General Information 

            This is designed to aid those who want to knit socks for people with diabetes or other medical disorders that create problems with feet. Some of the issues are as follows: 

• Circulation – diabetes often causes of poor circulation in the legs and feet. This not only creates increased likelihood of sores leading to infections but also drastically reduces the body’s ability to heal. The end result may result in amputation of the affected part.
• Neuropathy – diabetes may cause nerve damage over time creating symptoms from pain, tingling or numbness to total loss of feeling in the extremities. This is very serious in that people with decreased feeling will not feel if they are developing a blister or sore or even if there is a bunch of cloth they are walking on that is creating a blister. Therefore they may not be aware of a problem until there is an infection and drainage.
• Skin Changes – due to nerve damage the skin may become very dry. Soaking the feet or having the feet stay moist will ultimately dry the foot out more.
• Temperature – due to the decreased circulation the feet may be cold. However due to possible decreased sensation using hot water, heating pads or other aids may burn them. Properly fitting warm socks are the best way to warm the feet.

Knitting socks for people with diabetes or other foot problems gives us the opportunity to make socks that fit properly and help prevent complications.  The important points are as follows

·      Fit – the socks need to be form fitting so there is no wrinkling that might start a blister, snug but not in any way constrictive. They need to have some elasticity and memory with stretching ability for any swelling over the day. It is especially important that the cast on/ bind off has plenty of stretch. There are several ways to decrease/increase for toes that aids in making socks to fit individual feet.

·      Fiber – soft fibers that wick fluid away from the foot and dries quickly is best. If wool is used it must not felt as that would stop the wicking abilities of the fiber. The ADA and other diabetic resources recommend not to use Cotton as it retains the moisture keeping the foot wet longer and becomes rougher after washings.

·      Color – white socks are recommended for diabetics especially for those with neuropathy as the first indication there is a problem may be drainage noticed on a sock. It is also important if using colored fiber to insure there is no residual chemicals that may increase damage to any open area on the foot.

·      Smooth – it is vital that there be no seams or rough areas in the sock that can create irritation and develop a sore.