Effects of different types of socks on plantar pressures, in-shoe temperature and humidity in diabetic patients

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different types of socks for patients with diabetes on reducing in-shoe plantar foot pressure when standing and walking. A total of 5 types of socks, including 3 types of diabetic socks and 2 types of daily/sports socks of various structures are studied. The effects of sock fabrication and design on plantar pressure redistribution that resulting in increasing the underfoot contact area and reducing the risk of pressure ulceration, as well as foot skin temperature and humidity, are examined. The results reveal that regardless of the different knitting structure, thickness and airspace ratio of the sock, both diabetic and daily/sports socks can effectively reduce high plantar pressure on the rear foot, and re-distribute the pressure to other foot regions, like the metatarsal heads. The effects of fabrication and knitting structure on pressure reduction and redistribution are not apparent in this study. However, they have a major impact on the control of foot skin temperature and humidity. The results of the study provide a reference for optimizing the design and functional performance of socks for patients with diabetes.