What You Need to Know About Arthritis Socks (2024)

Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet. As arthritis progresses, foot deformity and reduced sensation in the foot can develop. This can make it difficult to wear normal socks without pain or discomfort.

Arthritis socks can help keep your feet warm and comfortable without causing additional problems. Moreover, wearing socks specifically designed for feet affected by arthritis, like compression socks, can also offer a preventative approach to long-term side effects of arthritis, including limited mobility, difficulty walking, and reduced overall quality of life.

There are many different options for socks that can assist a person with arthritis. Here’s a look at the most popular types, plus options in each category.

Compression Socks

People with arthritis suffer from painful joints that swell, which leads to discomfort. Compression socks help reduce swelling by directing blood flow back up to the heart. The consistent pressure applied by the sock continues this process as long as they are worn.

Dr. Scholl’s Compression Socks

These compression socks feature arch support that reduces fatigue in the feet and legs. Dr. Scholl’s Compression Socks also have an extra cushion in the heel and toe, plus they come in a variety of colors and styles. They have options that go to the ankle or up to the knee, depending on what you need.

Sockwell Compression Socks

Sockwell Compression Socks are made with merino wool-based yarn, meaning they’re always soft and warm. These also come in fun patterns, styles, and colors so you can show off your personality while warding off your foot pain.

Doctor Comfort Compression Socks

These are made of nylon and spandex rather than cotton or wool, and some people find these socks to be more comfortable because they’re not too tight or too loose. The graduated compression on Doctor Comfort Compression Socks boosts circulation throughout the foot.

Zipper Compression Socks

Zipper compression socks have a zipper attached that may make it easier for some people to put on and take off. They come in a range of colors.

Padded Socks

Padded socks are a smart option for people with arthritis because they offer padding between the feet and floor. If your feet hurt when you walk, padded socks offer an extra layer while preventing bruising and abrasions that may occur with thin, regular socks.

Thorlos Padded Socks

Thorlos Padded Socks are made from acrylic yarn and are soft, stretchy, and warm. There’s a variety of options for sock height, including no-show, low-cut, ankle, crew, and over-calf. There are also socks with features like moisture-wicking, which keeps you dry while exercising.

Orthofeet Padded Sole Socks

Orthofeet Padded Sole Socks are cushioned and extremely comfortable. They come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. Orthofeet Padded Sole Socks feature a seam-free design and are non-constrictive, which boosts all-day comfort.

Wearever Gel-Lined Padded Socks

Wearever Gel-Lined Padded Socks are made with gel. In addition to boosting comfort through padding, the gel itself is infused with lavender and vitamin E. This means that the socks moisturize your feet and cushion them at the same time, which is great for dry skin.

Heated Socks

Arthritis responds well to heat treatment. Specifically, local heat application can reduce pain while improving mobility. This is especially important for people who have arthritis and live in cold environments since the heat from the socks can reduce the impact of climate on arthritis.

Zacro Heated Socks

Zacro Heated Socks are made with a rechargeable battery that lasts for 19 hours. These socks offer even heat distribution and an opportunity to adjust the heat, so you can choose the temperature that best suits your needs on a daily basis.

NY Golden Fashion Thermal Heated Socks

These socks are made with high-impact acrylic yarn, which creates pockets of warmth that boost circulation across the feet. NY Golden Fashion Thermal Heated Socks are made from this material because it’s meant to be softer and warmer than wool, without the itch.

Sock Aids

Sock aids are tools that assist people with limited mobility with putting on their own socks. Anyone who has difficulty bending over due to arthritis or recent surgery can use sock aids.

Relaxus Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid

The Relaxus Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid is designed to make it easy to pull on all kinds of socks, including thin pantyhose, thick wool socks, and everything in between. This is achieved through an easy-glide nylon inner layer and a three-finger grip strap, which makes it easy to pull on any kind of sock.

DMI Deluxe Sock Aid

The DMI Deluxe Sock Aid makes it easy to pull on socks from a seated position despite limited mobility. The terrycloth cover prevents slipping and ensures that socks can be pulled on safely. This sock aid also comes in black and is easy to clean—you can put it in the washing machine.

RMS Compression Stocking or Sock Aid for Removing Socks

It’s important to have a sock aid that can help with putting socks on and taking them off. The RMS Compression Stocking or Sock Aid for Removing Socks is a simple device that offers slip resistance while removing your socks in a safe, effective manner. Another benefit of this sock aid is that it’s easy to carry and travel with.

Jobst Compression Stocking Donner and Application Aid

The Jobst Compression Stocking Donner and Application Aid works with up to an 18-inch calf size and has easy-grip foam handles. This stocking donner is also lightweight and easy to use, so you’ll never have to worry about getting socks on and off in a flash.