March 23, 2012. Samuel Valero
Diabetic socks are special socks that were created to improve venous return in diabetics. Diabetes is an illness that affects the nervous system.
It damages the nerve endings and a person loses sensation in their feet. Diabetes comes with a host of other health issues as well, like kidney problems and blindness. But the most prevalent is the poor circulation in the feet and lower legs.
When a diabetic is active, the blood flow is disrupted due to the nerve damage to the nerve endings. The blood will tend to pool in the feet. This causes pain and swelling in the feet, which brings on the problem of possible rubbing of the standard socks that they may be wearing that may cause a dangerous blister. This blister could get infected because the diabetic person won’t feel the sore until it’s too late. By the time they notice it, it’s going to be infected and will be debilitating, because you will be limited as to what you will be able to do because of the infection. You certainly won’t be walking around in shoes for a while.
Diabetic socks are made of an elastic material that is tighter at the ankle and gets looser as it goes up the leg. It is tighter at the ankle to apply pressure to the veins and promote the proper flow of blood to return in the veins. They help to increase the flow of blood in the legs that are deficient in the area of blood circulation.
When you decide you need a pair of socks for diabetics, you will need to be fitted for them. Make a visit to your doctor’s office and he will be able to write you a prescription for a pair. Your insurance may cover the cost of one pair. If you feel that you need more than one pair, you will need to budget for them. They cost anywhere between $50 and $400 per pair. You may want a collection if you work to match your wardrobe if you have chronic foot issues.
Updated March 23, 2012. Published October 7, 2011. Samuel Valero
