We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Hospital Socks?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,135
Share

If you are in the market for hospital socks, you may want to think about who might wear them. You might, for example, want different socks for children than for senior citizens. Hospital socks should fit the feet comfortably without constricting them or being too loose. Visiting a medical supply store can help you learn about the different choices, and you may be able to get a discount if you purchase an entire lot.

Hospital socks come in many sizes, styles, and colors, so it can be easy to find these socks for nearly anyone. Children's socks may have bright stripes or pictures of animals, while adult socks could be solid-colored. Hospitals often give patients who are at risk of falling red non-skid socks, so you may want to buy this color for a senior citizen if they are particularly frail. Some socks have tread not only on the soles, but also on the ankles or toes, so you may want to consider these non-slip socks for patients who are at risk of falling.

It can be a good idea to try on hospital socks before you buy them. That way, you can make sure they fit properly because poorly-fitting socks may not prevent you from falling. If you have to stretch the socks a great deal when placing them on the feet, they are likely too small. The socks should fit snugly around the ankle, but not constrict it, so if they are loose in this area they are likely too big. Most hospital socks maintain their size and shape even after several washings, so you do not normally need to be concerned about shrinkage.

Although you can buy hospital socks in many department stores, a medical supply store often has a wider selection to choose from. You may want to look at non-slip socks with different types of tread so you can see which variety you might like best. If you are able to walk around in these hospital socks, you can get a better idea of how well they might grip, especially if the store has both carpeted and tile flooring.

Hospital socks are generally inexpensive, but you may be able to save money by purchasing several dozen. This can be a good idea if you are buying non-skid socks for your entire family or if you plan to wear these socks on a daily basis. Since these socks generally last a long time, the investment could pay off for many years to come.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Lostnfound — On Oct 28, 2014

Just make sure you don't get compression socks by mistake! I did that once, and my mom nearly killed me! She wanted warm, non-skid hospital socks. I just called the medical supply store and asked for "hospital socks." They sent these TED socks that patients wear during surgery!

I had to send them back and go to the store and pick out some good warm socks. Something else to remember: if a person has swelling in the ankles (like my mom), you don't want the socks to fit too closely, because they will be uncomfortable.

By Grivusangel — On Oct 27, 2014

Non-skid socks are worth every penny if you have a relative who is prone to falling. Sometimes, it's just that their feet fly out from under them, and the treads help prevent that. They're able to get some traction on a hard wood, tile or linoleum floor with non-skid socks.

Hospital socks should also keep a person's feet warm. Older people often complain of having cold feet, and a cozy pair of hospital socks will help keep their feet warm, which will make them more comfortable. This is very important in a hospital setting. Comfortable people are happier people.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-hospital-socks.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.