Winter is in full effect. Time to get your warm socks and winter boots out of the closet. You may already know properly fitting shoes are key to keeping your feet happy, but properly fitting socks can also impact your foot health. My grandmom used to give us socks for Christmas. I used to think it was a silly gift but as an adult, I really appreciated the gesture.
Whether you got them as a gift or bought them yourself here is how to tell if your socks fit well.
1. You should be able to easily press your finger in between your big toe and your second toe. Socks should be snug but not tight. Wearing socks or shoes that are too tight can increase your chance of ingrown toenails or hammertoes.
2. Gabbing and pulling away the material at any point should be easy. A good amount of sock should be able to be pulled away. The material should not be so loose that it bunches up in the shoes. Your toes should lay flat in the socks.
3. There should be no compression, especially around the toes. Socks that are too tight can constrict circulation making the toes feel colder.
4. You can easily spread your toes or wear toe spacers without pressure. Being able to spread your toes allows the skin to breathe, making you less prone to athlete's foot between the toes.
5. The socks should not leave elastic marks around your feet or ankles. Marks in your legs may mean you are retaining fluid. You are better off wearing a compression stocking to the knee with a sock over the compression stocking.
6. Throw out any socks that are stretched out, fall down, or have holes in them. These socks no longer serve their purpose and need to be retired.
7. The socks should stay in place in your shoes. If you find them slipping or bunching in your shoes toss them! Socks can cause irritations and blisters if they are too loose in the shoes.
Don't let foot pain ruin your holiday season; call us for a same-day appointment today.