For those with diabetes, taking care of your feet every day is very important. diabetic socks are made just for that! Diabetic socks are designed to keep your feet warm and dry, decrease the risk of cuts or foot injuries, and help improve blood circulation. They are either made with non-elastic, non-binding or seamless materials to reduce rubbing and blisters. Some diabetic socks include antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to prevent bacteria growth or buildup, which can be especially beneficial to help prevent infections.
One possible side effect of diabetes is damage to your blood vessels and nerves, making it harder for you to feel sensations in your feet. The loss of feeling combined with high blood sugar means that an infection can be serious. Wearing clean, diabetic socks can help protect your feet and help you notice any cuts quickly! Another common symptom of diabetes is changing temperature in your feet. Diabetic socks help regulate your temperature and keep your feet warm.
As you wear your socks daily, the features will eventually wear out as well. That is why it is important to replace your diabetic socks often to keep your feet protected and healthy. For most people with diabetes, it is recommended to wear your diabetic socks daily. If this is the case, then you are washing them frequently. Repeated wear and washing over time will cause the socks to wear out and lose their benefits. On average, most diabetic socks can last up to six months. However, if you notice any holes, tears, or wearing, throw out the pair immediately and replace them.
Wearing diabetic socks can help keep your feet clean, healthy, and help you notice any cuts or blisters early so you can prevent infection. Because cuts and infections can quickly become serious, it is important to check your feet and socks daily. Check your socks frequently for any holes, rips, or loose threads. These can leave your foot exposed and can possibly lead to cuts or infections. Many diabetic socks are made in white fabric. This allows you to easily see any discoloring or if you have a cut or wound. While you can wear diabetic socks in a variety of colors, it is still important to check your feet and socks daily. Wear a pair of fresh, clean socks each day to ensure your feet are staying healthy and clean. If you notice that your socks are dirty during the day, switch them out for a clean pair. It is also a good idea to change your socks after you exercise, are outdoors for a long period of time, or if your feet are sweaty.
To improve the lifespan of your diabetic socks, wash and care for them properly. Wash your socks soon after wearing them to prevent bacteria buildup. Make sure to only wash and dry them on low heat, without using bleach or harsh cleaners. High heat can actually harm the fibers and cause them to wear out more quickly. You can also wash the socks in a mesh bag in the washing machine to keep them better protected. Taking proper care of your socks can help improve their lifespan, however, you will eventually need to replace them.
If you wear your diabetic socks every day or regularly, it can be hard to keep track of how old each pair is. The lifespan of most pairs of socks is about 6 months. However, it can be hard to track how old each specific pair is. We’ve listed a few tips below that you can use to try to keep better track of when it is time to replace each pair.
1. Write the date you started wearing your socks on the tag with a permanent marker. That way, you can easily see when you started wearing them and when they should be replaced.
2. Sew a small stitch into the top or bottom band of the pair. Make sure to use a different color thread than the color of the socks. Keep track of the color of the thread and the date that you started wearing that pair. You can use multiple color threads to keep track of different dates that you started wearing specific pairs of socks.
You can use these tips to keep better track of when you will need to replace each pair of socks. However, if you notice any holes, rips, or thinning, throw out that pair immediately and replace them. Make sure your socks are doing their part to keep your feet protected and healthy!