Updated November 25, 2014.

Question: What Is a Sock Aid?

How do you put your socks on? I thought so -- you don't even think about it -- you just do it. For people with arthritis and other chronic conditions, simple daily living activities just like that aren't effortless.

Joint pain and limited range of motion can make it very difficult if not impossible to put socks on. But there are assistive devices, like a sock aid, that can help.

What is a sock aid? Where can you get a sock aid?

Answer:

Sock Aid Compensates for Limited Range of Motion

A sock aid is a piece of adaptive equipment, also referred to as an assistive device or arthritis aid, that allows people to put on their socks easily despite pain and physical limitations. For arthritis patients who have difficulty bending and reaching their feet, a sock aid can allow them to independently put on their socks.

Basically, a sock aid is a flexible or semi-flexible material (often plastic) that is attached to two long handles (rope or cord). Your 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 flexible part, you drop it to the floor while you hold onto the handles. Your foot is then slipped into the sock opening. With the two handles, you pull back and upward so your foot slips into the sock and out of the sock aid.

A sock aid does not come in sizes. It should be able to accommodate feet of all sizes and work well with most socks and stockings.

Some actually are designed to help with compression stockings as well.

For Home and Travel

You will wonder how you did without it. Keep your sock aid in your sock drawer (makes sense, right?). But remember to take it with you when you know you will have occasion to use it, especially when you are traveling.

I first encountered a sock aid when an occupational therapist presented me with one after my first hip replacement. I thought it was an ingenious design. I have had one for nearly 30 years and I'd classify it as a must-have for anyone who has trouble putting on their socks.

Where to Get a Sock Aid

A sock aid can be purchased at your local medical supply store or online from companies that offer durable medical goods and assistive devices.

Here are several sock aids for you to consider.