Foot pain is often overlooked as a contributor to accidental falls. However, research has shown that older adults with foot problems are more likely to experience recurring falls.
Socks create an insulating barrier that can help prevent some of the most common sources of foot pain. For example, wearing socks with your shoes reduces friction as you walk and safeguards your feet against blisters and potential infections.
A clean pair also helps keep your feet dry throughout the day. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to fungal infections on your skin and toenails.
At The Gardens at Springfield, we know the importance of proper foot care. For this reason, we include podiatry services in our wellness programming, and we encourage our residents to keep their feet and footwear in good condition.
When shopping for socks, older adults should focus on size, length and material.
Although generally sold as women's or men's one-size-fits-all, the overall size usually differs between styles and brands. Ones that are too tight can cause circulation issues. For the best results, your socks shouldn't leave creases on your skin or squeeze your toes.
In the same fashion, your socks shouldn't be so loose that they slip down and distract you while walking.
Socks serve as insulation against your shoes rubbing your feet. They should be long enough to fully cover where your shoes touch your skin to prevent friction and discomfort.
You should also ensure your socks don't slip down and bunch up under your toes and feet. Besides being painful, walking on a wad of fabric can make you unsteady and increase your risk of falling.
Socks can be made from natural and synthetic fibers. Whether you prefer cotton, wool or a blend, you should always check the moisture-wicking and absorbency properties on the label before buying.
Socks need to remain dry throughout the day to prevent bacteria and odor buildup. Damp socks also have a greater tendency to bunch up or chafe.
There are many styles of socks. Some stockings are concealed within your shoes and worn for function, such as toe-toppers and no-show socks. Other varieties, including tube socks and knee highs, are typically worn by seniors for fashion as well as comfort and warmth.
In addition to the common styles lining store shelves, there are many specialty socks. These meet a specific need through their design. To learn if one of these functional socks would be beneficial to you and your feet, talk with your health care provider.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage that causes numbness in the feet and toes. Called neuropathy, this side effect makes it hard for diabetics to feel foot injuries.
Diabetic socks help protect wearers through warm, breathable fabrics that keep the feet dry. Other design features, such as padding, square toe boxes and a lack of seams, protect the foot from irritation.
When used under a doctor's guidance, compression socks can help improve your circulation. Unlike a poorly fitted sock that cuts off your flow of blood, experts have designed compression socks to fit snugly around your ankles and gradually loosen as they travel up your leg.
This gentle compression helps push blood back up to your heart, reducing pain and swelling in your legs. Doctors also prescribe the use of compression socks to help prevent blood clots and varicose veins.
Also called gripper socks and nonslip socks, hospital socks have a nonskid coating on the bottom of the soles. The coating improves traction when walking on hardwood or linoleum floors, making them ideal for individuals who enjoy removing their shoes indoors.
A variant of gripper socks, slipper socks feature the same anti-slip coating but are thick and fuzzy to keep feet warm in cool environments.
Podiatrists often recommend alignment socks to help relieve pain caused by hammertoe, bunions and corns. They separate each toe, which helps reduce moisture and friction between toes. This can be especially beneficial for seniors who have recurring blisters and calluses between their toes.
Seniors need to know that alignment socks and other types of footwear won't correct damage to your feet. While they can relieve pressure and offer comfort for some chronic foot conditions, it's vital to talk with your doctor if you're experiencing pain and discomfort.
Residents here in The Gardens can ask their caregivers for tips about proper foot care. Your feet naturally change over time as you age. Keeping them healthy is one of the ways you can take charge of your health and protect your mobility.
