Diabetic Socks
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) estimates that by 2025 there will be over 5 million people in the UK living with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can affect many of the systems of the body including the nervous and venous systems. This can cause many issues around the feet and ankles. As such as a diabetic it is extremely important to take good care of your feet and ankles. This should include an annual foot exam and taking measures to limit any risks of trauma to the skin and nails.
Relaxsan diabetic soft cushion soled socks with x-static silver fibre can be used as part of your regime to protect your feet and ankles.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels resulting in issues with poor circulation. This commonly leads to problems with dry, cracked skin especially on the feet, brittle toenails and delayed healing of any wounds or sores.
Insufficient blood flow through damaged blood vessels can also lead to peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is a long-term complication of diabetes that typically affects the legs and feet and an estimated 50% of people with diabetes will be affected. Much of the sensory information between the lower extremities and the brain is transferred by the peripheral nervous system. When these nerves are no longer working properly, it may cause reduced sensation in the feet and make it difficult to feel pain, pressure or temperature. Frequently there may be unpleasant sensations in the feet such as burning, numbness, tingling or pins and needles. Sometimes people suffer from sharp, stabbing pains or extreme sensitivity to touch. Peripheral neuropathy can also cause swelling in the feet and ankles.
The combination of poor sensation and slow wound healing can cause significant damage to the feet. If you are unaware that you have a rub or a sore and therefore don’t take action to treat it, it can easily develop into an ulcer. It is important to consult with your doctor if you sustain any injury to your foot.
Relaxsan diabetic socks are seamless and have no compression. This reduces risk of blistering and allows give around the cuff to accommodate any ankle swelling and minimise digging and marking.
They contain x-static silver fiber which is 99.9% pure silver bonded onto nylon. The natural properties of x-static silver fibre are antibacterial and thermoregulating. Thermoregulating means the diabetic socks keep feet warm in cold weather and wick away sweat and allow feet to breathe in hot weather. By keeping feet warm a diabetic sock can help improve blood circulation. Antimicrobial properties fight bacteria which cause odour and eliminates fungus. The reinforced and anatomical heel and toe of the diabetic socks provide optimal fit and improve durability.
Overall a good quality diabetic sock such as Relaxsan soft diabetic sock with x-static can reduce the risk of foot problems for the diabetic population. Diabetic socks will work best when use in conjunction with properly fitted shoes, a diabetic insole if appropriate, regular skin checks and well-controlled blood sugar levels.
