The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and the trees have lost their leaves. Winter is here, and the changing seasons bring different conditions that impact your feet and overall health.
By following the advice of podiatrists Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, and Amber O’Connor, DPM, located at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, you can keep your feet comfortable and safe this winter. Follow these 5 tips to keep your feet in great shape during the winter months.
The colder weather means it takes more work for your body to keep your feet warm. This is exacerbated if you have a medical condition that slows your circulation.
You can take a few easy steps to keep your feet and toes warm all winter. Outside, wear warm socks and waterproof, closed-toe shoes that are appropriately lined for the temperature.
Indoors, wear socks and slippers, and keep the heating on. You can also treat your feet to a 10-15 minute soak in warm water and sleep with a heating pad or hot water bottle by your feet.
Getting up and walking around, or even just wiggling your toes as you sit down, also helps warm your feet up when you’re sedentary.
Ironically, winter footwear can cause your feet to sweat more. Warm socks and shoes can make your feet perspire as you move between different room temperatures and activity levels.
Sweaty feet get colder than dry feet and are also more likely to get infected. If you exercise outdoors, choose athletic socks and shoes that are air-wicking and appropriately breathable for the outdoor temperature. You can also put foot powder in your socks to stop sweat.
When your feet do sweat, gently wash them as soon as you take off your shoes. Ensure your shoes are dry and clean before you wear them again.
Along with ensuring your footwear is warm enough, it needs to fit well and be suitable for your activity. Buy high-quality winter boots, ski boots, and ice skates in the correct size.
If you have a condition like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or arthritis, your winter gear might need to be adapted to meet your needs. Our team can help you buy the right equipment for your foot type and fit, and provide medical-grade custom orthotics that can be inserted into any type of boot.
Colder air makes your muscles tighter, and slippery roads can increase your risk of an injury like a sprain or fracture. It’s especially important in winter to warm up your muscles before you start exercising outside.
Be cautious and slow down in wet or icy areas, or avoid them entirely. If you feel unstable when you run or walk, shorten your stride to compensate instead of changing your gait.
Because you’re usually wearing socks and shoes that cover your feet during the colder months, it’s easier to miss foot problems. Everyone needs to be diligent about checking their feet in winter for problems like:
Let our team know right away if you notice anything unusual during foot checks. Doing these self-checks daily is especially important if you have diabetes.
With a few small changes to your shoes and daily routine, you can enjoy all the wonderful winter sports and activities the season has to offer. Contact us to schedule a podiatry appointment this winter.
