If you want the best socks for sensitive feet, shop in the diabetic care section, even if you don’t have the disease. Diabetics have unique problems that require them to be extra picky when they are choosing footwear.

Some companies offer large selections for both men and women in a variety of heights, thicknesses, materials and colors. Because they are designed with the diabetic foot in mind, you can be assured of a comfortable fit. In many cases, they help prevent excessive sweating, too. Here are some of the features to look for.

Seams on the Outside of the Toe

Some of the latest styles are available with no seams, at all. But, if you can’t find those, at least, you can make sure that the seams are on the outside of the toe, where they won’t cause irritation.

To be truly comfortable, a sock should have as few pressure points, as possible. If you’re smart, you will choose shoes with fewer pressure points, too.

Extra Padding

Extra padding on the heel, at the sole and around the toe area can improve comfort when you are walking and provide some relief from un-giving shoe designs. Not all socks for sensitive feet have the extra padding. In some cases, they are designed to be extra thin, lightweight and airy. Depending on the season, you may want the extra padding, as it provides extra warmth.

Wicking Materials

Materials that wick perspiration away from the foot will allow your feet to stay dry and comfortable. It will also reduce your risk of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Cotton, acrylic, nylon and polyester blends will all allow for some wicking.

Soft Linings

Extra soft linings can be found in a variety of stylish socks for sensitive feet. Terry cloth is a good choice. It feels like walking on a thick towel, quite comfortable.

Wide Tops

If you have trouble with swelling around your ankles, calves or around the tops of your stockings, you will find that extra-large tops are particularly comfortable. Super stretch tops that accommodate a calf circumference of up to 23″ are available. They will help[ to prevent swelling and poor circulation.

Extra Support

You can choose light, medium or strong support socks for sensitive feet. It’s best to start out with the lightest support and work your way up as you become accustomed to the different feel. As the name suggests, a support sock helps to support the ankles. They are particularly beneficial for people with weak ankles that tend to sprain or twist, easily.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic designs help to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So, they are “all-season” stockings. They are thinner than padded designs and some people prefer the thinness.

No Elastic

Elastic bands at the calf, knee or ankle are not essential. It is possible to make a sock that does not have elastic. Special banding holds them in place, without restricting circulation.

You may find that all of the features listed here are beneficial. It might make shopping for socks for sensitive feet harder, because there is so much to choose from.

Diabetes is one of the most potent diseases around. Billions of dollars have gone into researching its causes and cures and giant breakthroughs have been realized towards this end. Other than just what the doctors can recommended and prescribe, there are certain things the diabetic himself or herself needs to do to alleviate their condition. It is a known fact there is a co-relation between diabetes and feet complications.

One out of every five people who check into foot hospitals have diabetes. Diabetes has been known to affect nerves in the feet and as such, people afflicted with it have foot injuries which they cannot recall how they happened. This is because diabetics may have lost some feeling in their legs which results in bruises, cuts and abrasions that went unnoticed and untreated.

Other problems that diabetics may experience with their feet are ulcers, poor blood circulation, and nerve damage. If left untreated, these conditions can escalate and necessitate amputation. But how can a diabetic care for their feet?

Warnings

If diabetes has started affecting your feet, there are tell-tale signs that you will notice before things get out of hand. One of them is a slight discoloration of the skin around the feet. Then from time to time the temperature of the feet drops and rises irrespective of the rest of the body. At times the diabetic experiences excruciating pain.

Other ailments that the diabetic contends with is swellings in the foot or ankle that torment the person especially when they walk or use their feet for any activity. Because of nerve damage, the diabetic may not realize that he or she is injured and the injury may go unnoticed and hence untreated. This may also cause the toenails to be infected with fungus.

But perhaps the most serious and grievious foot maladies are the ulcers which usually occur at the bottom of the big toe or on either sides of the foot. These can be further aggrevated by wearing certain shoes. In extreme cases and if left untreated this can also cause amputation.

Diabetes can also affect nerves inside the foot causing the diabetic to be unable to feel basic sensations such as hot or cold or pain. This is the sole reason why many people suffering from diabetes have cuts and bruises that can go unnoticed. These can also become infected and cause serious problem.

The diabetic should select shoes carefully whenever they purchase shoes. They can also consult with their doctor for recommendations regarding the best shoes.

A few extra tips include:

• Avoiding walking barefoot
• Get into the habit of examining your feet daily
• Avoid very hot water when bathing your feet
• Consult a podriatist regularly
• When you wash your feet, dry them thoroughly