How to Keep Your Feet Warm and Healthy This Winter
How to Keep Your Feet Warm and Healthy This Winter
It doesn’t seem that long ago that our patients were sidling into our clinic with shorts, summer dresses, sandals and flip flops. But although it’s happened bit more gradually this year, the days are getting cooler and a bit more damp. As podiatrists, we find ourselves advising more often on how to keep feet warm, dry and yes, well-moisturised.
Why cold weather affects your feet?
The science behind warm feet and good skin has to do with our small blood vessels and the nerves/chemical messengers that control their constriction (narrowing) and dilation (widening). The nervous system also controls secretion of sweat and oils on the soles of our feet.
6 Essential Tips for Warm, Healthy Feet in Winter
So what are some of the practical steps you can take to keep the feet warm and dry? (And remember the “dry” part is important – water conducts heat away from the skin 25 times faster than air.)
Choose the Right Winter Footwear – invest in outdoor shoes that are well insulated both in the sole and the upper. If you are going walking in wet weather, wear a waterproof walking shoe or boot – plan ahead for this if possible. Make sure your shoes are wide enough to allow your toes to spread (constricted toes can mean poor blood flow). Companies like DB shoes and Cosyfeet both have waterproof and wider fitting options.
Select Moisture-Wicking Socks - Socks should be warm and also good at “wicking away” moisture. Avoid cotton socks as these hold moisture and rather go for bamboo, good quality wool or other synthetic fibres. Change socks regularly and consider taking a pair with you in your bag in case your feet get wet. We have a range of socks with features such as bamboo blend, different tog ratings and gentle grip cuffs to keep the circulation flowing.
Use Insulating Insoles and Orthotics – Insoles and orthotics can have an insulating effect and a material called Plastazote that we stock has insulating properties when cut to fit your shoe.
Maintain a Warm, Dry Home Environment – Try to keep your environment in the home warm and dry. If your feet do get cold, avoid things that warm them too quickly (hot water/water bottle, radiator). Rapid warming causes blood vessels to dilate too quickly and cause damage to the skin. It’s best to make sure the feet are dry, put on a new pair of warm socks, raise your feet and cover with a warm blanket or duvet.
Stay Active to Boost Circulation – Studies have shown the athletes skin is more resilient to cold. But you don’t have to go for a 5 k run. Going for a brisk walk, swimming/yoga etc. or simply getting up and walking around the home, going to the shops can help to warm the feet and maintain good circulation.
Moisturise Daily to Prevent Dry Skin – In certain conditions (cold dry air, indoor heating, fluctuating temperatures), key moisturisers can be lost from the skin. This can lead to dry, flakey, cracked , itchy and sore patches/areas. A daily application can prevent or reduce the chances of this happening. If you struggle with poor circulation/chilblains you might find a specialist cream such as Gehwol Red or Akilwinter helps prevent redness and blistering. Just the process of massaging these creams into the skin also helps restore warmth.
When to Seek Professional Podiatry Care
If you are finding it a struggle to keep your feet warm and skin in good condition through the winter months, browse our range of winter foot care products including specialist socks, insoles, and moisturising creams at your next visit to Kenilworth Footcare.
Book your next appointment by giving us a call on 01926 563555, or book online HERE
Serving Kenilworth, Warwick, and Leamington Spa
For further advice regarding chilblains, check out the NHS website
