Role of experimental socks in the care of the high-risk diabetic foot. A multicenter patient evaluation study. American Group for the Study of Experimental Hosiery in the Diabetic Foot.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the acceptability of specially designed socks to provide satisfactory pressure relief in the insensitive, high-risk, diabetic foot. We have conducted a longitudinal multicenter patient evaluation study to assess the acceptability of such hosiery in neuropathic diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A group of 86 neuropathic diabetic patients (69 males, 14 with type I diabetes) with a mean age of 63 yr (range 34-85 yr), and a diabetes duration of 16 yr (range 1-45 yr) participated in the study. Peripheral vascular disease was present in 28 (33%) patients, previous foot ulceration in 39 (44%) patients, and active ulceration was present in 11 (13%) patients. All patients were provided with three pairs of specially designed socks and 80 patients with extra-depth shoes. Evaluation and foot examination were performed at 3 and 6 mo.

RESULTS

Socks were worn for a mean of 6 days/wk (range 1-7 days/wk). Patient satisfaction evaluated at both visits was good or very good in 85%, average in 12%, and poor in 3% of patients. Ten ulcers healed during this period, and seven new ulcers occurred. Intention to continue wearing the socks, most or all of the time, was expressed by 84% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the experimental socks have a high level of patient satisfaction when worn with suitable shoes, and may be an acceptable and inexpensive addition to existing methods of protecting the high-risk insensitive diabetic foot.