“I don’t have a photograph, but you can have my footprints. They’re upstairs in my socks.” 
– Groucho Marx 

If you live with diabetes it is recommended that you take extra care of your feet and lower limbs because you are at higher risk of wounds, infections and slower healing due to potentially reduced nerve, cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel), integumentary (skin, nails, hair and the glands on your skin) and immune system functioning. You can learn how to do this by attending an NDSS FootSMART program, by asking your podiatrist, and by considering what socks you wear.

You can buy basic socks from your local department store. Ideally, choose natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or bamboo. These inexpensive options may be breathable and comfortable and suit your needs. However, the sock market has expanded massively in recent years and there is now a much wider choice of socks available that may even help with certain health issues. Ongoing research has uncovered an extensive range of properties that can prevent or treat some conditions. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on the market.

Not your average sock 

The following features may be worth contemplating when making your choice:

• Odour reduction – whether for the relief of the wearer or those in close proximity. Some are deodorising, while others are odour resistant.
• Antifungal / Antibacterial / Antimicrobial properties to address the increased risk for people living with diabetes, not only for their feet and lower limbs but also transferred in the laundry to other material items in the family home.
  • Silver treated fibres – impregnation of fibres with silver to reduce the growth and spread of microbes.
  • Copper threads have shown to have strong antimicrobial properties, with the ability to kill various bacteria including MRSA and tinea pedis.
• Hypoallergenic socks avoid irritation caused by the presence of leather, rubber/spandex/latex, plastics, fabrics, dyes, metals, and glues in some shoes and socks.
• Addressing poor circulation secondary to diabetes may assist with issues such as nerve function, and symptoms including foot pain, numbness, tickling, burning, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and touch sensitivity:  
  • Non-tight stay ups 
  • Non-elastic tops 
  • Loose ribbing 
• Extra heel and toe padding reduce pressure points and friction-related blisters.  
  • Cushioned soles 
  • Hand-linked/comfort seams 
  • Seamless toe construction 
• Moisture resistance – reduces sweaty feet, especially between the toes which can affect the ability of fungal infections to grow. 
  • Wicking technology – absorbs / draws moisture away from the foot 
• Breathable, comfortable, environmentally friendly, natural fibres compared to man-made, synthetic materials 
  • Cotton, wool, bamboo, modal, soybean cotton  
• Durability and longevity – pilling and abrasion resistance as well as maintaining form and function 
  • Reinforcement of dedicated impact zones  
  • Spin design 
  • Comparison between yarns
• Falls risk reduction – increasingly importance with advancing age and/or compromised balance, function, muscle strength, range of movement and cognition: 
  • Non-slip soles
  • Combination of sensors and geolocation in socks with a wireless platform 
• Anatomical design
• Heat retention and regulating properties
  • Wool – breathable, warm in winter and cooling in summer. 

Get your socks on! 

The bottom line is, to wear socks. While there is no ‘one sock fits all’ answer, choose the socks that work best for you. 

Help when choosing socks 

Take a look at some of the socks on sale at diabetesshop.com.

Talk to others in Diabetes Australia’s Online Member Community. All sorts of topics about diabetes management are discussed in the online forum. 

Join the MyDesmond program and access its online community and chat forums.

Benefits 

What is clear are the benefits of wearing socks as a person living with diabetes, not only for comfort but also for protection. Your feet are made for walking – let’s keep it that way!

By Constance Russell – Registered Nurse, Credentialled Diabetes Educator