1. Help Diabetic Foot Neuropathy
Diabetic socks are specially designed to help people with diabetic foot neuropathy, which causes poor circulation and loss of feeling in the feet, to keep their feet dry and healthy. Diabetic socks promote circulation and pull moisture away from the feet more than regular socks do. They look just like athletic socks and are just as comfortable but they contain materials and features that help diabetics take better care of their feet.
2. Loosen Up
Look for socks that specify that they're non-binding when you shop for diabetic socks. This term refers to how much elastic the sock contains; non-binding socks contain some elastic to hold the sock up but don't have the thick bands of elastic around the top that regular athletic socks do. Diabetic socks are made with less elastic so that the sock stays up but it doesn't bind or restrict the leg, helping to promote healthy circulation through the foot.
3. Silver in Your Soles
Some diabetic socks have colloidal silver in their soles. The silver particles are woven into the fabric of the sock's sole and so you can't see or feel them. Silver pulls moisture away from the skin and absorbs it, and silver also reduces the amount of bacteria on the skin. This helps keep your feet dry and prevents cuts on them from becoming infected. Diabetics with limited sensation in their feet often can't tell when their feet become injured or damp, so silver helps keep feet safe.
4. Go All Natural
The diabetic socks you buy contain elastic, spandex or a similar material to help the socks stay on, but the other main component of the fabric should be cotton. Cotton is a natural fiber that will let your skin breathe and help keep your feet dry, which polyester and other synthetic fabrics won't do. Cotton is also gentler on the skin than other fabrics so cuts or sensitive skin won't become irritated. Buy diabetic socks that contain at least fifty percent cotton fiber in the fabric.
5. Fill Your Sock Drawer
Buy more than one pair of diabetic socks so you always have a clean pair to wear. Diabetic socks are a little more expensive than regular athletic socks, but they are a worthwhile investment in the health of your feet. If you can't afford several pairs, have at least two on hand. Wash diabetic socks regularly and let them air-dry to preserve the fabric. Take your diabetic socks off before going to bed so that your skin can breathe.
