How To Look After Your Feet During The Colder Months

During the colder months, it goes without saying that you keep your feet warm by wearing warm socks and sturdy shoes with a strong sole. The winter brings added feet problems, such as dry cracked skin, from constant sock wearing and central heating. Chilblains are also a problem, a result of an adverse reaction to the cold, appearing on the toes as painful and/or itchy red lumps.

Keeping your feet warm, preferably in cotton or wool socks can prevent this.

Protective Shoes are Your Friend

Always plan your footwear wear to the weather conditions. If it's wet or icy then it's important to wear a shoe with a strong grip and good ankle support. Check the soles of your shoes and boots regularly, they can wear down on one side according to your gait leaving you with an uneven grip.

Keep Moving

Never under estimate a simple foot wriggle! Making sure you don’t stay in one position for too long, by standing up, or simply moving your feet around in circular motions. This will help lubricate the joints and improve circulation.

Also ensure you keep you water uptake going in the winter as this will help with joint pain and issues.

Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry

It's important to clean and dry your feet daily throughout the year 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 or wellies - then it's a breeding ground for a fungal infection to occur.

If you have hard skin or calluses on your feet then simply file them with a foot file or pumice.

Make sure you moisturise your feet every day, avoiding the skin in-between your toes as this is where bacteria can breed. A regular pedicure will make sure your feet are in tip top condition, and your foot health practitioner can advise on the best moisturisers for foot care.

If you struggle to file or moisturise your feet then contact me today and book a Medical Pedicure.

With the right prevention and getting your feet checked regularly, your should be ready to step in the warmer sandal wearing months without having to tackle any issues arising from neglecting feet in the winter first.