Written by Brian Lane, C.Ped

Written by Erick Janisse, CO, CPed
Dr. Comfort® Education Department

Written by Erick Janisse, CO, CPed
Dr. Comfort® Education Department

Written by Brian Lane, C.Ped

Written by Denise Iatarola, Dr. Comfort Product Manager

It’s 2022 and nylon stockings don’t exactly scream excitement, but that was not always the case. You may be surprised to learn nylon stockings have a long and documented history in America.

Prior to the 1930’s, women’s stockings were a wardrobe staple, made of expensive silk, wool, rayon, cotton, or a combination of these materials with limited stretch and sheerness.

In 1934, Nylon was invented by a team of DuPont researchers led by Wallace Carothers and Julian Hill and touted as synthetic silk, “as strong as steel and as fine as a spider’s web.” Nylon and nylon stockings were introduced to the public in 1939 at the World’s Fair in New York.  DuPont unveiled the first 100% synthetic fiber not to a scientific crowd but instead to thousands of women’s club members who were at the fair attending a forum on various topics. They were sold! Commercial production began and by 1940 nylon stockings were available throughout the United States. Within one year, DuPont sold 64 million pairs of nylon stockings. The company decided not to register nylon as a trademark, but to instead allow the word to settle into the American language and soon “nylons” was synonymous with women’s stockings.

Then just as quick as they appeared, nylon stockings were no longer available. In 1941, the U.S. entered World War II and the supply of nylon and silk was taken over by the War Production Board.  The material was used to make many different military supplies including parachutes, tents, ropes and even tires. Women across the country donated their used stockings to help the war effort.  Nylon stockings previously selling for $1.25 per pair were now a luxury, selling for over $10.00 on the black market.

After the war was over, nylon stockings made a resurgence. Thousands of women stood in line to buy them. In New York, Macy’s sold their entire stock of 50,000 pairs in just 6 hours and in San Francisco, a store was forced to shut down when it was mobbed by 10,000 frenzied shoppers. It would be three years before the supply was able to catch up with the demand.

Today, nylon stockings include many different types of garments capable of providing both fashion and technical function.  The addition of spandex in garments beginning in 1958, gave nylon even more stretch and recovery benefits and set the stage for the modern compression stockings.

At Dr. Comfort®, we use nylon and spandex to make compression legwear for men and women, offering knee, thigh, and pantyhose options.  Quality compression garments are made with graduated amounts of pressure, tightest at the ankle and lessening going up the leg. Graduated compression helps with circulation and aids blood flow back to the heart, relieving symptoms of vein disorders including pain, swelling and varicose veins.

To learn more about Dr. Comfort® compression stockings visit:

Compression & Socks | Dr. Comfort (drcomfort.com)

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

References:

Bellis, Mary. "The History of Nylon Stockings." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/history-of-nylon-stockings-1992195.

Unknown. “The History of Nylon”. LEAFtv. https://www.leaf.tv/articles/the-history-of-nylon/

Written by Mallory Lor, C.Ped

Today is National DNA Day, which commemorates the discovery of the DNA double helix and the completion of the human genome project in 2003. You are probably thinking, why is a diabetic shoe company writing about this? Well, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk about the DNA of diabetic shoes and diabetic socks.

What is in the DNA of a diabetic (or therapeutic) shoe? Medicare has some basic criteria when it comes to diabetic shoes:

• Additional depth in the shoe of 3/16” (to accommodate a foot insert): Dr. Comfort® shoes are all made with at least 7/16” additional depth and in our “double depth” collection 11/16”.
• Available in half sizes and at least 3 widths: Dr. Comfort® shoes are all available in half sizes and come in Medium, Wide and Extra Wide widths. The women’s Paradise Black is available in a Narrow width.
• Constructed with leather or other suitable materials: All Dr. Comfort® shoes are made of high quality, breathable materials with most of the casual and dress collection styles made with real leather. Dr. Comfort® offers a wool collection (Sean, Dawn, Liam, Meadow, Autumn) made with Merino wool to help keep feet cool and dry.
• Must have a closure: Dr. Comfort® shoes all have closures like shoelaces, hook-and-loop or elastic no-tie laces. Many hook-and-loop closures are hidden under a faux buckle. Dr. Comfort® also just released a new style Peter (men’s) and Theresa (women’s) that has hidden hook-and-loop closures with the look of a lace up shoe.

Keeping the health and safety of customers in mind, Dr. Comfort® has taken additional measures in the construction of diabetic shoes:

• Seamless toe boxes: Dr. Comfort® shoes do not have bumpy seams in the toe box of the shoes. This helps to reduce rubbing and pressure points on those sensitive feet.
• Variety of styles and soles: Looking at our line of shoes, you’ll notice the vast array of styles and different types of soles available.
• Customizable: Dr. Comfort® shoes are constructed to be customized if needed. We can add a lift, lengthen or shorten straps, add a rocker sole and do many more customizations to ensure the shoes meet the specific needs of the wearer. (These modifications are only available through a Dr. Comfort® provider.)

Dr. Comfort® shoes are truly designed with YOU in mind! Our shoes are primarily available through health care providers who specialize in foot health. Proper footwear can help prevent more serious complications for those at risk of diabetes. If you qualify, Medicare or other insurance plans may help cover the cost. Click here to find a footwear professional.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Written by: Erick Janisse

The first Wednesday in April is celebrated as National Walking Day. As humans, walking is how most of us get around; but as exercise it provides great health benefits, too! According to a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, walking for 2.5 hours a week – that’s just over 20 minutes a day! – can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 30%.  Walking has also been shown to decrease the risk of developing diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and even helps to keep you mentally sharp.  Dr. Thomas Frieden, who served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under President Obama, has stated that walking is “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.”

The Mayo Clinic - in an article titled “Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health” - says that the faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the health benefits.  They also recommend that you alternate periods of brisk walking with leisurely walking. This is known as interval training and has several benefits, like improving cardiovascular fitness and burning more calories than regular walking. Another advantage is that interval training can be done in less time than regular walking.

Of course, you should check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, but once you decide to get started there are a few things to consider. You’ll need to plan your routine.  Start slowly so that you don’t get discouraged and make a schedule that is practical and easy to adhere to. Having the right equipment is definitely an important consideration.  When it comes to walking equipment, obviously you think of shoes, right?  Dr. Comfort offers many great styles to get you started on your new fitness journey. Some women’s shoes that are specially designed for walking are the Grace, Diane, Refresh, Victory and Spirit.  For men, think about the Performance, Winner, Gordon, Jack and Endurance. These shoes are all quite supportive yet offer excellent shock absorption and cushioning, making for an overall comfortable walking experience.

Walking is the first step to living a healthy lifestyle.  Walking feels great, you can do it with a friend, it’s fun and, best of all, it’s free!

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Written by: Mallory Lor, C.Ped

What is Compression Wear?

Compression wear is used to help improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression gives your legs a “hug”, so your veins don’t have to work as hard. The best compression wear has graduated compression, which means it’s built to the natural shape of your leg with the firmest compression at the ankle that reduces as it goes up your leg. All of Dr. Comfort’s® compression wear is designed as graduated compression with top quality materials and a large variety of fashionable designs.

Who Should Wear Compression?

Most people can benefit from compression wear. Here are some common reasons why people may use compression:

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• During pregnancy and postpartum
• To help reduce swelling
• While traveling on an airplane
• To help with achy, tired feeling legs
• To prevent DVT and embolisms

If you have any serious medical conditions concerning arterial disease, please consult your physician before using compression.

How Do I Know Which Type to Buy?

Compression wear can come in different materials, compression levels, sizing and heights which can often make the purchase process confusing and overwhelming.

Compression Levels: The biggest question people have about compression wear is how to know which level of compression they should buy. The amount of pressure compression wear provides is measured in mmHg. Here’s a simple guide to help you determine which level is best for you:

Compression Sizing: The best compression wear comes sized to your body measurements, not your shoe size. You will need a soft measuring tape or a piece of string that can be measured with a ruler. Dr. Comfort® also sells compression wear tape measures.

• Ankle measurement: Measure the narrowest part of the ankle, above the ankle bone
• Calf measurement: Measure the widest part of the calf
• Thigh measurement (for thigh high and pantyhose): Measure the widest part of the thigh

Tips: Measure early in the day when swelling will be at its lowest. If your measurements fall within two different size ranges, go with the larger size.

Compression Heights: Should I get knee high, thigh high or pantyhose? This is usually a personal preference. Some may want knee high for everyday use and pantyhose for dressier occasions. Others may want the compression to go higher than just the knee and prefer to wear thigh highs or pantyhose as their everyday option.

• Knee High: Most popular among all ages, available in many materials, patterns and colors
• Thigh High: Most styles come with silicone grippers at the top to keep these in place
• Pantyhose: Look just like nylons or tights but with all the benefits of compression

Where Can I Buy Compression Wear?

Dr. Comfort® sells compression wear through drcomfort.com and offers free shipping. Much of Dr. Comfort’s® compression wear is made at our company owned manufacturing facility in North Carolina, USA.

Click here to look at what Dr. Comfort® has to offer.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

The American Diabetes Association announces a new partnership to advance consumer resources for successful foot care

The American Diabetes Association^® (ADA), the nation’s leading volunteer health organization, announced a new partnership with Dr. Comfort, to provide foot care resources on an ADA platform in a journey-driven experience for those living with diabetes and their caregivers.

Dr. Comfort is the national sponsor of Living with Diabetes: Foot Care & Amputation. The Foot Care & Amputation section of the platform leads each user to learn to care for their feet, understand foot conditions and complications, ways to stay physically active, and more. Individuals living with diabetes and their caregivers can access this platform by answering a few simple questions to help guide them on their journey to reach the tools, resources, and education they need for successful foot care.

Every four minutes in America, a limb is amputated due to diabetes. This statistic is even more shocking when you consider that amputation is almost completely preventable. Education and resources are vital for those living with diabetes and this partnership will help arm millions of people with the information they need to prevent foot care complications.

“The ADA is working hard to help the over 34 million Americans with diabetes deal with and overcome the unique health complications they face on a daily basis such as foot complications. Through this personalized diabetes journey experience, we hope to meet them where they are to deliver the resources and education they need to thrive,” said Jacqueline Sebany, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer for the American Diabetes Association.

The journey was developed to deliver information to those living with diabetes based on self-identified need and interest, as well as where they are in their diabetes journey.

Click here to read the full press release: https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2021/american-diabetes-association-dr-comfort-team-up-give-millions-living-with-diabetes-needed-resoruces-prevent-foot-complications

“Dr. Comfort is proud to continue to be at the forefront of helping people with diabetes live fuller lives through our partnership with the ADA.” – Raj Subramonian, SVP/GM Dr. Comfort

Written by: Erick Janisse

Did you know that over 11% of the U.S. population today has diabetes?  And, among seniors, the number rises to greater than 1 in 4 living with diabetes!  While diabetes can and does have markedly negative effects on the entire body, of special concern is the impact that diabetes can have on your feet. Diabetes can actually cause damage to the nerves in your feet that can lead to foot problems like ulcers that can take a long time to heal.

Luckily, there are many easy and simple things that you can do to prevent diabetes-related foot problems.  First and foremost is to prevent the nerve damage (also called peripheral neuropathy) from developing in the first place. The best way to do this is to keep your blood sugar levels under tight control.  Consistently high blood glucose levels are the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy.  Consult with your physician to make and implement a plan.  Also, ask your doctor to check your feet for neuropathy at least once or twice a year.

Protecting your feet is important, regardless of whether you have neuropathy (but it is of particular importance if you have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy).  Safeguarding your feet and preventing diabetes-related foot complications begins with wearing proper footwear – shoes, inserts and socks – and wearing them whenever you’re up standing or walking.  People with diabetes are strongly discouraged from walking around barefoot. When we talk about “proper” footwear, we mean shoes that truly fit your feet and have been fitted by an expert shoe-fitting specialist.  Shoes that fit the shape of your unique foot and aren’t too long, short, narrow, or wide.   Proper footwear also means shoes that provide cushion, support, and protection for your feet.

If you are enrolled as a Medicare beneficiary, you’ll be glad to hear that Medicare does provide coverage for special shoes and inserts for folks with diabetes and foot-related conditions.  The best way to begin this process is by seeing your podiatrist or primary care physician to get the process started. They will likely refer you to a therapeutic shoe fitting specialist in your area, or they may even be able to provide the shoes right in their office, as some podiatric practices do.  Medicare does require a lot of very specific paperwork to be completed by your doctor and the shoe supplier, so please be patient with them.

You may have read some pretty frightening things about diabetes and the feet in your online research but rest assured…all the scary things that you read about are largely (if not entirely) preventable!  Using great shoes is the first step!

Find a Dr. Comfort footwear provider in your area: Click Here

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.