If you have diabetes, it's crucial that you take extra care of your feet. As a diabetic, you're at far greater risk of a number of foot problems, including neuropathy (nerve damage) and ulcers. If you don't take the necessary precautions to keep your feet healthy, you could end up being one of the 4,400 diabetic Australians per year who have to have their toes, feet or even lower legs amputated.
Thankfully, there are many things you can do to prevent foot problems when you have diabetes. Diabetic podiatry care, for example, will go a long way in ensuring that any issues are caught long before they lead to amputation. Another way to reduce your risk of ill foot health is to choose the right socks. It may sound surprising that something as basic as a sock could have an affect on your health, but if that sock has the right qualities, it can be a very valuable preventative tool for people with diabetes. Here's what you should be looking for in your socks.
Thick Cushioning
The first thing you should look for in your socks is a good level of thick cushioning or padding—this will help prevent calluses. When you have diabetes, you'll develop high-pressure areas under your feet. This makes them more susceptible to calluses. Aside from being uncomfortable and unsightly, calluses can also break down and become open sores called ulcers. If an ulcer gets serious or infected, you could end up needing amputation. Cushioning in your socks will reduce the pressure on your feet when you walk, absorbing some of the impact and lessening your risk of a callus.
Breathable Material
While the material used in your socks should be thick, it also shouldn't be so thick that your feet get moist over the course of the day. If your feet sweat too much, the moisture can cause a range of problems. It can cause the chemicals in your shoes to leech into your skin and develop a rash, and it creates the perfect environment for infections (including fungal and viral infections). Since infections are a leading cause of amputation, breathable socks are crucial for people with diabetes. Look for socks marketed as low-sweat, low-odour or moisture-wicking.
Smooth Surface
Finally, make sure you choose socks with a 'smooth' surface. That means you should steer clear of options with elasticated cuffs that pucker in, as well as those with prominent seams that press into your feet. Elasticated cuffs can cut off your circulation throughout the day. If you don't get enough blood to your feet, they won't be able to fight infection properly, and you'll also be at greater risk of nerve damage. Prominent seams, on the other hand, rub against your feet as you walk, leading to calluses that could become problematic.
