Tips For Helping Put Socks On Feet When Mobility Is Limited

The Challenges of Putting Socks On

For many people, putting socks on is a simple daily task that they do without much thought. But for others dealing with mobility challenges or medical conditions, this basic activity can be very difficult. Not being able to put socks on comfortably can greatly reduce independence and quality of life.

Conditions like obesity, pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes, injuries, and back pain can all make bending over to reach your feet more difficult. The natural aging process also leads to decreased flexibility and mobility over time. Even without specific medical issues, people naturally lose some range of motion as they get older.

Why Wearing Socks Is Important

Socks may seem insignificant, but they serve many important functions. Socks protect your feet from irritation that can be caused by shoes rubbing on skin. They cushion your feet and absorb shock that comes from walking and standing.

Socks also help regulate foot temperature. Going barefoot, especially on cold floors, can cause your feet to get cold. This forces the body to overly constrict peripheral blood vessels in the feet to prevent heat loss. Over time, poor circulation like this can contribute to foot problems.

Potential Foot Issues from Bare Feet

Fungus and bacterial infections easily spread to bare feet exposed to warm, moist environments like pools, locker rooms, and bathrooms. Diabetics are at special risk since high blood sugar reduces immune function and healing capabilities.

Cracked skin from dryness can allow infections to develop. Lack of padding under the feet leads to more irritation and sores. Poor circulation will slow healing of any cuts, cracks, blisters or ulcers on bare feet.

Going barefoot also increases risk of cutting your feet on debris or injuring feet by stubbing toes. Lack of stability from socks increases chances of falls and foot sprains.

Tips For Helping Someone Put Socks On

If reaching your feet to put socks on has become difficult, don't despair. There are specialized products, techniques, and even people who can help.

Specialized Socks

For starters, opt for loose fitting socks made of a stretchy blend of fabrics like Lycra spandex. Avoid thicker, tighter socks as they require more effort getting both the sock and foot into place.

Consider socks with anti-slip silicone grips on the bottom if the person has unsteady balance getting socks on while standing. Or choose non-binding sock cuffs to reduce pressure on legs and improve comfort and circulation.

Some socks are actually designed specifically for easy on/easy off wearing. Features like large heel holes, ribbing stretches over the top of the foot during wear. And extra stretchy ribbed openings ensure a secure fit while being gently guided onto the foot.

Long-Handled Reaching Aids

Specialized extra-long shoe horns and sock aids can eliminate the need bend over so far. The long handles allow those with limited mobility to remain in an upright or lightly stooped position.

Look for lightweight plastic or metal handles with soft curved ends. Some include hook and loop fasteners to keep socks attached while guiding them onto the foot. Others have integrated magnets or rubberized lining to grab socks.

Strategic Seating Position

Sit up straight in a dining room chair or at the edge of the bed during the process. Avoid low, soft furniture that contributes to slouching down.

Position feet flat on the floor about hip width apart once seated upright. Keep knees bent at slight outward angles and lean upper body slightly forward. This opens the knee and hip angle to bring feet closer to your hands.

Use armrests or the mattress edge next to outer thighs to prevent straining side core muscles during leaning motions.

Assistive Devices

Reachers with trigger style grips allow securely grabbing socks without excessive bending or twisting. Spring loaded picks up also help fetch and position socks within easy reach.

Sock aids that combine hard plastic slit tubes over wire frames provide a wide opening to feed socks onto an open tool. Just slide foot in after sock is mounted to easily pull sock on.

Non-slip rubber cones also make guides that socks and feet easily slide over. Then gently roll off the cone onto the foot when positioned correctly.

Help From Others

Don’t be afraid to ask family members, home health aides, or assistants for help until you find options that provide independence. Most people are happy to help with occasional tasks like socks until longer term solutions are implemented.

Medical Compression Socks

If circulatory issues in lower legs are contributing to mobility limitations, medical compression socks could help. Compression socks stimulate blood flow by exerting graduated pressure from ankles up to knees.

This helps venous blood circulate back to the heart rather than pool down by feet. Thus improving oxygenation and nutrition delivery to lower leg tissues.

Who Can Benefit From Compression Socks?

Those with vein disorders like varicose veins or post phlebitic syndrome, leg swelling (edema), venous ulcers, or recent surgery can benefit from compression socks. They also aid those on feet frequently like retail clerks.

Compression socks reduce symptoms like throbbing, aching, muscle cramping, fatigue, and itchy lower legs. And studies show consistent compression sock use helps healing time of leg wounds or ulcers.

Considerations When Wearing Compression Socks

Graduated compression socks require proper fit to function correctly. Make sure to follow accurate measurement and sizing guidelines.

Put socks on first thing in morning before swelling begins. Check for imprints or too tight elastic bands around calves to determine fit. Proper compression socks should stay up without rolling or bunching behind knees or ankles.

Avoid doubled layered socks over compression socks. Remove promptly after use to preserve elasticity and prevent moisture build up.

Maintaining Independence Putting Socks On

Don’t let frustration over putting socks rule your day. Seek any assistance needed getting dressed so you can focus energy on meaningful, enjoyable activities instead.

Explore specialized socks and socking aids to discover what works best long-term. Protect feet properly while preserving independence in this daily activity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.