Diabetic socks, also known as compression socks or DME socks, are specially designed socks to help people with diabetes take care of their feet and legs. They apply graded compression to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Read on to learn more about diabetic socks, their features, and benefits.
What are the Different Names for Diabetic Socks?
Diabetic socks go by several different names:
- Diabetic socks
- Compression socks
- Anti-embolism socks
- Medical socks
- Therapeutic socks
- Gradient socks
- Diabetic support socks
- Diabetes socks
- DME (durable medical equipment) socks
While they are most commonly referred to as diabetic socks or compression socks, they may also be called anti-embolism, medical, therapeutic, gradient, or DME socks. The different names refer to their main purposes – helping manage diabetes, improving circulation, preventing complications, and qualifying as medical equipment.
Why are They Called Diabetic Socks?
They are primarily called diabetic socks because they are specially designed to help people with diabetes take care of their feet and legs. Diabetes can cause a number of foot problems, including:
- Poor circulation
- Numbness
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Ulcers
- Infections
- Amputations
Diabetic socks help manage these risks by improving circulation and reducing swelling in the feet and legs. The compression provided by diabetic socks enhances blood flow, brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and prevents pooling of blood in the veins.
Key Features of Diabetic Socks
Diabetic socks have a number of special features to help protect the feet:
- Graduated compression – Provides greatest compression at the ankles, gradually decreasing up the leg. This helps pump blood from the feet back to the heart.
- Moisture wicking – Keeps feet dry and comfortable, preventing friction and blisters.
- Seamless toe – Prevents skin irritation and potential sites for infection.
- Padding – Offers additional protection and shock absorption for the feet.
- Non-constricting tops – Prevents restriction of circulation at the top of the sock.
- Anti-microbial yarn – Reduces odor and bacteria growth.
- Natural fibers – Allow ventilation and airflow to feet.
- Snug fit – Stays up on leg and does not constrict.
- Mixed light and tight compression areas – Allows for greater flexibility and range of motion.
- Variety of sizes and lengths – Can get ideal fit for individual needs.
These special features all help to manage the complications of diabetes and improve foot health. The graduated compression is especially important for enhancing circulation.
Benefits of Wearing Diabetic Socks
Here are some of the main benefits of diabetic socks:
- Improve circulation and blood flow
- Reduce swelling
- Lower risk of foot wounds
- Speed healing of foot ulcers
- Prevent varicose veins
- Relieve tired, aching legs and feet
- Help avoid amputation
- Decrease pain
- Improve mobility
- Reduce numbness and tingling
- Lower likelihood of blood clots
- Prevent skin irritation
- Wick moisture to keep feet dry
- Cushion feet and prevent blisters/calluses
- Stimulate blood flow
- Reduce activity of veins
- Stabilize tissues
By boosting circulation, reducing swelling, preventing foot injuries, and protecting and cushioning the feet, diabetic socks can greatly help in the management of diabetes and overall foot health.
Who Needs Diabetic Socks?
Diabetic socks are recommended for people with diabetes, primarily those who have circulation issues or problems with foot wounds/ulcers. They may be useful for:
- Those diagnosed with peripheral artery disease
- People with foot or leg wounds
- Individuals experiencing swollen feet or ankles
- Those with venous insufficiency
- Anyone with painful, aching feet
- People wanting to improve mobility
- Those looking to prevent foot complications
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether diabetic socks could be helpful in your particular case. They may recommend them if you have circulation problems or are prone to foot wounds. Diabetic socks are often covered by insurance with a doctor’s prescription.
Are There Different Types of Diabetic Socks?
Yes, there are a few different varieties of diabetic socks:
- Knee high socks – Go up to just below the knee for greatest circulation benefits.
- Thigh high socks – Extend above the knee up to the lower thigh.
- Pantyhose style – Offer graduated compression like socks but cover the legs.
- Closed-toe styles – Provide protection for the toes.
- Open-toe styles – Allow for airflow to feet.
- Light, medium or firm compression – Varying levels of tightness.
- Daytime or overnight styles – Overnight typically provides firmer compression.
Knee high diabetic socks are the most common, but thigh high and pantyhose styles offer benefits. Closed-toe and open-toe varieties, as well as options for level of compression, allow you to get the right diabetic sock for your needs.
What Materials are Diabetic Socks Made From?
Diabetic socks are typically made from a blend of materials, including:
- Nylon – Provides strength and durability.
- Spandex/Lycra – Adds stretch and flexibility.
- Microfibers – Wick away moisture to keep feet dry.
- Cotton – Natural fiber that allows airflow and breathability.
- Wool – Insulates to keep feet warm.
- Polyester – Quick drying synthetic to reduce friction.
- Acrylic – Helps socks keep their shape.
The nylon and spandex offer compression, while the cotton, wool, polyester, and acrylic components add comfort. Microfibers manage moisture to prevent blistering and irritation. The blend of technical and natural fabrics optimize both compression and comfort.
How Should Diabetic Socks Fit?
Getting the right fit is crucial when choosing diabetic socks. Here are some fit tips:
- Measure your calf circumference to get the right sock size.
- Make sure they are snug but not uncomfortably tight.
- There should be no constricting bands causing indents.
- Toes should have wiggle room and not be constricted.
- Heel and toe should be aligned properly.
- Choose a sock length that fits your needs.
- Get input from your doctor on ideal compression level.
It’s important diabetic socks have a firm compression without being too tight. A trained fitter at your medical supply store can help get the perfect fit.
What Different Compression Levels Are Available?
Diabetic socks come in different levels of compression:
| Compression Level | Pressure Exerted |
|---|---|
| Light | 15-20 mmHg |
| Medium | 20-30 mmHg |
| Firm | 30-40 mmHg |
| Extra Firm | 40-50 mmHg |
MmHg refers to pressure in millimeters of mercury. Light compression is 15-20 mmHg, while extra firm socks compress at 40-50 mmHg. Factors like health conditions and activity levels help determine ideal compression level.
What are Some Top Brands for Diabetic Socks?
Some leading brands for diabetic socks include:
- Dr. Scholl’s
- SB Sox
- Therafirm
- Sockwell
- New Balance
- TRUFORM
- Vive
- Pedors
- AccuZide
- MD
Dr Scholl’s, SB Sox, Therafirm, and Sockwell are top choices recommended by doctors. Seeking out socks from reputable medical brands ensures quality compression, materials, and construction.
Where Can You Buy Diabetic Socks?
There are several places to purchase diabetic socks, such as:
- Medical supply stores
- Pharmacies
- Department stores
- Specialty stores for compression gear
- Online retailers like Amazon
- Directly from sock brand websites
- From your doctor’s office
Many major retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart carry some diabetic sock options. For the best selection, medical supply stores or online retailers offer numerous brand, style, size, and compression choices.
Are Diabetic Socks Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, yes – diabetic socks qualify as durable medical equipment (DME) and may be covered by Medicare and many private insurances when prescribed by your doctor. A prescription must state a medical need for the socks, like poor circulation or a high risk of foot wounds.
Coverage varies by insurer and plan. After getting a prescription from your doctor, check with your insurance to learn about your diabetic sock benefits. If approved, insurance can cover a portion or sometimes the entire cost of diabetic socks.
How Much do Diabetic Socks Cost?
| Diabetic Sock Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic knee high socks | $10 – $30 |
| Advanced socks with more compression/features | $30 – $60+ |
| Socks requiring custom fitting | $60 – $120 |
The cost typically ranges from $10 – $30 for a basic knee high diabetic sock. More complex socks with greater compression, sizing, and customization can cost $60 or more. With insurance coverage, costs may be reduced significantly or be free.
What Is the Difference Between Diabetic and Compression Socks?
While often used interchangeably, there are a few differences between diabetic and compression socks:
- Purpose – Diabetic socks reduce complications of diabetes, while compression socks improve circulation for various conditions.
- Compression level – Diabetic socks offer moderate compression while compression socks can be light to very firm.
- Length – Diabetic socks usually calf or knee length; compression socks can be knee or thigh high.
- Padding – Diabetic socks have more padding for foot protection.
- Doctor recommendation – Diabetic socks typically require a prescription while compression socks can be bought over the counter.
So diabetic socks are a type of compression sock designed specifically for diabetes foot care. The main difference is their health purpose and focus on protective padding.
How to Care for Diabetic Socks?
Caring properly for your diabetic socks helps extend their lifespan and performance. Follow these care tips:
- Hand wash in cold water to preserve elasticity – no machine washing or dryers.
- Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh detergents.
- Line dry or lay flat to dry.
- Inspect regularly for wear and tear.
- Follow individual sock instructions for cleaning.
- Discard old socks with loss of compression.
- Never pair old and new diabetic socks together.
Gently stretch out the socks while washing and drying to maintain compression. Proper care helps diabetic socks keep providing effective circulation boosting.
Conclusion
Diabetic socks are vital for keeping feet healthy and avoiding complications of diabetes. Their many names like compression or DME socks refer to their key features – providing graduated compression to improve blood flow. The benefits are reduced swelling, improved healing, and lower risk of foot wounds. Getting properly fitted diabetic socks from quality brands ensures you can manage diabetes foot issues and stay active.