Winter is hard on our feet. Wet weather can mean that we’re walking around with damp feet all day. Christmas shopping and busy spells at work and home might mean that you are on your feet far more than usual. Parties around the holidays can mean that you are forcing your feet into uncomfortable and even ill-fitting shoes, or the kinds of heels that you aren’t used to wearing. It’s common to have blisters, dry skin, and achy feet in winter but many of us are also battling things like athlete’s foot, chilblains, and uncomfortable swelling.
If you’ve got poor circulation, winter can be even tougher on your feet, as well as your hands. You might struggle to keep your feet warm and even find that your skin is discoloured and that your feet hurt as they warm up from the cold.
There are some things about winter that we can’t change. We’re bound to have an occasional cold, it’s harder to dry washing, we’re busier than usual, and our homes cost more to heat. But sore, uncomfortable feet isn’t something that you have to live with. In fact, taking care of your feet is probably a lot easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help you.
Top 11 Tips for Taking Care of Your Feet This Winter
Invest in High-Quality Boots
Don’t make the mistake of going out in mesh trainers, or cheap boots. If there’s one thing it’s worth investing in this winter, it’s waterproof, warm boots that are comfortable and keep your feet dry.
Break Shoes in
When you buy new shoes, whether they are boots for day-to-day wear, running shoes, or heels for a night out, make sure you break them in by walking in them at home, before you wear them for longer periods.
Be Careful with Winter Socks
It can be tempting to wear two pairs of socks under your boots in cold weather, but this can trap sweat, which increases the chances of freezing. Thick socks can do the same if they aren’t the right materials. If your feet are very sweaty, or the skin is pale and wrinkly when you take your shoes off, your socks might be trapping too much moisture. Look for sweat-wicking socks in acrylic materials such as the collection at Q for Quinn Inc. or invest in a few pairs of good-quality woollen socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
Watch for Signs of Athletes Foot
Athletes foot is an infection that’s usually caused by fungi, which grows in moist areas, such as between warm toes. You should check what’s an athlete’s foot symptom so that you know what to look for and get help from HLES Footcare if you need to. HLES Footcare can also help with foot injuries, and other problems you might face this winter.
Keep Your Feet Clean
Washing your feet well reduces the risks of bacteria and fungus growing, helping to keep your feet healthy in bad weather.
Warm Them Slowly
When you get in, if your feet are cold, you might be tempted to wrap them up and put them near a heater to warm them quickly. Unfortunately, this can lead to the extreme pain, which we sometimes call hot aches. Instead, remove your shoes and socks, put on some warm slippers, and walk around your house to keep the blood flowing and warm your feet gradually.
Dry Wet Feet Quickly
When your feet are damp, they get colder, and bacteria grow in the moisture. When you get out of the shower, or when you get in from wet, slushy weather, dry your feet as quickly as you can.
Never Put on Damp Shoes
Drying your shoes on a heater can shrink them so, instead, dry them at room temperature. However, make sure you’ve got a few pairs so that you never have to put damp shoes back on.
Take Regular Breaks
If you spend a lot of time on your feet, make sure you take regular breaks to let them rest. On the other hand, if you spend a long time sitting down, get up and walk for a few minutes every hour to boost circulation and keep your feet warm.
Boost Your Circulation
Circulation can be a big problem in the winter, but there are a few things that you can do to help. Try support socks or stockings, which offer compression, and avoid wearing tight jeans or bottoms. Make sure you get up and move regularly and take time to massage your feet and hands to encourage blood flow.
Moisturize Daily
Spend a few minutes every night before bed moisturizing your feet to heel blisters and reducing dry skin. If your feet are especially dry, use concentrated shea butter.
Your feet are important since they support you through life. Unfortunately, however, most of us neglect them. Take a little care of your feet this winter, and you’ll probably find that they are more comfortable, whatever the weather.
