Neuropathy is a condition that many diabetics face. It can cause severe sensitivity in the hands and feet. It’s often described as ‘pins and needles’ in the feet and has frustrated many people. There are ways to manage your symptoms and bring relief from pain or discomfort.

Diabetic socks come with a variety of benefits, and helping alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy is one of them. Through careful construction with a diabetic’s needs in mind, these socks are designed to help you take care of your feet. Diabetics who suffer from neuropathy can stand to benefit greatly from a well fitting pair of diabetic socks.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the weakness, numbness, or feeling of pain caused by nerve damage. It most commonly happens in the hands and feet. Patients often complain of a loss of sensation combined with the already mentioned ‘pins and needles’ sensation.

Neuropathy is a condition that usually develops slowly over a period of years. This is a chronic condition with no cure, but there are ways to help manage symptoms. Learning how to control your blood sugar levels is key to preventing further diabetic nerve damage.

Because neuropathy’s progress can be slowed by taking care of your health, it’s important to stay alert for any symptoms. Early symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Numbness or reduced sense of feeling in your feet or hands
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Frequent burning or tingling sensations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Sudden balance or coordination issues
• Sudden increase in serious foot conditions such as ulcers, infections

Neuropathy is an extremely common condition, with more than 2 million cases total per year. Diabetic neuropathy is a very common type of the condition with over 200,000 cases diagnosed per year. It can also be caused by a variety of reasons such as diabetes, severe injury, or infections.

Why Are Diabetics More Prone to Neuropathy?

Diabetics are more prone to neuropathy due to the fact that high blood sugar levels over time can lead to nerve damage. This is why management of your blood sugar levels can help reduce the likelihood of developing neuropathy. While the disease cannot be reversed or cured, there are ways to slow the progress of the nerve damage.

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the reasons that doctors stress foot care so much with their diabetic patients. While neuropathy has no cure, you can slow the progression of the disease. A solid treatment plan developed in connection with your doctor will include managing your blood sugar, exercising, and quitting smoking.

How Can Diabetic Socks Help Manage Neuropathy?

Diabetic socks can help manage your neuropathy in a variety of ways. These socks are specially designed to help deal with the problems diabetics face such as increased sensitivity to touch, an increased risk of ulcers, and coldness in the feet. A well crafted pair of diabetic socks are also extremely comfortable. They're a great way to take a little extra care of your feet.

One of the most important benefits is the ability to keep your feet clean and safe from potential cuts and scrapes. Special moisture wicking fabric is used in order to keep your feet dry as well as clean. This will lower your infection risk.

Another benefit of diabetic socks is that they can help keep your feet warm. Warmth can help promote proper blood circulation. Proper blood circulation will help with the more painful and uncomfortable symptoms of neuropathy. Promoting proper blood circulation is essential to keeping your feet healthy.

Diabetic socks actually useful to patients with neuropathy that suffer from extreme sensitivity to touch. Normal socks are riddled with possible pressure points. Diabetic are crafted without toe seams. They also use soft fabric that doesn't bunch up, which reduces the risk of blisters caused by irritation.

When looking to purchase a diabetic sock, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Look for a sock with a good fit. You’re looking for snug and cozy, not constricting or loose.
• Consider your needs. If you’re prone to foot ulcers or infections, go for a pair of cotton diabetic socks in a light color made from a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
• High quality diabetic socks should have few to no seams. Seams can cause irritation that could lead to blisters.

Tips for Managing Your Neuropathy

Managing neuropathy can be hard. While there's no cure for their condition, it's possible to prevent it from getting worse and to alleviate your current symptoms. Remember to talk to your doctor before implementing any big health changes.

• Take good care of your feet and inspect them regularly. It's important to stay on the lookout for potential infections or complications.
• Keeping your blood sugar at a stable level is important for slowing the progress of neuropathy. A healthy diet is one of the most important changes you can make to help manage neuropathy symptoms.
• Consider scheduling regular professional pedicure appointments. This is a great way to ensure keeping your feet in proper shape.
• Invest in a quality pair of diabetic cotton socks or compression socks. To reduce your risk for infection keep your feet in a clean pair of socks at all times, even at home and while you sleep.
• Exercise is great for helping manage the symptoms of neuropathy. Consider committing to regular walks, dance classes, yoga sessions, or any other moderate exercise.

Managing Your Neuropathy is Possible

While the symptoms of neuropathy may be difficult to find comfort from, it is possible. Patients often find that they have to use all the tools available to them, from pain medication to specially crafted diabetic socks. Each patient is different and will find the routine that works to help them manage their discomfort.

Taking good care of your feet is essential to preventing further damage to your nerves. Slowing down your rate of further nerve damage will save you a lot of future discomfort and pain. This can be done through a combination of proper foot care and protection, a healthy diet, and plenty of moderate exercise.