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Last updated on May 11, 2022
Nano socks seem to be gaining a lot of ground on the socks’ market lately, especially for peripheral neuropathy and diabetes foot problems.
So, what’s the deal exactly? What are nano socks and are they really better than regular socks? Do nano socks really help with neuropathy and diabetes foot problems? What else are they good for?
When you make a quick search on the Internet about nano socks, things are pretty unclear. No one can really tell what nano socks are. Some say they’re light compression socks while others refer to a secret top-notch technology.
Actually, it’s much simpler than it looks like. Nano socks are socks made from nano textile.
The adjective “nano” refers exclusively to the socks’ fabric. No special technology, no compression stories. You can find nano socks that are non-binding at all, nano socks that provide a light compression, and others that are firm compression socks.
Nanofabrics are textiles engineered with smaller particles than ordinary materials. You can make nanofabrics either directly from nanoscopic fibers, or by coating a regular fabric with silver or copper nanoparticle solutions.
Nanotechnology applied to the textile industry has numerous and various benefits. Futuristic clothing made with nano fabrics is antimicrobial, water-resistant, self-cleaning, and odor-reducing.
Nano socks have interesting properties to help improve overall foot health including:
The properties of nano textiles make nano socks quite attractive for people with various foot problems, and especially for people with diabetic neuropathy.
While nano socks can definitely help with neuropathy in the feet, fabric isn’t the only thing that matters when choosing socks for neuropathy.
There are various types of neuropathy, but we’re referring here exclusively to peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a kind of damage the nerves of the body’s extremities. It’s most often caused by diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), but may also be caused by chemotherapy treatments for cancer, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, injuries, or other factors.
Symptoms of peripheral nerve damage vary considerably depending on the individual. They may include numbness, loss of sensation, tingling, prickling, burning, cramps, sensitivity to touch, and others.
Peripheral neuropathy primarily affects the feet and sometimes the hands. Feet with neuropathy are very fragile and prone to numerous complications. Adapted footwear such as neuropathy socks or neuropathy shoes are often recommended.
Fabric is essential when it comes to socks and a good-quality materials can really make the difference.
Nanotechnology textiles have numerous properties that are highly beneficial for people with diabetes and neuropathy foot problems. They’re water-resistant, moisture-wicking, and anti-bacterial.
When you live with diabetes, and even more so if you have neuropathy, you need to keep your feet in a dry and healthy environment to stay away from moist and bacteria. Tiny infections, fungus, blisters, and small wounds can turn into real nightmares for diabetics with neuropathy including foot ulcer and lower-limb amputation in the worst cases.
Nano socks also have a better elasticity and strength than regular socks. It helps boost blood circulation in the lower limbs. People with diabetic neuropathy often suffer from poorer blood circulation and need non-constrictive and loose-fit footwear that helps promote blood flow.
The exceptional properties that nano textiles offer are a valuable addition to diabetic socks’ design.
Here’s a selection of the best nano socks for neuropathy and diabetes foot problems. Note that some of the socks below are compression socks. If you have neuropathy, always ask for your doctor’s advice before wearing compression socks.
Most nano socks on the market are actually compression socks and Appart from the ones above, you won’t find many nano socks designed for diabetes and neuropathy.
Diabetics are generally not recommended to wear compression socks, except in some cases but you’d want your doctor’s advice on that.
Compression socks are made to promote blood flow from the legs back to the heart. On the contrary, diabetic socks should help boost blood flow from the heart to the lower limbs. That’s why diabetic socks are non-binding! To let blood flow towards your feet.
If you suffer from nerve pain in the feet and other neuropathy symptoms, compression socks may sometimes help alleviate the pain. However, be aware that compression socks may also be dangerous if you have peripheral neuropathy. Always ask for your doctor’s advice before wearing compression socks, especially if you have diabetic neuropathy.
Bamboo is another great fabric that is particularly recommended for diabetics’ socks. Like nano socks, bamboo socks are moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, odor controlling, and abrasion-reducing.
Bamboo fibers also have the advantage of being thermo-regulating, keeping your feet warm in winter times and cool in summer times.
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