Diabetic Foot Pain? Put A Diabetic “Sock on It”

Foot care is an important aspect of managing diabetes. Neuropathy and poor circulation are two common conditions associated with diabetic feet, which can result in foot ulcers and Charcot neuropathy.

Foot ulcers result from neuropathy or nerve damage. You can get a foot injury and not feel it due to the loss of feeling. The injury can become worse if left undetected and as a result untreated. The risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer over one’s lifetime is between 19% and 34%. Recurrence is common after initial healing. Approximately 40% of patients have a recurrence within 1 year after ulcer healing, almost 60% within 3 years, and 65% within 5 years.[1]

Charcot foot is a rare complication of diabetes-related neuropathy. It can result from even a small injury or infection, which you may not feel because of nerve damage. Charcot foot disease can make the joints collapse in your foot, permanently affecting your ability to use your foot. It also can make it more likely that a foot infection worsens or spreads to the rest of your body. [2] 

Taking diligent care of your feet requires regular visits to your physician or podiatrist. Footcare also requires making sure you have proper footwear. 

What do diabetic socks do

Diabetic socks are specially designed to enhance foot health in several ways to enable you to manage your diabetes more effectively. The best diabetic socks feature the following:

Moisture wicking materials: Moisture-wicking materials are essential for diabetic socks. The materials help to keep feet dry and comfortable to promote better circulation and overall foot health. Moisture-wicking materials keep feet dry by pulling moisture away from the foot so that sweat evaporates. Drier feet provide more protection against blisters and other wounds developing. Socks made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon are better than cotton for moisture-wicking.

Seamless design: The best diabetic socks typically have a seamless design along the toes, which reduces the risk of rubbing and blisters that could develop into ulcers, especially for someone with neuropathy or chronic high blood sugar.  

Non-binding design: Diabetic socks do not have traditional elastic bands. This means they offer a gentle fit without constricting blood flow. They minimize pressure around the legs and feet to promote better blood flow and reduce the risk of irritation or swelling. They support overall foot health by allowing blood to flow freely to prevent complications like neuropathy and ulcers.

Extra padding support: Another feature of diabetic socks is extra padding support, providing cushioning. This extra cushioning reduces pressure on sensitive areas of the feet, minimizing the risk of blisters and ulcers.

Anti-microbial properties: Some diabetic socks are made with copper – or silver – infused yarn, which has demonstrated anti-fungal properties. [3]

Soft yarns: Also, some of the best diabetic socks are made from bamboo and wool, which are fine-textured fabrics. These materials have natural anti-microbial properties and are less likely to be abrasive against the skin. [4]

Consider shoes for diabetes

In addition to diabetic socks, you will want to consider getting shoes for diabetes. Structurally, diabetic shoes are designed to prevent pressure on the feet. A wider toe width or “toe box” gives toes more room to move to help prevent blisters and hot spots that can develop when toes rub against each other or against the shoe.  Diabetic shoes also may have extra depth for a pressure-free fit. The extra depth is designed to accommodate orthotic inserts, which provide extra support for arches and good cushioning and reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot.

Diabetic shoes feature lightweight, cushioning soles to facilitate mobility and stability and reduce impacts on the feet. [5] They also help restrict air flow inside, which helps prevent moisture that can cause bacteria to grow. [6]

What to avoid in footwear

If you have diabetes, even if you do not need special shoes because your condition is under control and you are not experiencing foot problems, you will want to avoid shoes: [7]

·         With pointed toes, which restrict circulation and harm toes.

·         Without arch support since they can cause tissue breakdown in your foot.

·         That do not fit properly.

·         With high heels over two inches. Also, wear high heels sparingly.

Check feet daily

Diabetes management includes checking your feet daily for:

·         Dry and cracked skin

·         Blisters or sores

·         Bruises or cuts

·         Redness, warmth, or tenderness

·         Firm or hard spots

Avoid dry feet

To keep feet from getting dry and cracked try a foot skin cream like EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream. It is an over-the-counter offering that uniquely features active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. The product covers feet with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting relief. It is unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Daily use gives superior recovery and continuous relief, assuring long-lasting comfort. Learn more about EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream.