People with diabetes are eight times more likely to require lower-limb amputation, primarily because of minor traumas that don’t heal properly, often as a result of poor blood circulation. Many of these complications are avoidable with proper daily foot care, including choosing the right socks.
Cotton vs. polyester
One of the key things to look for when choosing socks is the right material. While cotton is a great and versatile material for many garments, it’s less than ideal for socks.
“Moisture and bacteria are the enemy of diabetics in terms of foot care,” said Jay Robinson, senior vice president and general manager of the Performance Division for Renfro Brands, which includes Dr. Scholl’s Socks. “So, cotton is not a good sock fiber for a diabetic because it retains the moisture next to the skin.”
Excess moisture invites opportunities for blisters and other wounds to occur and slows the healing process. Therefore, having socks that efficiently wick away moisture from the foot is key to foot health.
Polyester socks are ideal because polyester fibers naturally wick away moisture, pulling moisture away from the skin and to the outside of the sock, expediting evaporation.
“The great thing about polyester is that it wicks away moisture so much better than other fibers,” said Bailey Stinson, a Type 1 diabetic and brand manager for Dr. Scholl’s Socks. “That is why all Dr. Scholl’s Socks are made with polyester fibers.”
Compression
Graduated Compression can also be a key component of a great pair of socks.
“Graduated Compression is a great technology that is constructed with greater tension at the ankle that lessens as it goes up the leg to promote circulation throughout the body,” Stinson said. “It’s really great for people who have tired, achy feet and legs after standing or sitting for long periods of time.”
“There’s a lot of bad compression on the market, or people using compression to mean different things, like just adding pressure to the skin,” Robinson said. “Dr. Scholl’s Socks are designed with a scientific evaluation of pressure at the ankle, versus pressure in the mid-calf, versus pressure in the upper calf that’s been studied and certified.”
Making the right choice
When selecting socks, you want to avoid socks that bind your leg. If your socks leave marks on your legs, that means the socks are too tight and doing more harm than good.
Stinson says it is also important to look for socks that have little or no toe seam, as that can cause irritation, hot spots, and blisters. Cushioning is another important factor, though the type and amount of cushioning will vary based on your individual needs.
“An athletic sock is traditionally thinner, because you don’t want your feet to overheat,” Stinson said. “But for everyday wear, it is important to have cushioning, especially around the heel and toe. Dr. Scholl’s Socks feature zoned cushioning and extended cushioning for increased comfort and protection.”
All Dr. Scholl’s Socks are specially designed with a variety of innovative technologies to keep your feet comfortable, energized, and protected so you can move and feel at your best.
“We really feel like we have an obligation to provide the best possible product for diabetics,” Robinson said. “We’re committed to that because we think it’s the right thing to do and because we fly under the Dr. Scholl’s banner. Dr Scholl’s is the No. 1 brand in foot health and has provided quality foot solutions for consumers since 1901, and we feel an obligation to uphold that brand promise.”
Explore Dr. Scholl’s full line of socks today at loopsandwales.com/collections/brand-dr-scholls and see how they can improve the way you care for your feet.