs, it is essential to see a podiatrist.
Tip To prevent blisters, choose a shoe that has a distance of half an inch between its tip and your toes.
Proper Cleaning Practices
The diabetics should take care of their feet by cleaning them every day. Taking foot baths, washing the feet with clean water and mild soap, and moisturizing them properly are good practices to adopt. Moreover, diabetic socks used on a daily basis should also be washed frequently. For this purpose, a Diabetic Care Starter Kit is available at Health Supply 770 which includes a mild soap, a moisturizing formula, as well as a pair of diabetic socks for diabetic feet. To place an order, click the link at the end of the article.
Comfortable Footwear
Wearing comfortable footwear significantly improves the patient’s safety against possible foot injuries. Shoes should neither be too loose nor too tight as both can increase the risk of falling or getting blisters. The use of open shoes such as sandals and flats is also discouraged as these expose the feet to splinters, sand, or small rocks which can become the cause of foot injury.
In this regard, the importance of socks for diabetic feet becomes prominent as they effectively protect the wearers from physical trauma. Moreover, the diabetics should also not walk barefoot.
Regular Screening
After recovering from diabetic foot ulcers, it is common to get a recurrence within 1 year. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, diabetic patients who have recovered from foot ulcers should be screened every 3 months.
How Do Socks For Diabetic Feet Prevent Ulcers?
The use of diabetic socks provides the following benefits which ultimately lead to the prevention of foot ulcers:
● Properly Cushioned Top
The padding and cushioning of the socks for diabetic feet reduce the friction between the skin of the feet and the material of the socks so that blisters and foot ulcers are prevented effectively. This padding also prevents injury if the patient gets hit by an object.
● Rub-Preventing Seamless Top
The seamless top of the socks for diabetic feet reduces the chances of rubbing so the blisters do not happen. The soft yarn used for their construction also guards the skin perfectly thus preventing redness and bad odor.
● Improved blood Circulation
By applying mild compression on the feet, the diabetic socks for diabetic feet increase the blood supply thus leading to the reduction in swelling.
● Moisture-Wicking Construction
The available socks for diabetic feet are lightweight and made from breathable, moisture-wicking material. This way, the flow of air to the feet is maintained which significantly reduces the chances of moisture entrapment.
As the moisture can lead to bacterial buildup if an injury is present, keeping the feet dry helps prevent ulcers. Moreover, the construction material also regulates the temperature of the feet to keep them cool in the summer but warm and comfortable during the winter.
● Microbe Prevention Technology
Most socks for diabetic feet have copper or silver infused in the yarn which is used for their construction. This is because these two materials can prevent the buildup of bacteria as well as fungi between the digits. This feature of the diabetic socks protects the feet against infections and ulcers.
● Constriction-Free Experience
The diabetic socks for diabetic feet do not put pressure on the feet as they do not constrict the digits. As a result, the chances of becoming uncomfortable due to wearing them for longer are near to none.
● Non-Irritant Dyes
The dyes used in our clothing sometimes get attached to our skin. These chemicals are considered harmful as they can cause infections. In the case of socks, these dyes can also become the reason for foot infections. Therefore, the diabetic socks are dyed with chemicals that do not bleed into the skin.
Diabetic Socks at Health Supply 770: Products, and Specifications
Many brands manufacture socks for diabetic feet in different sizes, lengths, compression fits, and colors which gives so many options to the buyers. The following are some of the diabetic socks for diabetic feet available at Health Supply 770 which deliver quality at the best prices:
SIMCANNS Simcan Comfort Diabetic Socks Small Navy, Pack Of 2
Price: $11.88
Product Details
SIMCANNS Simcan Comfort socks for diabetic feet come in a pack of two. These are effective in enhancing the blood flow in the feet and, therefore, are preferred by those who have swollen legs. Apart from diabetics, the SIMCANNS diabetic socks are also good for those who suffer from leg fatigue. Moreover, the product is also ideal for promoting recovery after exercise.
The SIMCANNS Comfort diabetic socks are excellent for everyday wear. These diabetic socks are also often recommended by healthcare professionals because of their quality as well as cost-effectiveness. After wearing diabetic socks for a day, it is advised to wash them in a mesh undergarment bag.
SensiFoot Knee-High Mild Compression Diabetic Socks Large, Black
Price: $32.88
Product Details
SensiFoot knee-high compression socks for diabetic feet are perfect for use by both men and women as the product covers different size ranges for both. Their mild non-constricting gradient pressure provides protection against wrinkles, sliding, as well as bunching.
The foot area in the SensiFoot diabetic socks is densely cushioned to minimize friction. Apart from diabetics, these diabetic socks are also helpful for those struggling with arthritis.
SensiFoot Knee-High Mild Compression Diabetic Socks Large, Black
Price: $31.88
Product Details
SensiFoot knee-high mild compression socks for diabetic feet are made up of moisture-wicking acrylic material which keeps the feet dry as well as cool all day long. The construction material is also non-irritant and completely smooth so the chances of getting redness or rubbing from these diabetic socks is extremely low.
In addition, the SensiFoot diabetic socks apply minimum pressure on sensitive skin. This way, the chances of blisters are effectively avoided. Their antimicrobial material is also efficient in preventing bacterial or fungal buildup. As a result, unpleasant foot odor is not caused. The SensiFoot diabetic socks are perfect for use by both men and women.
SensiFoot Crew Length Mild Compression Diabetic Sock Medium, White
Price: $31.88
Product Details
BSN Jobst SensiFoot crew mild compression diabetic socks cover up to mid-calf and are ideal for those suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Their non-constricting gradient pressure is mild on the skin.
In addition, the BSN Jobst SensiFoot diabetic socks also protect the wearer against sliding, bunching, or being hurt by hard objects. This is achieved due to the dense padding these diabetic socks have near the foot, heel, and toe areas. Moreover, the BSN Jobst SensiFoot diabetic socks for diabetic feet are also suitable for use in patients who suffer from arthritis.
SmartKnit Seamless Crew Diabetic Socks with X-STATIC Latex-Free Materials, Black, Large
Price: $31.88
Product Details
SmartKnit seamless crew diabetic socks are latex-free products that are made using super stretchy material. The core-spun yarn hugs your feet and legs perfectly giving a comfortable feel. Its seamless toes further reduce the pressure around the toes. The SmartKnit diabetic socks are also available in mini-crew, crew, as well as over-the-calf versions.
Men’s Diabetic Sock Size 10 – 13, White
Price: $63.88
Product Details
Men’s diabetic socks are one of the best options for the prevention of irritation as well as pressure on the feet. The product is also known to promote circulation. Their neuropathy padding helps protect injuries and traumas to the feet area as it effectively absorbs pressure and shock. The seamless toes provide extra comfort while the product allows proper airflow to the feet.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary depending on the vendor.
The socks for diabetic feet mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check the wide range of diabetic socks on the website.
Conclusion
People who suffer from diabetes often complain about foot ulcers which come easily but are hard to get rid of. Considering the risk of amputation due to these foot ulcers, physicians often suggest to take the preventive measures. These include taking care of your feet, keeping them clean, and having proper footwear.
In this regard, the use of diabetic socks is considered essential as they provide proper protection to the feet thus preventing foot injuries, infections, as well as foot ulcers. Moreover, owing to their quality and excellent features, diabetic socks can be used by both diabetics as well as non-diabetics.
While buying socks for diabetic feet, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached as they not only ensure the provision of quality products but also offer satisfactory services.
Click to Order from Health Supply 770
References
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
