Why do diabetics need Extended Size Diabetic Socks? Ok, first a crash course on why diabetics should use larger diabetic socks. Diabetes causes your blood sugar to be higher than normal, which means over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body. So any resulting damage to your nerves means that it is possible you may have burning pain or lose feeling in a part of your body. This is called diabetic neuropathy. In the event this damage to the blood vessels occurs in your feet, it means your feet may not be getting a good supply of blood.
The feet are a common area for problems among diabetic people. So here’s the problem. You might experience a loss of feeling in your feet. If this happens, you won’t even be able to tell if your feet are hurting as a result of a blister or sore. If they are not attended to immediately, they can turn into ulcers. If the ulcers become infected, you may have to go to the hospital. In a worst case scenario, your foot may have to be amputated. Is that enough? Do you have the picture? So how do you avoid this? In part, socks. Yes, socks. They’re next to your feet more often than anything else aren’t they? So I guess that is a good place to start then.
So the deal is this, wear well-padded extra large diabetic socks. Make sure they are one half inch longer than your longest toe. DO NOT wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with an elastic band or socks with inside seams. It just can’t be overstated how important wearing large diabetic socks are in the care of your feet.
Aside from big and tall diabetic socks or double X diabetic socks, wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Make sure to dry your feet well. Use a soft towel and pat them gently. Keep the skin of your feet smooth. If they crack, consult your doctor. Keep your feet dry. Use non-medicated powder on them before putting on your extended size diabetic socks and shoes. Check your feet every day. Contact your doctor at the first sign of redness, swelling, pain that doesn’t go away, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot. DO NOT treat calluses, corns or bunions yourself. Contact your doctor for that. Don’t let your feet get too hot or too cold. DO NOT go barefooted. These are are few of the many do’s and don’ts.
Finding extended size diabetic socks is not difficult. There are many, many places on line where you can read about and purchase diabetic socks in all sizes. Perhaps you can locate large diabetic socks in one of your favorite stores, but they are an item you will need to shop for, since they are other than normal, regular type socks. The key here is non-binding socks, so make sure you look for those extra large diabetic socks.
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