FRIGID FEET: HOW TO KEEP YOUR FEET HEALTHY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER MONTHS
For those of us getting battered by snow, wind, and slush this time of year, it’s especially important to keep our feet safe and protected so they can happily walk us into Spring. Whether you’re battling mounds of plowed snow on city sidewalks or zooming down the mountain on skis, these tips will help protect your feet in cold temperatures and challenging terrains.
- Boots are Best! This is so important! Dress shoes and heels can be changed into once you get to the office but in order to get there, be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the conditions outside. Warm winter boots don’t have to cost too much and should last you several winters. Wear wool socks instead of cotton to absorb foot moisture. This will help prevent odor and infection. If your feet still tend to sweat, a drying foot powder or antiperspirant spray could serve you well.
- Proper Fit for Peak Performance! If you love to take advantage of the snow and indulge in winter sports, be sure to get fitted for the right size. Whether it’s ice skates, ski boots, snowboard boots, or snowshoes, each sport has its own unique footwear. The ball, heel, and instep should be tight but there should be enough wiggle room so that you can move your toes. If needed, you can insert an insole to help get you to the right fit and control the movement of the foot. Getting the right fit is essential to preventing major injury and reducing minor annoyances like blistering and chafing.
- Stretch it out! It is of utmost importance to keep the blood circulating when temperatures reach frigid points. Stretch foot and leg muscles before going outsides and continue to keep toes wriggling while outside to prevent numbness. Toe warmers are activated heat packs that can be placed inside boots to help keep feet warm and circulating. Diabetics and smokers are at the greatest risk for poor circulation; nerve damage means they won’t feel cold feet before numbness sets in. Therefore they should exercise extra caution to keep toes from becoming numb.
- Ditch the Dry Skin! The cold temps outside and dry heat inside can lead to a drying of the skin in general. Moisturize feet daily to prevent cracking of the skin and infection. Soft and flexible feet are the goal.
Following these tips and tricks can help you get through the winter with unscathed feet. If you do notice an issue, even a small one, you should see a podiatrist and get it checked out as soon as possible. Contact River Podiatry and make an appointment with Dr. Han to ensure that something minor doesn’t turn into something more serious that could affect your health.
