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They are regular Fruit of the Loom socks — some are black some are white. The seam at the top seems to cut into his calves (not really cutting, but are tight). He isn't retaining water or anything and he is thin as a rail. What socks do you use that won't do this to him?

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I take a scissors and snip down that top seam on mine. You can start with one snip and go up to four, which is what I do. The socks still stay up. Snip straight down. Worth a try. Do one pair and see how it is. Life changing for me.
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Reply to lasique
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Mia - Multiple people here have told you that this is called PITTING EDEMA - where fluid retention in the lower legs can be seen by restrictive clothing making an indent.

This is a medical condition often related to heart failure. Looser socks won't make this condition go away.

THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT SOCKS.

Get more comfortable socks but also get him in to see a doctor ASAP.
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Reply to dkiely33
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Although it sounds like he likes full length socks, I will recommend the only socks my 89 year old Dad will wear. (He can’t stand tight socks!) The brand is called “Xersion”-from JC Penney’s. He wears the sport style, just about 2 inches above the ankle.
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Reply to TheSandwichMom
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Look for diabetic socks, they tend to have a looser fit. I've gotten them at Walmart or from Amazon.
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Reply to Gmmace80
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There are larger, looser socks out there - usually in medical section of stores or pharmacies. Please let his doctor know about this since he may have problems with the circulation in his legs.
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Reply to Taarna
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Diabetic socks would be beneficial. So would support stockings. Your dad's legs may be swelling up due to heart issues.
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Reply to Onlychild2024
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Your father requires memory care facility. I also wrote in your profile.
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Reply to Patathome01
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KDinMD60: He needs to be seen by his physician and perhaps a cardiologist as he may be experiencing edema.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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Diabetic socks will not leave indent marks on his skin.
There are also diabetic gripper socks, which have the non-slip grippers on the bottom of the feet.
Please be aware that many doctors recommend that older folks wear white socks so any blood from cuts or punctures can be easily seen. Especially for people who have compromised feeling in their feet.
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Reply to JanPeck123
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MiaMoor Mar 14, 2025
Thanks, Jan, that was helpful for me, as well.
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adult family home
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Reply to GENET20
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dkiely33 Mar 30, 2025
What ?!?!??
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There are socks that have a looser, non-binding top to improve circulation and prevent constriction. These socks are often called “diabetic” socks and are made with soft, breathable materials and minimal seams to reduce the risk of irritation. You can find them at most drug stores, medical supply stores, or online.

Here are a few well regarded brands:

Dr. Scholl’s Diabetes and Circulatory Socks.

Thorlos Diabetic Socks

Yomandamor Diabetic Socks (available on Amazon)

Diabetics Comfort Socks by Physicians’ Choice

MediPeds Diabetic Socks

These socks are designed for comfort and improved circulation. You can find them at stores like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens or online.

I hope this helps your father and anyone else looking for a comfortable fit.
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Reply to HaveYourBack
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Check on Etsy .com. I Like wool socks and cotton socks .
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Reply to KNance72
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https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mens+diabetic+socks&crid=338PUEAS1WTMQ&sprefix=mens+diabetic+socks%2Caps%2C471&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Above is a link to diabetic socks on Amazon. Please do get dad checked out by his PCP, however, since this is a new issue.

Good luck.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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If he's "thin as a rail" yet his socks are too tight I'd be concerned about edema and therefore perhaps congestive heart failure, where one's legs start to retain fluid because the heart is weakening. Does he seem more easily fatigued lately? Or confused? Are his legs cool to the touch? Please take him in to get checked soon, by his primary doctor ideally.

My husband cuts the tops off his socks because he has the same problem but he's not skinny.
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Reply to Geaton777
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I would look on Amazon for stockings that are sometimes called "diabetic stockings". You want them loose at the top. All cotton and all wool works. Anything with any elastic anywhere in them does NOT. You an also take sharp nail scissors and make vertical cuts in about four places around neck of sock at 12-O'clock, at 3, at 6 and at 9 O'Clock.

You did check carefully for pitting edema I hope?
Often what happens with our failing circulation is called dependent edema. Can cause this. Good luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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MiaMoor Mar 14, 2025
I do the little snips in my socks because of my longstanding (pun wasn't intended!) varicose veins. I developed them in my teens: I think it's hereditary, as my grandad and aunt also had them.
The little cuts make socks, which are a little too high, wearable. Usually I only buy very low ankle socks, or trainer socks because of the swelling and pain caused by tight socks.
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How about some lower fitting socks that just cover his ankles, or the kind that just go over his heal?
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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