Keeping your feet warm & healthy this winter
Whether you’re going on winter walks in the snow, or just going about your everyday life in this cold and wet season, taking care of your feet is imperative.
Staying warm when it’s cold outside can be a challenge. As the weather gets colder, small blood vessels temporarily close up and you might see a change in the colour of your skin, which could look pale or blanched and waxy at first, before becoming bluish. This is because the oxygen in the blood has been used up by the tissues.
So, to help your feet stay warm this year, we have compiled some top tips to keep your feet healthy and ready for action when spring finally arrives.
Top 10 tips to keep your feet warm
- Wear suitable footwear all year around. Waterproof boots can be very beneficial during the winter months, especially when dealing with rain and snow.
- Wear socks and hosiery made of natural fibres. A combination of at least 70% wool with cotton works quite well if your feet are cold. Wear double socks if necessary.
- If your socks get wet in your shoes, change them as soon as possible.
- Make sure your boots/shoes fit properly; you should be able to wiggle your toes, but the boots should have a stiff heel counter in order to be supportive.
- Regular exercise is very important as it improves circulation and opens up new ways for the blood to reach your toes.
- Avoid extreme cold or hot situations. Hot water bottles, electrical blankets, fireplaces and radiators can damage seriously the small blood vessels in your hands and feet, especially if your extremities are freezing cold. The best way is to warm them up gradually so that the capillaries have time to respond to the sudden change of temperature.
- Massage your feet and hands regularly to stimulate circulation.
- Wearing long trousers, socks, leg warmers, or boots, gloves and hats can also help in preventing your extremities (hands, feet, ear lobes, nose tip) from getting cold.
- Its better to have a warm bath instead of a foot soak, if your feet are cold.
- Do not hesitate to seek medical advice or see a podiatrist if you need further information.
Podiatrists at Medipod Clinics are trained to assess extensively the circulation in the lower limb using Ultrasound equipment (Doppler) in order to listen to the pulses on your feet.
We understand how your foot works and we tailor a treatment plan to your needs. If you are already concerned about your feet, we are more than happy to help. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.
We also offer other podiatry services, counselling, audiology and physiotherapy services.
For more information about our podiatry services, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot related questions.
Thank you for reading.
Faye Vogiatzoglou
http://medipodclinics.com