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Diabetic Socks Vs. Compression Socks: A Close Look At The Differences

Not all socks are created equal. There’s a lot of confusion out there regarding stockings and what they can do. For instance, compression socks can be used to reduce the pain and symptoms of diabetes. However, compression socks tend to be very tight around the ankle and aren’t very comfortable. Diabetic socks, on the other hand, are less restrictive and offer a lot of comfort. This post will dive deeper into the main differences and explain how they can assist you with diabetes.

What Are Diabetic Socks?

There is a growing demand for diabetic socks because it helps prevent the feet from developing blisters and getting ulcers. They also help the feet to keep warm during cold weather. Diabetic socks are mainly made from cotton, elastic, and Lycra which have been blended together to create an effective material for use as part of diabetic foot care.

What Are They Used For?

Diabetic socks help people with diabetes care for their feet to ensure that they don’t suffer from foot-threatening issues like ulcers. They are made from unique materials that allow for a raft of benefits. They are also typically hard-wearing to ensure that you don’t need to replace them too often. Some manufacturers even offer a guarantee. The diabetic sock manufacturers at diabeticsockclub.com state that their one-year warranty allows their customers to send back their socks for replacement if they get a hole within the first year. The fact that these socks have a warranty should show you how essential they are for many people with diabetes worldwide.

They Are Made From Moisture Wicking Materials

Moisture-wicking socks are designed to keep your feet dry and cool so that you can have a comfortable time in the summer. They come in several materials, including cotton, wool, spandex, or silk. Benefits of moisture-wicking socks:

  • They can reduce foot odor
  • They can reduce foot swelling
  • They can help prevent foot injuries such as blisters and athlete’s foot
  • They can offer protection from fungal infections
  • They are breathable

There is another crucial reason why people with diabetes should keep their feet dry in addition to these advantages. Because moist feet are soft, they are more likely to tear and become injured, leading to potentially life-threatening problems down the road.

They Have A Seamless Construction

Diabetic socks are often created without stitches along the toe to prevent friction and blistering, which can develop into ulcers, especially in those who have issues with pain sensation. White soles on diabetic socks are occasionally used to highlight drainage of a wound that isn’t visible.

They Are Made Using Soft Materials

Aside from the comfort point, soft materials are required to reduce the chances of receiving friction-based injuries. Most socks are made using a majority of cotton that has been blended with other fabrics to ensure elasticity. 

They Are Designed To Stay Up Without Elastic

Although this might seem like a trivial matter, most socks will use some kind of elastic fabric to keep the socks up and tight to the leg. However, this can be an issue for people with diabetes as it can cause severe problems with blood circulation, cutting off supply to an already fragile area. Therefore, diabetic socks are designed to stay up without squeezing the leg tightly, thereby facilitating sufficient blood flow.

They Have Antimicrobial Properties

Antimicrobial socks can provide relief for neuropathic pain and reduce infections. They are made up of bacteriostatic and acidic materials, which prevent bacteria from growing in the skin and spreading further than their natural rate. They will even have silver strands running through them in some cases, which has been proven to boost their antimicrobial properties.

What Are Compression Socks?

Compression socks are often marketed as treating injuries, improving athletic performance, and helping reduce pain. They are sometimes recommended for people with edema, deep vein thrombosis, or patients after a hip surgery. As their popularity has increased, compression socks have become a popular item in many stores and online retailers. Compression socks relieve pain by increasing circulation and preventing blood pooling in the feet and legs. Mild to moderate graded compression is used in diabetic compression socks, which means the garment’s most significant support is at the ankles and progressively decreases towards the top. Compression socks are generally utilized as a preventive strategy for diabetes patients.

Do Compression Socks Work As A Substitute For Diabetic Socks?

It depends on the severity of your condition and what other health issues you may have. Compression socks help the diabetic person in a variety of ways. It can prevent the occurrence of swelling, it can help reduce foot pain, and it can also minimize the risk of ulcers. A diabetic person typically experiences foot pain and swelling due to their condition. These compression socks will help them prevent these complications while still providing the necessary support they need from footwear. They work by compressing the blood flow so that it doesn’t pool excessively in places, which prevents clots and other issues. Some benefits of compression socks include:

  • Ensure proper circulation
  • Blood clot prevention 
  • A reduction in swelling
  • Prevent sores, blisters, and infections on the feet 

Nevertheless, if you suffer from other health problems, including neuropathy (damage or dysfunction to your nerves), you might find that diabetic socks provide you with the most benefit. Compression socks tend not to include many features that make diabetic socks so special. For example, they will have seams like standard socks, which could rub and cause all manner of injuries. Additionally, their compression may be too strong for some people with diabetes, causing blood circulation to the feet to decrease.

How To Care For Your Socks

Both kinds of socks are typically costlier than standard options and must be worn every day. To that end, you will need to enact proper sock care to ensure they stay in good enough condition. You can prolong the life of socks by washing them in mesh laundry bags in the washing machine and drying them on low heat.

There are noticeable differences between these two types of socks. Compression socks are designed to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots, while diabetic socks contain a range of other features meant to keep your feet healthy.

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