Winter Foot Care 101
Winter weather can be harsh on your feet in more ways than one. Colder temperatures can affect circulation, and since your feet are furthest from your heart, the extra effort required to get blood back and forth takes a toll. Add in dry air, cracked heels, and fungal infections so common to close-toed shoes, and you’ve got a recipe for podiatric problems.
At Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle, we want to help our community stay healthy through the holidays. With that in mind, we’ve put together a brief guide to stepping past winter weather problems and a little gift guide, too.
Act early, ache less. That’s the idea behind preventative foot and ankle care, and in the winter, it’s even more important to remember. To keep things moving smoothly, be sure to…
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Cold air and indoor heating can sap moisture from your skin, leaving your feet dry and cracked.
- Combat this by applying a rich moisturizer daily, especially after showering or bathing.
- Look for products specifically designed for feet, as they often contain ingredients that address dryness and odor.
Keep Your Feet Warm and Dry: Damp socks and shoes can create a breeding ground for fungal infections.
- Choose moisture-wicking socks made from wool or synthetic materials, and change them regularly.
- Consider investing in waterproof boots to keep your feet dry in snowy or icy conditions.
Select the Right Footwear: Pinched toes and serious chills await anybody who disregards the importance of the right shoes.
- Choose options that provide good support, insulation, and traction. Stay away from thin cloth options or other footwear that might not withstand winter wetness. This includes supporting your feet when walking around the house.
- Avoid high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes, as they can restrict blood flow and increase your risk of cold-weather injuries.
Stay Active: Regular exercise, even indoors, can help improve circulation and keep your feet warm.
- Consider activities like yoga, Pilates, or indoor cycling.
Foot-Friendly Gifts for the Holidays
- The holidays are a perfect time to pamper your feet or give the gift of foot health to someone you care about. Consider gifting:
- A relaxing foot spa with massage features can soothe tired feet and improve circulation.
- Socks. Everyone needs them! Soft, warm options made from natural fibers like wool or cashmere are winter essentials. Compression socks can also be an excellent choice, providing improved circulation, reduced swelling, and relief to travelers or athletes alike.
- A collection of moisturizing foot creams and lotions combats dryness, keeping feet soft and smooth. Go for natural ingredients and scents if possible.
- A professional pedicure is both relaxing and beneficial to foot and ankle health. Consider options with medical oversight or clinical standards first.
- A foot massager with heat is perfect for soothing tired feet, not to mention relieving muscle tension after a long day of holiday shopping or standing over a hot stove. Look for one with shiatsu massage, deep kneading, and adjustable heat settings.
- Colder weather features plenty of obstacles to foot and ankle health, but as you can see, there are plenty of ways you can cope. Our team wishes you a healthy, happy winter and cozy comforts all through the season. That said, if anything does get in the way of your holidays, we’re always happy to help!
At Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle, we want to educate our patients about podiatric problems so they can help us choose the right approach. Our team is dedicated to providing quality, up-to-date, and proven treatments in a friendly and comfortable setting. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment.