Winters are tough on our feet. For starters, walking in the snow is challenging, and there is a greater risk of losing one’s balance. Ankle twists and sprains are therefore more likely in colder weather. Furthermore, the lower temperatures increase the risk of injuries such as frostbite. Not to mention that in the winter, our feet become exceedingly dry and harsh.
As a result, we must take extra care of our feet in the cold weather. Neglecting them will only lead to undesirable foot problems — this is especially true for people with diabetes, who are susceptible to a number of foot problems. (Related: Diabetes And Your Feet)
Here are the top seven tips for caring for your feet at home in chilly weather.
Wash your feet every day
This may seem trivial to some, but it is the most underrated tip. We often avoid washing our feet every day throughout the winter because we of the cold temps and the tendency to slip into a warm pair of socks on cold wintery mornings. This problem has gotten worse with the rise of the work-from-home culture.
However, washing your feet every day is essential for preventing fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and unpleasant odors. You do not have to spend a lot of money on washing your feet — the same soap bar you use on a daily basis will work just fine.
Use a pumice stone to fight dead skin
Most of us get cracked feet during the cold winters. Exfoliating with a pumice stone is an effective way to get rid of cracked and dry skin on the feet. All you have to do is soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before exfoliating with the stone to soften the skin.
In addition to soaking your feet, moisten the stone so that it glides on your skin, providing a friction-free experience. Now, gently rub it over your skin before rinsing it off.
Moisturize your feet
Humidity level drops in the cold temperatures — and that means less moisture. As a result, our skin becomes excessively dry. While keeping the feet dry is vital for avoiding fungal infections, excessively dry feet should also be avoided.
A lack of moisture can cause cracked heels. Moisturizing your feet is a great way to avoid this problem. Get yourself some moisturizers that will keep your skin nice and smooth. Apply immediately after showering for optimal absorption.
Keep your feet dry
Our feet tend to sweat when we wear wool socks and boots. The dampness promotes not just cold feet but also bacterial and fungal infections. The moist, damp environment creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Wear moisture-wicking socks, such as those made of wool blends, to minimize the risk — they absorb sweat and keep your feet dry. Use sweat-absorbing foot powders to keep your feet dry even more. They also absorb sweat and have the added benefit of removing foul odor.
Wear the right shoes
Wearing the proper shoes is critical to preventing dangerous falls and slips, especially in the winter when slips are even more common. If you like winter sports such as snowboarding or skiing, it is even more important to wear the proper footwear.
Always make sure that the shoes you wear on a daily basis fit you perfectly and are neither too tight nor too loose. While tight-fitting shoes can affect normal blood circulation, loose shoes increase the risk of falling. Of course, neither of these two will be comfortable to walk around in. Wear lower-heeled shoes with slip-resistant soles. They should be warm enough to protect your feet against frostbites. A solid base and a supportive heel are essential for increased stability on slick surfaces.
Conclusion
Most people tend to neglect their feet because they do not consider them to be a vital part of the body. However, our feet make up a quarter of the body’s bones, 18% of joints, and 6% of muscles — damage to any of these can cause problems in other parts of our bodies and how we live our everyday life. With the tips listed above, we hope you will be able to care for your feet during the approaching winter season.
Visit the FootDocStore.com blog for more information on how to keep your feet and ankles healthy.