Smart Socks

Wearable Tech

By Cutright Elizabeth on Feb 17, 2017 in Technology

The wearables trend shows no signs of abating, and for older adults suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, a simple “smart sock” could be a lifesaver.

For sufferers of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, foot issues abound, from swelling to numbness and tingling in the toes. Unfortunately, because of the nerve damage triggered by the disease, some foot injuries go unchecked, leading to painful and dangerous complications, including infection and amputation. For older adults, these types of issues are all too common, which is why Siren Care’s Siren Smart Sock could be a game changer.

“Diabetic foot ulcers are serious problem,” says Podiatric Surgeon Alexander M. Reyzelman, Co-Director for the UCSF Center for Limb Preservation, in a video about the Siren Sock.

“1.5 million patients will develop foot ulcers in the United States, and 20% will develop amputations,” he warns, “and 50-70% will go on to lose their life within five years.”

A Different Kind of Wearable

While fitness trackers and smart watches grab the spotlight, a quiet revolution is afoot. The number of wearables designed for medical use is growing every day, especially in the senior care market. For the 11.8 million senior citizens suffering from diabetes, using test strips and blood pricks can be complicated.

Because self-monitoring can be difficult for older adults, specially designed wearables can help with compliance and improve overall health by flagging small issues before they become a big crisis. Be it socks or wristbands, the simplicity of the system is one of the main advantages.

“…it is simply not possible to design a device that meets the expectations of a millennial while being operable by an octogenarian,” explains Thor Schrock, developer of the Allen Band, a wristband that helps detects falls.

“The most important thing to remember is you are designing technology for people who need the benefits of a device but lack the skills in many cases to use modern tech.”

 Smart Socks

Siren’s Smart Sock intends to replace the cumbersome foot-monitoring devices alternative currently available. While shoe inserts and specifically designed boots have been around for a while, the Siren sock adds another level of comfort and oversight.

As Reyzelman explains on the Siren Care website, “Siren Smart Socks have the potential to prevent foot ulceration and reduce the number of amputations based on early recognition of pre-ulcerative areas.”

This is because the sensors are woven into the fabric of the sock. Lying closer to the skin, the sensors can more quickly detect inflammation and temperature changes. Any potential problem immediately triggers an alert via a proprietary smart phone app. The app tracks activity, foot temperature and other vital statistics. The information is also uploaded to the cloud for remote access.

Customers who sign up for the Siren Sock will receive seven pairs designed to last six months. The socks can be machine-washed and don’t need to be charged – they only turn on when worn, which helps save battery life. Shipping will start this spring, but Siren is currently accepting pre-orders as well.

“Diabetic ulcers have imposed great suffering on me and my loved ones,” says Marc Fairman, a senior living with type 1 diabetes, in the Siren Care video. “If I had a product that would help me determine before these ulcers develop, it would change my life.”