The Coolest Foot Care Tips for Winter - Doctor B

The Coolest Foot Care
Tips for Winter
Doctor B MBE PhD - Foot Expert

In these harsh weather conditions, we often have lots of things on our minds at once: how
cold is it? how wet is it? remember your hat, scarf and gloves! With so much going on in
our heads it is easy to overlook your feet! Don't worry though, in the next few pages you
are about to discover the coolest foot care tips for the winter season.
Just because your tootsies are in hiding doesn’t mean they should be ignored. In fact, it’s
more important than ever to take care of your feet and toes during the winter season, when
things like cold weather, damp socks and heated air can lead to cracked skin, fungal
infections, chilblains and maybe even frostbite. So read on for the best foot care tips that
will keep your feet happy throughout the winter season so they’re ready to shine come
spring time!
Choose Appropriate Winter Footwear
Whether you’re walking to work on snow-covered sidewalks, playing with your children
on a sledge or swooshing down the ski slopes, it’s important to choose proper winter
footwear that keeps your feet warm, dry and protected. Wintertime shoes should have
ample padding but be roomy enough so as not to cut o circulation in the feet and toes.
Avoiding man-made materials and other non-breathable fabrics can help control foot
sweat, which could create an extra chill that can lead to chilblains on super cold winter
days.
Cover Your Feet With Proper Socks
During the cold months, it’s best to choose breathable socks that will keep your feet both
warm and dry. Wool or other moisture-wicking socks can help control foot sweat that can
make your feet feel colder. A double layer of socks (thin socks on the inside) is also
recommended as air trapped between the two sock layers can actually provide insulation. If
the soles of your feet or areas in between your toes become extremely pale or look wrinkly
as if you've spent too long in the bath then this may be a sign of over-saturation of sweat.

Take Off Wet Shoes and Socks Right Away
It's pretty tough to avoid shoe and sock dampness during the winter especially if you're
wearing some running shoes, so it’s important to remove wet shoes and socks as soon as
possible. Keeping them on leaves your feet susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
You should also make sure that shoes are thoroughly dry before wearing them again. If
they're not fully dry, choose a new pair to help keep your feet fresh and dry.
Doctor B's Tip: Always carry an extra pair of socks for emergency situations, such as when
you just can’t say no to jumping into a giant puddle or snow mountain!
Use Hydrating Foot Cream
Skin tends to dry out during the cold months when dry air and especially electric heaters
zap moisture from the body. Avoid corns, calluses and cracked heels by keeping your feet
properly moisturised with good quality foot creams. A foot cream containing 10% urea
can provide especially long lasting moisturisation. Applying coconut oil is also a great treat
for the skin on your feet.
Don’t Slack On Exercise During Winter Months
It’s pretty easy to blow o exercise when it’s cold outside; it’s much cozier to stay inside
where it’s warm rather than go for an icy-cold walk or jog. But sitting around all day can
lead to foot and ankle swelling. If you must stay inside, then be sure to do a few basic leg
exercises to keep your blood owing. If you brave the cold, be sure to allow time for extra
stretching, as winter weather can make you less exible and therefore prone to more
injuries to your feet and the rest of your body.

Treat Yourself To Warming Winter Foot Soaks
Wintertime can be a busy, stressful season, so treat yourself to relaxing warming foot soaks
once a week or so. Add a dash of cider vinegar which could help ease muscle soreness...well
at least that is what our grannies told us! Because having happy feet means having a happy
winter season!
Take A Toenail Polish Break
If there ever was a time for your toenails to go polish-free (gasp!), it’s right now, when your
tootsies are covered by boots and socks. Going polish-free allows the nails to better soak up
creams and lotions, and not using polish remover for extended periods of time will help
ght against nail dryness. Meanwhile, if you wear darker colour polishes they often
contain yellowing agents and going polish-free will allow the discoloured nail to grow out
so you’ll be perfectly ready for summertime shoes and sandals.
Hope you've found this information useful.
If you experience any foot problems this winter, our expert
podiatrists at Sole Body Soul are at hand to help solve your
foot and ankle problems.
Sole Body Soul, 244 Broughty Ferry Road, Dundee, DD4 7NE | 01382 458 766 | 07711 621 456 | reception@solebodysoul.com