According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, along with an estimated 7 million people who have this disease, but have not been diagnosed. About 60% to 70% of people with diabetes develop mild to severe forms of nervous system damage, such as neuropathy, which most often involves the feet. Because diabetes adversely affects circulation, there is often not enough blood flow to extremities like the feet and hands. This can cause nerves to die and the skin to change which ultimately leads to problems such as dry, cracked and peeling feet, calluses, pressure ulcers, loss of feeling, extreme pain and even amputation.

  
This is why it is so important for people with diabetes to take good care of their feet, and one of the best ways to do that is to invest in some high quality footwear designed specifically for diabetics. Choosing the correct socks can make a world of difference to someone with diabetes, and the Ecosox Over the Calf Diabetic Bamboo Socks are a great choice to make. Made from viscose bamboo which can absorb 3 to 4 times as much moisture as cotton, these super soft and comfortable thermo-regulating socks help keep feet warm and dry in the winter, and cool and dry in the summer. These diabetic bamboo socks are also very effective at controlling odor as they do not harbor bacteria as easily as some other sock fabrics on the market. Specifically designed to stay up without cutting off circulation, Ecosox will safely stay up on the leg, helping to prevent that annoying 'bunched up sock around the ankle' feeling.

     


Another great sock choice for diabetics is the SensiFoot Diabetic Support Socks. Especially designed for people who are experiencing decreased nerve sensation caused by diabetes or foot pain from arthritis, these support socks feature non-restricting and mild gradient compression, with a non-binding top welt that won't restrict circulation. Soft padding in the foot, heel and toe areas protects against pressure points and helps to reduce friction, while the non-irritating and smooth, flat toe seam additionally reduces pressure and irritation. The acrylic fiber blend material wicks away moisture to keep feet dry and comfortable in all types of climates, and an antimicrobial finish inhibits bacterial and fungal growth on the sock.

  



The Euros Rx Diabetic Crew Socks  were created by podiatric and vascular physicians to provide maximum protection and comfort for diabetics and feature a seamless, constriction-free design to reduce irritation. Made in Italy, these socks are constructed with a woven arch support which can help relieve the effects of Charcot foot and tarsal degeneration, and also feature a mild ankle brace for enhanced lateral and medial support. Their dual tone technology aids in the rapid detection of wounds, and special fibers in the material help to control bacterial growth and minimize odors.

  


Blending superior protection, fit and comfort, the HealthDri Diabetic Socks are woven with Amicor microbial fibers for superior odor control that won't wash out in the laundry. Available in both cotton and acrylic styles, the HealthDri socks specifically address typical foot problems associated with diabetes and provide extra cushioning for sore or sensitive feet. Amicor is a versatile and effective anti-bacterial fiber that is woven inside of textile materials to provide protection from the growth of harmful microbes, and helps to prevent the exponential growth of harmful bacteria on the surface of the whole material.

It is always important to take care of your feet, but especially so if you have diabetes. Be sure to ward off loss of circulation, infections, pressure ulcers, calluses and dry, cracked skin by using appropriate socks that have been specifically designed for diabetics, and enjoy the increased comfort with every step you take in the direction of better health.

Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO