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Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes excess glucose in the blood. Glucose, the body’s main energy source, is kept in balance by a hormone called insulin. When the body cannot either make or use insulin, the amount of glucose in the blood can rise to dangerous levels. The consequences of unmanaged high blood sugar can be grave, leading to heart attacks, stroke, blindness, and kidney problems. One of the more common consequences of diabetes is nerve damage, most often affecting the nerves in the legs and feet.
According to the CDC, diabetes affects approximately 11.3% of the United States population – or 1 in 10 individuals. When nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy, affects the ability of diabetic individuals to feel their feet, it puts them at risk for infections, foot ulcers, and broken bones in the feet, which can change the shape of the foot. In addition, the circulation of blood to the feet is frequently compromised, which can make healing from sores and infections more difficult. In some cases, infections and other extreme damage can lead to partial or full amputation of the feet.
Proper foot care is especially important for people with diabetes. Ensuring that feet stay clean, dry, and free of sores and other damage are crucial steps for the diabetic individual, and that starts with what you use to protect them. Let’s be honest: as with everything in life, not all socks are created equal. While you’ll find a variety of socks that offer a range of options, they aren’t specifically designed for diabetics. That’s where a company like Comfort-Fresh comes in. Comfort-Fresh socks and shoe inserts are the ultimate solution for all-day comfort and protection. They have products that are specifically designed for people with diabetes, and they’re rooted in a desire to help their customers.
Here are some of the most important steps in protecting your feet from the dangers of diabetes.
Wear Socks Designed for Diabetics
Feet affected by diabetes are more prone to developing sores, cuts, and blisters and are often slower to heal. One of the best ways to protect your feet from damage is to wear socks specially designed to safeguard diabetic feet from developing problems, and never wear shoes without socks. Socks by Comfort-Fresh are designed to meet the unique needs of diabetic customers by providing unparalleled comfort and foot protection.
The best socks for diabetics have the following features:
Non-binding
Blood circulation is often compromised by diabetes, especially in the extremities, like the hands and the feet. Tight socks can constrict feet, further inhibiting circulation. Socks for diabetics should be non-binding to avoid hindering blood circulation.
Padded
Extra padding and cushioning not only make socks more comfortable but also protect feet from shock. This may reduce the chances of stress-related damage to the bones of the feet.
Seamless
The seams found in most socks can rub against the foot, leading to blisters or ulcers, which can be particularly damaging to diabetic feet. Socks designed without seams protect the feet from chafing and reduce the chances of developing sores.
Soft
Softer materials, such as bamboo and natural cotton, also help to shield the feet from rubbing and irritation.
Comfort Fresh diabetic socks are wonderfully comfortable socks that meet all four of these essential requirements. In addition, they are moisture-wicking to keep the foot healthy and dry and antibacterial to further protect the foot from dangerous infections. You can get the all-day comfort of Comfort Fresh diabetic socks in no-show, ankle, crew, and knee-high varieties.
Check your Feet Daily
Make it a habit to check your feet for swelling, cuts, sores, cracks, and blisters at the end of each day. This ensures that any damage to the feet is promptly attended to, preventing infections from taking hold. If you have trouble seeing the bottom of your feet, either have another person help you examine your feet or use a mirror to check every angle.
Don’t forget to check between your toes when performing your nightly foot care routine and ensure that there is no damage around the toenails, including ingrown toenails. Make sure you feel for warm spots on your feet with your hands as well, as these can indicate an area with poor circulation or signal that an infection has taken hold.
Wash your Feet Regularly
Washing your feet with warm, soapy water will help protect you from developing infections, even if you experience damage to the feet. Be sure that the water is warm rather than hot to prevent burns to the foot. Also, avoid soaking the feet, as soaking can cause the skin to dry out, leading to dry, cracked feet that are more prone to infection.
The area between the toes often holds moisture, making fungal infections more likely. Using a drying agent between the toes, such as talcum powder or cornstarch, can help ensure that no fungal infections take hold.
Be Cautious when Performing Foot Care Routines
Corns and calluses on feet that are affected by nerve damage can cause ulcers, so it is crucial to inform your doctor of any rough patches and areas of overgrowth. Your doctor may choose to address the problem themselves, or they may recommend using a pumice stone to smooth and soften the skin of the feet. Ingrown toenails or cuts and scrapes caused by overzealous smoothing can also become vectors of infection. Don’t use over-the-counter corn removal products, as they can lead to further damage.
Trim your nails straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails. Use an emery board or nail file to ensure the corners of the nail are rounded. This will ensure that sharp corners don’t lead to further cuts and scrapes.
Consider Using Inserts
Because people with diabetes may not have as much sensation in their feet, they may unwittingly put more stress on them than someone with complete feeling in their feet. In addition, blood flow changes to the feet can weaken the bones in the feet, making them more susceptible to stress fractures. Wearing padded shoes or high-quality shoe inserts, such as those offered by Comfort-Fresh, can provide additional protection from stress and better support the foot’s structure. They can be particularly helpful for individuals who are on their feet all day.
Diabetic feet require special care to keep them healthy and useful, including proper hygiene, well-designed socks and shoes, and extra vigilance. Using these tips every day will help to protect your feet from the ravages of infection, diabetic neuropathy, and structural damage, helping you remain up and active much longer.
