Gentle Grip Socks – Alleviating Symptoms for Disabled People

Which Socks Suit Which Condition?

We’ve recently got to know the team at Gentle Grip, whose range of health and wellbeing socks help to make people’s lives a little bit more comfortable. They believe that comfort starts from the feet up, and they really understand the importance of finding the right socks for you and your condition. Their range includes specialist socks created for individuals affected with foot-related ailments including diabetes, oedema, Raynaud’s disease and hyperesthesia, to name just a few.

They work closely with podiatrists to ensure they understand the unique needs that people may have, and try to ensure that their socks provide the best solution, offering comfort and protection for their feet.

Let’s look a bit closer at their most popular sock ranges.

Sensitive Feet Socks

Made specifically for people with sensitive feet, neuropathy and hyperesthesia, these socks are also ideal for those who have diabetes, lymphoedema and other conditions that mean they need specialist socks, and struggle to wear regular socks. They’re also great for anyone who finds regular socks uncomfortable or too tight and get irritated by seams.

Luxuriously soft feeling thanks to soft-touch bamboo material
Innovative toe seam, strategically positioned on the outside and under the crease of the toes to provide a seamless, non-chafe finish
Non-binding, wide stretch from the top of each sock down to the ankle to ease pressure, and prevent constriction hotspots, pinching, and compression marks
All round terry towelling cushioning provides full padding to help absorb and cushion the impacts of daily mobility, giving extra comfort and support
Antibacterial finish helps to stop bacteria, as well as reducing unpleasant odours with technology working around the clock aiding hygiene, and reducing the risk of infection

A white woman in her late 40s or early 50s is sat back with her legs up on a sofa in a living room, she looks relaxed and happy and is wearing white gentle grip socks

Diabetic Socks

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing serious foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. This can lead to reduced sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect cuts, blisters, or sores, which may become infected if left untreated.

High blood sugar levels can also slow down the healing process, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections that, in severe cases, may lead to amputation.

To prevent complications, diabetic individuals should inspect their feet daily, wear proper footwear, maintain good hygiene, and manage their blood sugar levels effectively. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for early detection and treatment of any foot issues.

When creating their entire range of diabetic socks, Gentle Grip and the IOMI FootNurse development team took a look at some of the most common issues faced by diabetics every day regarding their foot health and designed their socks to offer a better experience. Their diabetic range of socks includes things like:

Smooth toe seams with a seamless finish to minimise irritation and internal chaffing
Non-binding tops ease pressure, and prevent pinching, restriction and compression marks – whether that’s with the HoneyComb Top™️(ideal for standard wearers) or the Easy-Stretch Top™, made for those who need a wider fit and additional stretch in their socks
The majority of the diabetic range has either a cushion foot sole or all over cushion foot, to help absorb and cushion the impacts of daily mobility
Some of the ranges even have antibacterial treatments to help stop bacteria, aiding hygiene and reducing the risk of infection – which is incredibly important for those with diabetes especially

Oedema Socks

Oedema in the feet is a common issue for disabled people, particularly those with limited mobility, neurological conditions, or circulatory disorders. It occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to swelling, discomfort, and an increased risk of skin breakdown or infections.

Factors such as prolonged sitting, immobility, poor circulation, and underlying health conditions like heart or kidney disease can contribute to the problem. Managing oedema involves elevating the legs, engaging in gentle movement where possible, wearing compression garments and specialist socks.

The IOMI FootNurse Oedema socks have been designed specifically to help individuals manage the symptoms of oedema, as well as similar problems such as Lymphoedema and fluid retention that lead to the swelling of feet and ankles.

Unlike compression socks, these socks offer an incredibly wide and comfortable fit, and are the widest socks in their range
Hand-linked smooth toe seams give a seamless finish to minimise irritation and internal chaffing
Endorsed and recommended by Lymphoedema United

Raynaud’s Socks

Raynaud’s syndrome is a condition that affects blood circulation, primarily in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue in response to cold temperatures or stress. This occurs due to an exaggerated narrowing of blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the affected areas. When circulation improves, the skin may turn red and tingle or throb as warmth returns.

Raynaud’s can be primary (without an underlying condition) or secondary (linked to autoimmune diseases like scleroderma or lupus). While not usually dangerous, severe cases can lead to ulcers or tissue damage which is why keeping feet warm through the FootNurse Raynaud’s socks to alliviate symptoms is important.

Managing Raynaud’s involves keeping warm, reducing stress, avoiding smoking, and in some cases, taking medication to improve circulation. People with severe symptoms should seek medical advice to prevent complications and manage underlying conditions effectively.

IOMI FootNurse Raynaud’s socks have been designed to help people living with Raynaud’s syndrome and alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition, to try and help keep feet warm! These socks have super thermal properties with their warmest TOG rating of 3.1 – over eight times warmer than a basic cotton sock.

They also feature non-slip grippers on the soles of each foot to help keep steady when walking on polished wood or floor tiles
Double terry towelling cushioning provides full padding to these socks to help absorb and cushion the impacts of daily mobility

Joint Warmers

Cold weather can significantly worsen joint pain and circulation issues for disabled people, particularly those with conditions such as arthritis, Raynaud’s syndrome, or mobility impairments. Lower temperatures can cause muscles and joints to stiffen, increasing discomfort and reducing flexibility, making movement more challenging.

Poor circulation can also lead to numbness, tingling, and an increased risk of swelling or skin damage due to reduced blood flow. Disabled individuals who spend extended periods in wheelchairs or have limited movement may struggle even more with temperature regulation.

To manage these issues, it is essential to stay warm by layering clothing, using heated blankets, using Gentle grip joint warming socks, and keeping indoor temperatures stable. Gentle movement, stretching, and staying hydrated can also help improve circulation and reduce stiffness.

If you suffer from joint pain or circulation issues and are affected by cold weather, Gentle Grip has a specially designed range of joint warmers. Available in varying thicknesses and sizes, the range is developed in collaboration with Heat Holders – the thermal experts.

Can be worn discreetly under most outfits and paired with any socks, tights or leg warmers to give an extra layer of thermal care
Designed to alleviate low-temperature discomfort by keeping the cold at bay and the heat in, keeping warmth close to the skin and maintaining a comfortably warm temperature maximising comfort and helping to safeguard joint health

A black man in his 50's is sat back with his legs on a sofa in a living room, he has a laptop on his lap and looks relaxed and happy, he is wearing blue gentle grip socks

Cooling Socks

People living with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), neuropathy, and fibromyalgia often experience symptoms like hot, uncomfortable, and excessively sweaty feet due to nerve dysfunction, poor circulation, or temperature regulation issues. This can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and even an increased risk of fungal infections.

By keeping feet cool and dry, Gentle Grip cooling socks can provide much-needed relief, helping individuals manage their symptoms and maintain better foot health. IOMI FootNurse also has a range of innovative, cooling socks available in both standard crew length and trainer socks.

Unique design to keep air moving over the skin, whisking moisture away without absorbing it and keeping the feet cooler, dryer and potentially healthier than regular cotton socks
Using new technology and scientifically tested, their cooling socks use channelled fibres to quickly move moisture away from the body, 4x more than a basic cotton sock
The airflow knitting increases air permeability 5x more than a basic cotton sock, and the low absorption fibres reduces moisture retention, increasing the fibres ability to transfer it, 2x more than a basic cotton sock

Get Your Gentle Grip Discount Code Today

So if you’re interested in learning more about Gentle Grip and IOMI FootNurse’s range of health and wellbeing socks, head to Gentle Grip – and don’t forget to use your exclusive Purpl discount code for 15% off their entire range!

You can also enter our competition to win one of three £50 vouchers for Gentle Grip! Simply be a verified member of Purpl, join our private Facebook group and like and comment on the Competition post! Competition ends on 28 February 2025 at 23.59 so don’t miss out!