Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFeaturesWhere to BuyCare and MaintenanceDiabetic Socks vs. Compression StockingsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Features
Where to Buy
Care and Maintenance
Diabetic Socks vs. Compression Stockings
Frequently Asked Questions
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), decreases sensation in the feet, particularly the soles, and increases the risk of injury. It can also cause a person with diabetes to be unaware of an injury and delay treatment.
Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images
Circulatory problems interfere with wound healing because continuous blood flow is required. Elevated blood sugar levels also can hinder the immune system. These problems, when uncontrolled, can create a situation that could lead toamputationor even death.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Not everyone with diabetes needs diabetic socks. For those who don’t have foot problems, regular socks that are comfortable, non-binding, and fit well are sufficient,although it may be advisable to wear them during lengthy travel, as sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of swelling or blood clots.
People with diabetes who would benefit from always wearing solely diabetic socks are those who:
Diabetic socks are designed with a number of features to directly address foot issues associated with the condition.
Moisture-Wicking Material
Seamless
Diabetic socks typically are made without seams along the toe to reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters that could lead to ulcers, especially for someone with neuropathy or chronichyperglycemia(high blood sugar). Diabetic socks also sometimes have white soles to reveal draining of a wound that may not be felt.
Soft Yarns
Some diabetic socks are made from fine-textured fabrics such as bamboo and wool, both of which have natural antimicrobial properties and also aren’t likely to be abrasive against the skin. Certain brands, such asDr. Scholl’s, offer diabetic socks made of a specific type of blister-guard yarn meant to reduce blister-causing friction.
Non-Elastic Binding
Diabetic socks are designed to stay up without squeezing the calves, which can restrict blood flow.
Antimicrobial Properties
To prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, some socks are made with copper- or silver-infused yarn, shown to have anti-fungal properties. Copper-infused socks may also prevent reinfection of athlete’s foot on subsequent wears. These socks also offer odor protection.
Padded Soles
Extra padding can help prevent foot injuries and may be made from extra-thick fabric or gel or silicone pads sewn in. Look for padded diabetic socks that match the type of activity you do: extra padding in the heel if you stand for long periods of time, for example, or under the ball of the foot if you run or exercise often. Toe padding may be helpful for people who play sports such as tennis or soccer.
Smart Technology
Some diabetic socks have embedded sensors that track foot temperature in order to alert the wearer via an app if, say, an ulcer is forming. They have a coin-size battery located on the exterior of the sock near the ankle. These socks usually last around six months. For more information, check outSiren.
Lengths
Diabetic socks come in all lengths, from no-show styles to anklets to crew-length to calf-length and over-the-knee. The latter may be the best choice for people with circulation issues,.
Diabetic socks can be purchased at chain stores, pharmacies, andAmazonand other online shopping sites, including sites that specialize in diabetic socks such as Renfro Socks. They can range in price from $2 a pair to $140 a pair depending on materials and functionality.
The Best Diabetic Socks for Work, Play, and Everyday Use
Diabetic socks can be worn daily (and most people who need themshouldwear them everyday) and washed frequently. Most will last around six months with regular wear and proper care. To increase their longevity, wash socks in a mesh undergarment bag in the washing machine and dry them on low heat. Use a sweater comb or shaver to remove fabric pills.
Socks should be thrown away at the first sign of wear and tear, such as holes or rips.
Compression stockings are not the same as diabetic socks, as they’re meant to increase constriction so that blood can return more easily to the heart. Medical-grade compression socks are not appropriate for people with diabetes because they can decrease blood flow to the feet and accelerate damage.
However, if you have swollen feet, talk to your healthcare provider: Some diabetic socks provide a lighter degree of compression that may ease swelling without inhibiting blood flow.
What Is a Medical Pedicure?
There are a few different ways for people with diabetes to increase blood flow to their feet.Exercise at least 30 minutes each day for five days a week. Frequency is what you’re aiming for, so if needed, exercise in shorter lengths throughout the day so that it adds up to 30 minutes total.Wear diabetic socks that offer plenty of warmth, aren’t too tight, and do not have a seam.Stay as close as possible to your targeted level of blood sugar.Avoid smoking.Include omega-3 fatty acids and high-fiber foods in your diet.When you sit or lay down, wiggle your toes for several minutes. This helps blood continue to flow despite being still.
There are a few different ways for people with diabetes to increase blood flow to their feet.
Diabetic socks are sold at many popular online retailers and in stores. Keep an eye out for comfortably-padded socks with no seams and a loose fit. You want to avoid compression socks since they can restrict blood circulation.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association.Foot complications.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes and foot problems.Mohammedi K, Woodward M, Zoungas S, et al.Absence of peripheral pulses and risk of major vascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care. 2016;39(12):2270-2277. doi:10.2337/dc16-1594Gorar S, Alioglu B, Ademoglu E, et al.Is there a tendency for thrombosis in gestational diabetes mellitus?J Lab Physicians. 2016;8(2):101‐105. doi:10.4103/0974-2727.180790Otter SJ, Rome K, Ihaka B, et al.Protective socks for people with diabetes: A systematic review and narrative analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-015-0068-7Wu SC, Crews RT, Skratsky M, et al.Control of lower extremity edema in patients with diabetes: Double blind randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mild compression diabetic socks.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2017;127:35–43. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.02.025Wu SC, Crews RT, Najafi B, Slone-Rivera N, Minder JL, Andersen CA.Safety and efficacy of mild compression (18-25 mm Hg) therapy in patients with diabetes and lower extremity edema.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012;6(3):641–647. doi:10.1177/193229681200600319Diabetes.co.uk.Circulatory System and Diabetes.UCLA Health.How to Improve Blood Circulation if You Have Type 2 Diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Diabetes and Your Feet.Additional ReadingAmerican Diabetes Association.Cutting edge socks for healthy feet: help or hype?
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Diabetes Association.Foot complications.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes and foot problems.Mohammedi K, Woodward M, Zoungas S, et al.Absence of peripheral pulses and risk of major vascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care. 2016;39(12):2270-2277. doi:10.2337/dc16-1594Gorar S, Alioglu B, Ademoglu E, et al.Is there a tendency for thrombosis in gestational diabetes mellitus?J Lab Physicians. 2016;8(2):101‐105. doi:10.4103/0974-2727.180790Otter SJ, Rome K, Ihaka B, et al.Protective socks for people with diabetes: A systematic review and narrative analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-015-0068-7Wu SC, Crews RT, Skratsky M, et al.Control of lower extremity edema in patients with diabetes: Double blind randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mild compression diabetic socks.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2017;127:35–43. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.02.025Wu SC, Crews RT, Najafi B, Slone-Rivera N, Minder JL, Andersen CA.Safety and efficacy of mild compression (18-25 mm Hg) therapy in patients with diabetes and lower extremity edema.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012;6(3):641–647. doi:10.1177/193229681200600319Diabetes.co.uk.Circulatory System and Diabetes.UCLA Health.How to Improve Blood Circulation if You Have Type 2 Diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Diabetes and Your Feet.Additional ReadingAmerican Diabetes Association.Cutting edge socks for healthy feet: help or hype?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Diabetes Association.Foot complications.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes and foot problems.Mohammedi K, Woodward M, Zoungas S, et al.Absence of peripheral pulses and risk of major vascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care. 2016;39(12):2270-2277. doi:10.2337/dc16-1594Gorar S, Alioglu B, Ademoglu E, et al.Is there a tendency for thrombosis in gestational diabetes mellitus?J Lab Physicians. 2016;8(2):101‐105. doi:10.4103/0974-2727.180790Otter SJ, Rome K, Ihaka B, et al.Protective socks for people with diabetes: A systematic review and narrative analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-015-0068-7Wu SC, Crews RT, Skratsky M, et al.Control of lower extremity edema in patients with diabetes: Double blind randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mild compression diabetic socks.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2017;127:35–43. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.02.025Wu SC, Crews RT, Najafi B, Slone-Rivera N, Minder JL, Andersen CA.Safety and efficacy of mild compression (18-25 mm Hg) therapy in patients with diabetes and lower extremity edema.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012;6(3):641–647. doi:10.1177/193229681200600319Diabetes.co.uk.Circulatory System and Diabetes.UCLA Health.How to Improve Blood Circulation if You Have Type 2 Diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Diabetes and Your Feet.
American Diabetes Association.Foot complications.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes and foot problems.
Mohammedi K, Woodward M, Zoungas S, et al.Absence of peripheral pulses and risk of major vascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.Diabetes Care. 2016;39(12):2270-2277. doi:10.2337/dc16-1594
Gorar S, Alioglu B, Ademoglu E, et al.Is there a tendency for thrombosis in gestational diabetes mellitus?J Lab Physicians. 2016;8(2):101‐105. doi:10.4103/0974-2727.180790
Otter SJ, Rome K, Ihaka B, et al.Protective socks for people with diabetes: A systematic review and narrative analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-015-0068-7
Wu SC, Crews RT, Skratsky M, et al.Control of lower extremity edema in patients with diabetes: Double blind randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mild compression diabetic socks.Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2017;127:35–43. doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2017.02.025
Wu SC, Crews RT, Najafi B, Slone-Rivera N, Minder JL, Andersen CA.Safety and efficacy of mild compression (18-25 mm Hg) therapy in patients with diabetes and lower extremity edema.J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012;6(3):641–647. doi:10.1177/193229681200600319
Diabetes.co.uk.Circulatory System and Diabetes.
UCLA Health.How to Improve Blood Circulation if You Have Type 2 Diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Diabetes and Your Feet.
American Diabetes Association.Cutting edge socks for healthy feet: help or hype?
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