Winter footcare differs from the rest of the year because of the frequently changing conditions when it comes to the weather. Winter weather can include cold, dry, and even damp soggy environments which will all take a toll on your feet. Here are a few simple tips to keep your feet safe this Winter!
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you are wearing a waterproof pair of boots. You want to make sure that your boots are warm, appropriate for all activities, comfortable and fitted properly and most importantly once your boots get wet or damp, you’ll want to make sure that you change them to a dry fresh pair. Doing this will prevent against any fungus and bacteria from growing in your footwear.
Next, you will want to make sure that you implement a good hygiene routine for your feet. Ensure that you are washing your feet daily, keep your showers short and not too hot, moisturize regularly and lastly make sure that you keep your toenails trimmed. Avoid anything to dry out your feet because Winter is known to make skin dry and brittle. We also recommend against using nail polish and allowing your nails to rest for the summer weather. Speak to your Pedorthist or Chiropodist for any additional tips that you can implement on top of these depending on your individual footcare needs.
The last set of tips is to make sure that you prevent fractures and injuries! Snow and ice can increase the risk of foot fractures during the Winter months. Wearing boots or waterproof footwear can keep you safe when there’s a possibility of walking on slippery surfaces. You can also reduce your chance of falling by applying traction devices underneath your shoes. One great product we offer is the Ice Traxx which simply fits on the bottom of all shoes or boots!
If you are unsure whether you’re doing these steps or not (or to find out if you could be doing them better), you can visit a Footcare Clinician at your local BioPed Clinic! To schedule a comprehensive foot care assessment please visit – www.bioped.com/locations
