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Diabetes Socks

By Joy Pape, RN, BSN, CDE, WOCN, CFCN

After you’re diagnosed with diabetes, socks may be on the top of the “to buy” list. Socks decrease the friction of shoes rubbing against your feet. The repeated rubbing could otherwise create a blister, which could open and become a wound.

Once your skin is opened, it can no longer protect the area from the outside environment. Bacteria, dirt, or debris can enter and cause infection. Circulation problems add to these difficulties and smoking compounds them further because it affects the vessels that provide circulation to the infected area. Diabetes already hinders your ability to heal and a wound that does not heal could progress to the point of amputation.

If you have any nerve problems, you may have lost the ability to feel pain or anything else. Your shoes may rub, but you won’t feel it, therefore you won’t know to take precautionary measures. So listen to your pain. If your shoes are rubbing against your raw feet, rectify the situation by either putting on a pair of socks or stockings, or a pair of shoes that don’t rub.

So, Why White?

If you do develop a blister or a sore, and you don’t feel it, white socks simply alert you to the problem. Blood shows up on white socks clearer than on dark ones. When you see this, you can get treatment for it right away, and hopefully prevent any further problems.

Check out this picture.

This woman did not feel a blister forming, nor did she know the blister opened to a sore. She did see the blood on her white socks, realized she had a wound, took care of it right away, and is now doing fine.

Now you know.

EnJOY! healthy feet for a lifetime.

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Read more of Joy Pape's columns.

NOTE: The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.