A relative has requested some diabetic socks for Christmas (apparently our local pharmacy used to sell them). Any ideas on what would be a suitable replacement?

Here are several links from my diabetes companies page:

Lucha’s Comfort Footwear in South Pasadena, California, USA carries shoes, orthotic inserts and socks specifically designed to accommodate people with diabetes. Lucia Wiltrout is the owner/operator. The store, which does not sell shoes via the Internet, is open daily 9:30 to 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 12:30 until 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (626) 799-6891 and the URL is
PTFE in New York, New York, makes Blister Guard� socks. Using the world’s slipperiest substance, Teflon�, in the sock fabric reduces the friction that causes heat, calluses, and blisters. These socks should be of special interest to people with diabetes who have neuropathy for the prevention of foot ulcers, infection, gangrene and amputation.
SmoothEase in New York, New York, offers Blister Guard� socks. The company says that these comfortable socks reduce the incidence of blisters, calluses, skin abrasions, and hot spots by at least 80 percent. One type, the Rx Comfort Sock, is specially designed for people with diabetes, circulatory problems, or sensitive skin. It lists for $19.95/pair. For further information or to place an order, the company has a toll-free phone at 1-877-MY-SOCKS (1-877-697-6257) or you can order on the Web.
Alba-Waldensian in Valdese, North Carolina, markets Care Sox� for people with diabetes. These all cotton, non-compression socks were designed specifically for diabetic use.
Prizm Medical in Duluth, Georgia, offers Electro-MeshTM garment electrodes and the Micro-ZTM pulse direct current (DC) micro-current stimulator used to generate electrotherapeutic energy. Prizm’s Electro-Mesh socks, gloves, sleeves and back brace can be worn during the daytime or at night while sleeping to provide mild, therapeutic relief of pain, reduce swelling, and increase blood circulation. Deborah Vandersnow at (804) 414-6724, markets Prizm’s products, including the new Silver-TheraTM Stocking Electrode.

Healthy Legs and Feet Too! from Socks Appeal has a series of helpful articles about taking care of your feet, including diabetic foot care information. Socks Appeal offers a large selection of socks and other foot products and is located at 16223 NW McNamee Road, Portland, Oregon 97231, and the email contact is Lynette R. Witkowski..

DM

[Editor’s comment: You might also try searching under “diabetes supply companies”. A number of these vendors carry socks. If you are unable to get them in time for the holiday, you might give your relative a gift certificate, and a nice pair of all cotton socks without elastic, etc.

SS]

[Editor’s comment: There’s very little evidence that “electrotherapeutic energy” does anything worthwhile.

WWQ]