Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Putting on socks

(53 Posts)
ferry23 Wed 29-Jan-25 15:41:40

Just popped in to see my neighbour who has really bad arthritis. She said her feet were really cold as she finds it difficult to bend down to get some socks on.

I know there's lots of aids for this - my Dad bless him tried one towards the end of his life and landed up losing his temper and throwing it across the room (we did have a laugh about if afterwards!).

I've looked at them online but there seems to be so many different types - anyone got any recommendations? It would just be for getting an ordinary pair of ankle socks on.

Aveline Sat 01-Feb-25 12:21:53

I love my sock aid. It works really well. I found it on Amazon. It's important to have a slippy lining and a fuzzier outer

Mumonamission Sat 01-Feb-25 12:13:55

We found the Foxy very helpful when both my husband and sister in law had hip ops.

Whiff Sat 01-Feb-25 11:57:06

Sorry can't do links

EmilyHarburn Sat 01-Feb-25 11:56:53

The persons feet also keep warmer if they wear leg warmes as well. These can be bought on amazon. As they are a tube with a wide top they are much easier to put on.

Whiff Sat 01-Feb-25 11:56:28

I got my grabber from Amazon £9.99-£12.99 depending what colour you want . I just had yellow as it was £9.99. folded it's 15" long . Full length 32" width between grabber parts 4" . Easy trigger to push on handle . Picks up tiniest bet of paper to larger items can pick up a fair weight . After my recent stay in hospital it has been invaluable. I can reach things out of cupboards with it .

Cateq Sat 01-Feb-25 11:42:06

My physio showed me a way to use a folded towel inside the sock and you then pull the sock up using the towel.

crazygranmda Sat 01-Feb-25 11:40:05

My DH has used this for years, as he can't reach his feet due to artificial joints on both sides! He finds it very easy to use.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08HJ36JDB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?psc=1&tag=gransnetforum-21&ie=UTF8

Grammaretto Thu 30-Jan-25 12:13:45

www.pavers.co.uk/products/knitted-cuff-lace-up-boots-wbins40171-326-117/Olive/2

Not advertising but sharing this great find!

Whitewavemark2 Thu 30-Jan-25 12:09:44

My DH - back issues uses a sock opener and his grabber.

Got it off to a fine art!

Grammaretto Thu 30-Jan-25 12:05:42

I have just had a total hip replacement operation so shouldn't even try to bend more than 90° until after my 12 week checkup up.

Thus the sock aid is vital as are my easy to slip into boots from Pavers.

Fleur20 Thu 30-Jan-25 11:11:22

www.amazon.co.uk/Putting-Stocking-Disabled-Handicapped-Pregnant/dp/B07XNTBF91/ref=sxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&psc=1&mcid=bcc50edf52243f5c84f64cd0a5cdce96&keywords=amazon+sock+aids&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&pd_rd_i=B07XNTBF91&qid=1738235341&cv_ct_cx=amazon+sock+aids&pd_rd_w=wB0cT&tag=gransnetforum-21&hvtargid=kwd-487955404041&pd_rd_r=72271a2a-a017-48ca-b8a9-1e3387671fbc&hvrand=1600739401440483191&sr=1-3-ad3222ed-9545-4dc8-8dd8-6b2cb5278509-spons&hvlocphy=9214405&hvnetw=g&hvadid=651390101968&content-id=amzn1.sym.c69cb69a-0fab-4389-a680-6b4dc8f92d57%3Aamzn1.sym.c69cb69a-0fab-4389-a680-6b4dc8f92d57&hydadcr=22612_2214453&pf_rd_p=c69cb69a-0fab-4389-a680-6b4dc8f92d57&pd_rd_wg=eZjz9&pf_rd_r=NTQ7QE302G2KR07D0HJ1&hvdev=t&hvqmt=e&adgrpid=144322794222

So sorry for horrendous link.... blame amazon!!

25Avalon Thu 30-Jan-25 10:52:16

When my back was bad to get up from bed I did stretches to limber up, then I was able to lie on my back and left my legs up in the air and stretch with my arms to put my socks on. Idk if this will work for everyone but it worked for me. Major difficulty was putting knickers on!

Gwyllt Thu 30-Jan-25 10:43:15

Stacks
To take socks off push down back of sock with toes of opposite foot. Then put heel on toes of sock and pull foot back to remove sock
It worked for me when I had trouble removing socks.
They do need to be loose ish socks though

yggdrasil Thu 30-Jan-25 08:36:42

I have picker-uppers for getting pants & trousers on, but they don't work with socks as they don't hold them open.
Greyduster, your thing sounds great. Can you tell me what is is called on the label so I can look it up?

grandMattie Thu 30-Jan-25 05:12:57

I have been finding putting on tights more difficult. I have solved the problem by lying on my back and easing them on. Easy peasy and it makes me laugh!

Grammaretto Thu 30-Jan-25 00:47:43

www.essentialaids.com/dressing/sock-and-stocking-aids/sock-stocking-aid.html

I'm using one every day since my hip replacement 4 weeks ago. It was recommended on gransnet and I sent away for one. I was given a grabber on hospital discharge but not one of these.

Charleygirl5 Wed 29-Jan-25 23:27:49

Staxes As yet, I have never had to do it, but I would use a "picker-upper" to pull them off. It's not ideal, but I cannot think of any other method.

Staxs Wed 29-Jan-25 23:07:38

How does it work taking socks off? I get dreadful cramp every night.

Babs03 Wed 29-Jan-25 23:03:50

Charleygirl5

Babs You also need one if you do not already use one, and that is what I call a picker-upper. It is a metal rod with a pincer grip at the end, which you can easily manipulate. They are on Amazon and not expensive. They are invaluable after hip and knee replacements.

Many people buy two, for upstairs and downstairs.

Thanks that sounds like a good idea.

Charleygirl5 Wed 29-Jan-25 22:51:57

Babs You also need one if you do not already use one, and that is what I call a picker-upper. It is a metal rod with a pincer grip at the end, which you can easily manipulate. They are on Amazon and not expensive. They are invaluable after hip and knee replacements.

Many people buy two, for upstairs and downstairs.

Babs03 Wed 29-Jan-25 22:41:20

I find it tricky to put socks on when my back plays up. My DH usually does it for me but is useful to know there are gadgets for when this happens.

ferry23 Wed 29-Jan-25 16:23:56

Thanks Greyduster, really helpful.

Greyduster Wed 29-Jan-25 16:16:15

This. Sorry I can’t do links.

Greyduster Wed 29-Jan-25 16:12:51

I have one which is very easy to use. It’s a sort of half tube with two rope handles. You ease the sock over the end of the tube, slide your foot into the tube, pull on the ropes and the sock slides onto your foot as the tube comes free. Quick and easy. Work on all kinds of socks.

Jaxjacky Wed 29-Jan-25 15:44:07

The hips and knees thread under Health would help you