To wrap up National Diabetes Awareness Month, all of us here at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center want to take an opportunity to talk about something very dear to us… warm, comfortable socks! Winter is coming and it’s more important than ever for diabetic people to pay close attention to the needs of their feet and ankles.
When you have diabetes, nerve damage commonly leads to the condition called peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy leads to painful symptoms like burning, tingling, muscle weakness, and overall sensations of aching pain in the feet. Diabetics’ circulatory health typically suffer, which might lead to wounds healing slowly and infections turning into ulcers.
One of the most important preventative measures to avoid developing diabetic neuropathy is to take the utmost care of your feet and ankles by seeing a foot doctor. Dr. Michele Kurlanski agrees that a great pair of socks is worth their weight in gold when it comes to your feet. Check out our comprehensive list of tips and tricks to find great socks for your diabetic feet:
Moisture-wicking material:
Often times, moisture-wicking material means that the fabric of a pair of socks is a blend of polyester that helps draw moisture away from the body. Not only can this help decrease foot odor, but it will also help regulate the temperature of your feet.
Compression-specific socks:
There is a big difference between socks being too tight and socks that are actually engineered as compression socks. When socks are advertised as compression-wear, it means that they are created with better circulation in mind.
Warmth to increase circulation:
While it’s important to keep your feet cool and moisture free, it’s even more important in the colder months to protect your feet from harsh, low temperatures. Cold weather can decrease circulation in vulnerable diabetic feet - but using warm, temperature-regulating socks will help maintain healthy blood flow.
Be sure to ask Dr. Kurlanski about other ways you can help tackle preventative care for diabetic feet, like the innovative treatment Neurogenx. From all of us here in Scarborough, Maine, we hope your winter is warm and bright. Be proactive and call us today at (207) 774-0028 to schedule your next appointment- it’s never too early to get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions.