It's currently 5 degrees outside; I think it's safe to say that winter if officially here...or at least the weather is! A lot of people are good at taking care of their feet in the summer as the sun is shining and the strappy shoes are out, which means that feet are out too. But when the colder weather appears, people tend to forget about looking after their feet as they're not on-show as much.
It's important to take care of your feet all year round, especially in the winter. Lorraine Humphrey, founder and podiatrist of Podiatry & Wellness Clinic, has listed her top winter foot care tips below.
Keep Your Feet Warm...But Not Too Warm
When the temperature drops outside, it's essential that you keep your feet warm by wearing warm socks and protective shoes. The best type of shoes are those that are encased all around and have a strong sole. Socks made from wool are also recommended as they give extra warmth and protection. Chillblains are an example of a bad reaction to the cold as they appear on the toes as painful/itchy red lumps and can be very uncomfortable. Keeping your feet warm can prevent this.
Although it may be temping to stretch your feet out by a hot fire when you get in from the cold, it's advised not to as this could cause burns and blisters.
Move Your Feet
It's as simple as that; move your feet. Its important not to stay in one position for too long, and something as simple as wriggling your toes can help to improve circulation. There are also some simple exercises you can do to keep your feet in tip-top condition - make an appointment today to speak to a podiatrist.
Wear Protective Shoes
Before heading outside, it's a good idea to take a look out the window and check the weather conditions so you can make an appropriate decision on what footwear you should wear. If it's wet or icy then it's important to wear a shoe with a strong grip and good ankle support.
Clean and Dry Your Feet
It's important to clean and dry your feet all year round to avoid issues such as fungal infections. However, it's exceptionally important to keep up with your foot hygiene in the winter as your feet are more prone to dry skin and cracked heels. Also, if you're keeping your feet in a warm and sweaty environment - like winter boots - then it's more likely for a fungal infection to occur. Read our blog post, Prevent Future Foot Problems with these Useful Tips for more details on how you should clean and dry your feet properly.
If your feet are in need of some TLC or you would like more detailed advice suited to your foot care needs, contact us today to book an appointment with a podiatrist.
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