Winter Foot Care Concerns
At NY Foot Health, we know that each season brings unique challenges that may require adjustments to your foot care regimen.
Some of the areas to focus on during the winter months include:
Keeping Feet Warm and Dry—between cold temperatures and overheated buildings and modes of transportation, it can be hard to find a comfortable balance for your feet. If you have Raynaud's or feel the cold more acutely, choose warmer socks or even multiple layers to keep your feet warm. If you find your feet are frequently sweaty, try socks made of moisture-wicking material to help them stay dry. Diabetic patients are reminded not to expose their feet directly to heat sources such as fireplaces, electric heaters, and electric blankets.
Avoiding Fungal Infections—in addition to not allowing feet to spend long periods in damp, sweaty socks, it's important to remember to keep them covered in public places like gyms and nail salons. However, many people think that athlete’s foot and toenail fungus is more likely to develop in the summer months. That’s a myth. Opportunities for these not only exist during cold weather but also when your feet are in closed shoes and you get less air circulating around them.
Dealing with Dryness—when the heat goes on, the skin gets dry. If the skin on your feet starts to feel itchy or rough or you notice it appears flaky, it’s important you increase the moisture. If you already use a moisturizer at night, you may want to switch to a thicker, more emollient type of lotion and slip on a pair of socks to sleep in for maximum absorption. A humidifier may help add moisture to the air and hydrate skin. Remember to drink plenty of water each day, too.
Maintaining Healthy Foot Care Habits—in the midst of the holiday rush, it’s tempting to skip basic foot care and put other healthy habits that benefit your feet, such as exercising, on hold. This is a mistake, however, because by doing so, you can increase the risk of developing podiatric problems.
If you are experiencing any pain or notice unusual symptoms in your feet, don't put off getting them evaluated. Make an appointment with your podiatrist promptly. If you don’t currently have a podiatrist, you can find one on our online directory. To learn more about caring for your feet during every season, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.