Socks off for a physical?

I only take my shoes and socks off when I know the doctor is going to look at my feet. Since I am diabetic, it’s not unusual for the doctor to look. Usually, if I know my feet are going to be looked at I wear flip flops.

During play exams I'm almost always told to strip completely but I can't recall ever having to take my socks off for a physical at my real GP

My doc checks for swelling in the ankles - indication of circulation issues. She just slips a finger down my sock.

They've always told me to leave socks on, but there is a sign that says if you are diabetic to remove them. Apparently socks and diabetes is a big thing.

Diabetics need to have their feet checked for sores, circulation etc. I get mine checked monthly at a foot clinic.

Yes, everyone I've had...socks off..

I keep my socks on, unless the doctor says other wise.

For the proper emotional and psychological tone to be set for the physical, the patient's level of undress is critical. For the proper balance of power and control of doctor/examiner and patient, it is fundamental that the patient be undressed to emphasize his position of powerlessness and surrender of power to the all powerful and controlling examiner. Proper dress for the patient should be undershorts only. Bare feet emphasize the submissive role of the patient--so socks must come off. I prefer the shorts be left on, as opposed to complete nudity, to enhance the patient's anxiety and anticipation since he then has to wait to see if they are coming down if the examiner desires.

I would like to keep my white ankle socks on during the exam.

I would like to keep my white ankle socks on during the exam.

Socks make a patient more comfortable during a physical, but, I think, they reduce some of the impact of the exam situation. Having no clothing on except underpants while the examiner is completely dressed emphasizes the power transfer that is part of the full enjoyment of the physical. I think bare feet are important for adding the sense of submission of the patient to the examiner. In addition, most exam rooms have cold vinyl tile floors. Socks reduce the man's or boy's experience of the cold vinyl floor under your bare feet when he standsto drop his undershorts to reveal his genitalia for the examination of the penis, testicles, and the hernia exam. Whenever he stands bare footed on that cold vinyl floor, he can also imagine the other men who have stood in the exact same spot showing the doctor their genitalia.

When I was a teenager the nurse always had me strip down except for underwear and socks. when dr came in after beginning part of exam he would move my legs and take off socks. When he started abdominal exam underwear would be pulled down to knee's.

Yes always in bare feet, "please remove your shirt, shoes, socks and pants"

The nurse hands me a gown and goes "you know the drill, everything off and put on the gown". So yes, my socks come off and I'm barefoot

I always kept my socks on, one because they were comfy and warm, two because they were the last piece of modesty, and three because I have a foot fetish. My normal doctor would usually just feel my feet while socked, but for a sports physical once, the doctor removed my socks since I didn't.

At most exams, I'm barefoot. This helps the doc check circulation.

Like one or two other members, my feet get checked at annual physical for circulation and pulses. Had my most recent check last month. I get naked for this. So, I'd feel odd in just my socks. Shows you how personal this one is because some members feel exactly the opposite!

I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago. Getting ready, I was handed the gown and got stripped to put it on. Then the nurse came in with a huge pair of black shorts with a hole in the back. She called them 'dignity pants' and told me to put them on. I thought they looked ridiculous. More so because I'm short and skinny. I declined and asked her and the doctor doing the test if that was okay. They agreed.

Suppose it's a bit stupid of me to be worried about how you feel or look when you're naked or nearly naked. But it's an interesting bit of being at the doctor's.

This last one I was able to keep underpants on but had socks off. Beyond circulation it allows the doctor to do a skin check on the feet.

I have been asked to remove my socks for a physical in the past, but it much more commonly occurs at other speciality visits.

My palliative care specialist is a DO who also performs osteopathic manipulation therapy. For this, I do not need to fully undress but am asked to take my shoes and socks off. My endocrinologist has taken a peak at my feet though that does not happen at every visit because sometimes I am just there to figure out basal rates with new dietary intake. My hematologist also requested bare feet on a couple of occasions.

It does make me slightly more uncomfortable but at the end of the day there are far bigger things that make me uncomfortable.

I think it adds to the humiliation feeling if you're socks are left on but you end up totally naked otherwise

Several of my play Docs instruct me to wear white sports socks for that very reason

Equally I have been instructed to strip to underpants and socks at the start of an exam and then the Dr removes as necessary

Equally I have been instructed to strip to underpants and socks at the start of an exam and then the Dr removes as necessary

I agree.

One of my favorite things when I have had left my socks on is when the doctor lifts my feet in the air and takes them off himself or when he grabs my feet and exams while slowing taking the socks off and examine and tickling my feet as he exams them.

Absolutely my socks come off for any play. Socks may be little coverage but provide some all the same.

In my opinion a patient should be completely naked for their doctor

I have always removed my socks during every physical!

If I had a physical performed by a doctor with my socks left on I would consider it less than adequate and find someone else. They should note skin condition and circulation.

Any physical I’ve ever had I took my socks off.

If I had a physical performed by a doctor with my socks left on I would consider it less than adequate and find someone else. They should note skin condition and circulation.

@Silvfox It isn't necessary in a healthy individual who isnt complaining about any symptoms. If you are above a certain age, or at risk or have diabetes, then sure. Those that aren't, it doesn't matter.

Has anyone ever been to an annual checkup and been made to remove your socks? I hate to be barefoot, and as a kid, the nurses always made me at physicals. As an adult, I have never been asked, and the doctor doesn't seem to care if my socks are on.

Barefoot, absolutely. It make feel the patient more vulnerable.

Can't examine what you can't see.

I always take my socks off..........seems strange (to me) not too

If you are going to be examined completely, socks should be off too.

Any doctor worth his salt will look at your feet for circulation issues. Particularly if you are older. They also look for swelling. With younger people I'm not sure what the gold standard is but I would think it is prudent. In a play exam it's whatever floats your boat