Getting Your Feet Ready For Winter
As those long hot days of summer become a distant memory, we tend to put our boots on and neglect our feet. Out of sight out of mind! Winter is a time when we should be much more proactive in our daily footcare routine. It is also time to review our footwear to ensure we protect our feet from those winter chills.
This month we are talking about how you can get your feet ready for the cold, winter months in the UK.
It is important to wear winter shoes and boots to protect your feet against the weather. Make sure your boots fit properly as feet can change from year to year. Feet tend to get wider as you get older. Gaining weight can also cause your feet to get bigger. If your boots or shoes don’t fit correctly and are too tight the constant friction can cause painful corns and calluses. It is worth investing in a good and supportive pair of boots to minimise common foot issues.
If you’re suffering from painful foot conditions already, cold winter weather can exacerbate them. Patients with poor blood circulation, diabetes and neuropathy are especially prone to winter foot problems. This is because lower winter temperatures cause the body to slow blood circulation to the hands and feet as it attempts to preserve the body’s core temperature.
Chilblains
Chilblains are common as the temperature drops. Chilblains affect the capillaries in the skin, most often in the hands or feet. They can be red and itchy and cause discomfort and often blisters. They normally heal themselves, but sometimes they can break down and become infected. There are creams available that can relieve these symptoms.
If you are prone to chilblains try to keep your feet warm and dry, try wearing cotton, wool, or bamboo socks rather than synthetic materials. If your feet do get cold then try and warm them slowly, never quickly! Avoid hot water bottles and electrical blankets. Speak to your podiatrist who can advise you on how to keep your feet warm.
Fungal Infections
If your feet get damp or sweaty during the day, then change your socks. This warm damp environment can be a breeding ground for fungal nail infections as well as athletes’ foot. Be aware that itching, soreness, or discoloured nails may be an indication that you have an infection.
When at home let your feet air as much as possible and make sure you dry thoroughly between your toes. There are many creams and sprays available which will help clear these infections, but it is always best to see a podiatrist.
Cracked Heels
To protect your feet from dry cracked heels caused by the drop in temperature it is important to moisturise regularly. We would recommend a urea-based cream. We have a selection of creams and sprays which are suitable so ask your podiatrist for advice.
Diabetics and those patients with poor circulation can be more at risk of developing problems resulting from dry skin. So, moisturise! moisturise! Prevention is better but it is recommended that you see your podiatrist if you have any changes in the condition of your feet.
Podiatrists are specialists when it comes to your foot health. So if you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.
We offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, verrucas, heel pain, tendinitis, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.
For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.
Thank you for reading – Getting Your Feet Ready For Winter.
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director