What Is the Best Sock Aid to Buy
For those with severe arthritis or are recovering post-stroke sock aids can allow you to independently put on your socks with minimal effort and strain. Putting on and taking off socks during dressing can become challenging and frustrating if you suffer from joint damage, pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and fatigue.
A sock aid is an assistive device that allows you to put on your socks more easily despite pain and physical limitations. Don't let arthritis get in the way of getting dressed without assistance!
What is a Sock Aid?
How to Choose the Best Sock Aid for You
Different Types of Sock Aids
How to Apply a Sock Aid in 6 Steps
What is a Sock Aid?
With this simple dressing aid, you'll be able to slip on socks quickly, effortlessly, and more importantly, without pain or causing strain to the back. A sock aid is a flexible or rigid mechanism that is attached to either one continuous loop or two long handles. Traditionally, the sock slips over the flexible part of the sock aid so the top of the sock is held open. Once the sock is slipped onto the assistive device, drop it to the floor while you hold onto the handles. Your foot is then slipped into the sock opening. With the handles, you pull back and upward so your foot slips into the sock and out of the sock aid.
How to Choose the Best Sock Aid for You
There are several different aids to help individuals suffering from arthritis put on their own socks. Ultimately, sock aids help slide the sock on your feet. Many different types of aids are available, including flexible sock aids, rigid sock aids, sock aids with one or two or no handles, all in different colors and styles.
Flexible or Rigid?
To choose the sock aid that is best for you, first decide between a flexible or rigid material. A flexible sock aid bends, making it easier to load the sock onto the holder without overstretching the sock. Rigid sock aids are usually larger and will stretch and hold the sock open wider. If you frequently experience swollen feet or require the use of compression stockings, choose a rigid sock aid that is extra wide.
Choose the Right Handle
Next, decide what type of handle will work best for you. Some sock aids have long rigid handles which are easy to hold. Single handles, or a continuous loop, will work well for people with the use of only one hand, such as amputees or those suffering from post-stroke hemiparesis. However, it can be difficult to use for people with depth perception issues since the handle is a continuous loop. Sock aids with two handles require more coordination to pull the handles upward. Users can adjust the length of the cords as needed for the sock aid to reach the floor when the user is in a seated position.
Continous Loop
Two Handled
Different Types of Sock Aids
Stainless-Steel Sock Aid (And Shoehorn) - Built for easy grip handling, this sock aid features a plastic hand grip with a curved hook for pulling up socks and garments. Use the sock aid to help pull on or take off your socks by placing the hook in the heel of your sock. You can also use this device as a shoehorn!
Compression Stocking Aid: This sock aid is attached to a continuous loop cord. To use the Compression Stocking Aid, pull the compression stockings over the plastic shape, insert your foot and pull the cord up to bring the stocking onto your leg and position properly. Some rigid sock aids are designed with grooves to catch the stocking and prevent it from sliding off during use.
Stocking Donner - Made with comfy foam grip handles, the stocking donner reduces the need to bend at the waist allowing for simple application and less of a risk for injury or strain.
Some options for sock aids include foam handles. For people with severe arthritis, large foam grips help with holding the handles. For additional support, wide sock aids feature a flat design that prevent the sock aid from rolling during use. The sock notch in the side of the aid helps to hold the sock or stocking in place while it is applied to the aid.
Our Top Choice for Your Sock Aid
How to Use a Sock Aid in 6 Steps
Available in multiple lengths to accommodate different sized feet, use these 6 steps when applying a traditional sock aid!
- Step 1: Place the sock aid between the knees and pull the sock or stocking aid over the end without straps.
- Step 2: While seated, place the sock aid out in front of your foot on the floor.
- Step 3: Insert your toes into the sock/stocking opening.
- Step 4: Pull straight back on the handle until your toes are well in the sock/stocking.
- Step 5: When the sock/stocking reaches your heel, pull at an upward angle towards the ceiling in order to move the sock/stocking around your heel.
- Step 6: Pull the sock aid out of the sock/stocking. Finish pulling the sock/stocking on.
Please note that when putting on a sock using a sock aid, the bottom of your foot slides along the bottom of the curved plastic.
Living with arthritis can be difficult while getting dressed. Painful hip and knee joints may not allow the bending action that is needed to reach your feet. Arthritis in your back or even your hands and fingers can make it difficult to put on your own socks or stockings. Hemi-paralysis after a stroke can also make dressing challenging.
Using a sock aid may be difficult at first but with a little practice you'll be able to dress yourself more easily without requiring assistance. Living with a condition that limits your range of motion is often challenging, but putting on your own socks doesn't have to be. With the right sock aid, you'll have all the help you need to make your life a little easier!
References
- Anonymous. (2019) How to Choose the Right Dressing Aids. NRS Healthcare. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2SuFASA.
- Anonymous. (2019). 6 Helpful Dressing Aids for Getting Dressed with Arthritis. Performance Health. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2tP47aF.
- Anonymouse. (2017). How to Choose the Best Sock Aid for People with Arthritis. The Wright Stuff. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/39gXWfO.
- Eustice, Carol. (2019). Sock Aids for People with Arthritis. VeryWell Health. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2SpcGU5.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
What Is the Best Sock Aid to Buy
Source: https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/how-to-pick-the-best-sock-aid-for-you
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