Keeping Feet Healthy in Winter: A new year has begun but the cold still remains. In fact, in most places, it just got drier and colder. It is important to make sure that you are keeping your lower limbs healthy and happy. If you haven’t been careful about foot care over the holiday season, it is time to start taking care to prevent foot ailments due to the cold.

Winter Foot Problems and How to Prevent Them

Foot Problems Due to Wet Feet: People assume the feet do not sweat when it is cold but the fact is feet sweat a lot when trapped inside boots. They can also get soaked while trudging through snow or rain if the footwear isn’t weatherproof. Wet feet can cause fungal problems like athlete’s foot or cold-weather injuries like frostbite, if you are not careful. You can prevent these problems by making sure that you change your socks and shoes regularly and by using foot powder to keep your feet clean and dry. Using moisture-wicking materials can keep your skin from getting too damp during the day.

Also Read: 5 Foot Care Tips for the Elderly

Foot Problems Due to Dry Feet: During the cold season, people tend to stay indoors. The heat and low humidity inside the home can cause the skin to dry out quickly. This dry skin can cause painful cracks and fissures in the heels of your feet. To prevent this, make sure you moisturize your feet regularly. A good foot soak will also help. Drinking plenty of water is recommended.

Have a Regular Podiatric Check-up During Winter: A major problem resulting from cold weather is that the extremities become numb. A small foot ailment may go unnoticed until it is too late. That is why it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist regularly during the winter season. It is even more important to do this if you are diabetic, elderly or have other risk factors.

Become a Member to post Articles Back to Profile