If you have diabetes, it is important to take care of your feet to avoid ulcers and ultimately amputation.
Diabetic socks can be vital for foot care as they are specifically designed to provide compression and comfort and can help protect your feet and keep them healthy.
Although there are diabetic socks for both women and men, in this article we will discuss the 5 best diabetic socks for women to avoid foot pain and complications and what you need to look for when purchasing them.
We will also provide tips on how to care for your diabetic socks so that they last as long as possible.
What are diabetic socks?
Diabetic socks are a special type of sock that is designed to provide comfort and support if you have diabetes. Diabetes can cause numerous complications, including foot problems.
You may suffer from diabetic neuropathy, where high blood sugar levels cause nerve damage over time which can lead to a loss of sensation.
When your feet are numb you are more prone to develop a foot ulcer from a simple cut and for it to get infected, which is the main reason for diabetes-related lower limb amputation.
Peripheral artery disease, also called peripheral vascular disease, is another complication of diabetes where the arteries or blood vessels that supply blood to your limbs narrow due to plaque buildup, which results in poor blood flow leading to pain when walking or even cramping in your legs.
Despite all the diabetic foot problems, there are treatment options such as diabetic socks that help to reduce the risk of these complications by providing cushioning and support for your feet.
They also help to keep your feet dry by wicking away moisture and they can help manage foot odor.
Diabetic socks are usually made from a softer material than regular socks and they have special seams to prevent irritation against your skin.
Most types of diabetic socks also have special features such as anti-microbial properties and padded soles.
There also are some ordinary socks that are not labeled as diabetic socks but that may still be used in the same manner although not all socks meet these requirements.
What are the benefits of diabetic socks?
There are many benefits of diabetic socks but the most common is the fact that they provide extra cushioning and have special seams to help avoid friction that can cause blisters, cuts, or skin irritations that may become foot ulcers.
Diabetic socks can also help keep your feet dry which helps to prevent fungal infections and foot odor. They also can help to improve blood circulation by providing gentle compression.
When do I need to wear diabetic socks?
If you have diabetes, it is imperative to always wear socks.
It is best to avoid going barefoot as much as possible to avoid foot injuries. Socks are also necessary when you are exercising or when it is hot outside to help keep your feet cool and dry for all day comfort.
Even if you are diabetic and have never had foot ulcers, diabetic socks can help you prevent them.
If you are at medium or high risk for diabetic foot ulcers, diabetic socks can be crucial in helping you avoid them as well as infections and possible amputations.
What is the difference between diabetic socks and compression socks?
Compression socks are a type of sock that is used to help improve blood circulation and prevent swelling.
They are often beneficial if you have diabetes, sit or stand for long periods, are pregnant, and if you just had surgery.
Compression socks work by applying gentle pressure to your legs which helps the veins and arteries to move blood more efficiently.
Diabetic socks are a type of sock that is designed specifically if you have diabetes with all the features we described above.
What do I need to look for in a diabetic sock?
When you are looking for diabetic socks, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure that the socks fit well and are not too tight or too loose while also ensuring that there is not a tight elastic band at the top that may reduce blood flow and cause poor circulation.
They also need to be made from a soft material that appear “seamless” to avoid irritation.
The ability to wick away moisture and help keep your feet dry is also a must when searching for diabetic socks.
You also want to look for socks that have extra cushioning to help relieve and prevent any pain in your foot from walking or running.
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What are the five best diabetic socks for women?
There are many types of diabetic socks available on the market but not all women will need or want the same type of socks.
The following is a list of 5 different types of diabetic socks that are best if you are a woman with diabetes and they include:
Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Diabetes and Circulatory Ankle Socks
When it comes to foot care, there isn’t a bigger name in the industry than Dr. Scholl’s which makes it no surprise that they also make socks for diabetics.
These ankle length diabetic socks have a non-binding opening at the top that puts hardly any pressure on your legs to allow circulation while still keeping your socks in place.
The toe seam is made to avoid irritation and also help prevent bunching.
Other beneficial features are that it is made from DS Dry moisture management yarn and TempRite technology to keep your feet dry and cool while also containing antimicrobial technology to avoid any odors.
Dr. Comfort Diabetic Ankle Socks
The Dr. Comfort company was specifically founded to create diabetic shoes and they have naturally expanded into making diabetic socks.
They feature a smooth seam construction which can help prevent the formation of foot blisters, calluses, and foot ulcers.
The ankle socks also feature extra padding on the heel and also the forefoot.
These amazing socks feature nano bamboo fiber which helps keep your feet dry while also being antimicrobial for odor control. Dr. Comfort also makes these available in 5 different sizes and 4 different colors to suit your personal taste.
Dr. Comfort Diabetic Extra Roomy Socks
Unlike the Dr. Comfort socks above, these extra roomy socks were created to help you if you have large calves or experience swollen feet, ankles, or calves.
The extra room makes for a comfortable fit in the sock while allowing the non-binding top to allow for circulation even with bigger calves or legs.
It also features antimicrobial and nano bamboo charcoal fibers to help prevent moisture, odors, and infection to keep your feet healthy and dry.
Actifi Truly Soft 8-15 mmHg Diabetic Mini-Crew Socks
These Actifi socks are slightly longer than ankle socks but not quite crew socks.
They feature a non-irritating toe seam to avoid friction if you have sensitive feet.
The yarn used to make the sock is antimicrobial, antifungal, and also wicks moisture away to prevent wet feet, infections, and odor.
The sock is also engineered with extra cushioning for maximum comfort.
Dr. Segal’s Diabetic Socks
Dr. Segal’s makes stylish diabetic socks designed by a doctor for both men in women in assorted color options and designs.
All of their socks feature a stretchy, non-binding top band to allow maximum circulation to your legs and extra cushy padding for injury prevention.
They also feature antimicrobial and moisture-wicking materials to prevent odors and fungal growth while keeping your feet dry.
How do I care for my diabetic socks?
Caring for your diabetic socks is important to extend their lifespan and also to prevent any infection or skin irritation.
Always wash your socks after each wear, even if you did not break a sweat from exercise or physical activities, to help prevent any bacteria from building up.
It is best to use a mild detergent on a delicate cycle in cold water and to put the socks inside a mesh bag. Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets as they can leave a coating on the socks that can irritate your skin.
Line drying is preferable although you can also use a very low heat setting if you must put them in the dryer. If your socks exhibit any signs of wear, rips, or holes, it is best to get rid of them and buy a new pair to avoid irritation on your feet.
Summary
Diabetic socks are a must-have for their health benefits for anyone with diabetes or circulatory issues as they help to prevent skin irritation, foot ulcers, and infection.
When choosing a diabetic sock, it is important to look for one that is non-binding, has extra padding, and is made from moisture-wicking and antimicrobial materials for proper foot health.
It also helps to look for seamless socks, which are pairs of socks with a smooth toe seam to avoid irritation.
There are a variety of diabetic socks on the market for both men and women in different colors and styles and you can pick the ones from above that suit your style preferences. It is important to wash your socks after each wear and to line dry or use a very low heat setting if you must put them in the dryer.
Dispose of any socks that show any wear and tear to avoid foot complications with diabetes. If you have any questions about diabetes, foot problems, and what is best to wear to avoid them, please talk to your doctor, podiatrist, or health care provider.
References and sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580
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Diabetic.org is devoted to producing expert and accurate articles and information for our readers by hiring experts, journalists, medical professionals, and our growing Diabetic.org community. We encourage you to read more about our content, editing, and fact checking methods here. This was fact checked by Chris Riley and medically reviewed by Dr. Angel Rivera.
