Are Your Feet Winter Ready?

The colder months are coming, and it's important to take care of your feet. It's easy to forget that they need TLC all year round, especially in the winter.

In the colder months, foot injuries and problems are really common. Cracked heels, athlete's foot, and frostbite are the most common foot injuries in this time of year. Here are a few easy ways to make your feet winter-ready.

Moisturise

The dry air of winter, as well as indoor heating, will cause painful fissures on your heels. Your skin can crack from all the dryness, and the fissures then provide a gateway for bacteria and fungi to enter, leading to infections.

Why not apply a good, rich moisturiser to your feet after you've bathed or showered? There are plenty of foot creams available. But remember, don't put too much on, because you don't want the cream between your toes to stay there and cause an infection.

During these winter months, it is important to keep your feet dry at all times. This will help prevent any foot fungus from occurring. We recommend using Gehwol foot powder, which has been proven to absorb moisture on the skin of the feet.

Keep feet clean as possible

When you're taking a bath or shower, be sure to wash your feet well. This will prevent fungal build-up and other foot-related problems like ingrown toenails and athlete's foot. After washing your feet, make sure they are completely dry to avoid any fungi growth. One of the most important things you can do for your feet is to dry them thoroughly before putting on socks. Never walk around barefoot! The feet are very sensitive and it is easy to pick up foot fungus even in your home, where there may be infected surfaces.

Remove wet socks and shoes

With winter rapidly approaching, expect lots of snow, ice, and rain which will make the task of keeping your feet dry difficult. Wearing damp shoes or socks can lead to fungal as well as bacterial infections. The bad odor that comes along with it isn't pleasant either.

Try out some waterproof shoes such as Vessi. This shoe has a special lining wicking moisture away from the foot. The Vessi has a special grip for walking on wet surfaces, but it can also be used for everyday wear. 

Please make sure you let your shoes or boots dry thoroughly before you wear them again. If you want to speed up the drying process, remove the liner and place it on a towel next to your radiator. Flip your shoes upside down so that the toes can dry out. This will reduce the likelihood of bacteria growing inside.

Wear the right socks and shoes

To avoid sweaty feet, wear socks made from breathable materials like wool, we especially recommend moisture wicking socks. Remove your socks if your feet turn white and your toes wrinkle.

There are some winter activities and sports that require special shoes, like skiing and ice skating. But this is not the case for most of them. If you're doing something like running or playing football, you should wear well-fitting shoes with at least some padding. Constricted circulation can make your feet feel cold and numb, so be aware of this.

Prevent foot fractures 

If you live in a cold-weather area, are out of doors frequently, or are especially susceptible to foot fractures, then you should wear appropriate footwear when walking on slippery surfaces.

If you want to avoid slipping, make sure to put some traction devices underneath your shoes. If you plan on skiing, snowboarding or skating, keep in mind that you need to know your limits and get the proper training beforehand.

If you're struggling with foot health, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.