Top tips for preparing your feet for the upcoming winter

With the warmer weather now departing, we are forced to welcome back a not so friendly Melbourne winter. If you aren’t lucky enough to escape to a warmer climate, then this is the perfect time to remind yourself to double check and make sure you are prepared on how to look after your feet this winter.

5 top tips to keep your feet healthy this winter

1. Your toenails may need CPR – let them breathe!

The return to enclosed footwear gives you the best chance to remove your nail polish and allow your nails to breathe. You can always apply nail polish for important events and times but keeping them nail polish free as much as possible helps reduce the chance of tinea and nail fungus growing underneath.

2. Keep your feet consistently warm

When the temperature drops, your feet are not immune. Ensure when at home you are insulating your feet through good quality, natural fibre socks and at least some form of warm footwear – even fluffy slippers. Apply a moisturiser from the heels to toes in a circular motion – this helps keep them warm but also helps keep the skin healthy. However, be careful not to apply moisturise between the toes as these areas need to be kept dry.

You want to minimise your chances of painful winter conditions such as chilblains, which is caused by inflammation of the small blood vessels in your skin. As your feet get cold, the blood vessels shrink causing a reduction in the blood flow. You may notice that your toes turn a very pale as the blood flow reduces. Quick changes in temperatures can cause blood vessels to burst which is why you see bruising or redness on the skins surface.

3. Alternate your footwear

Going for long walks and hikes during winter can be amazingly refreshing. If you do, make sure you invest in waterproof walking or hiking shoes. Gore-Tex layered shoes are a great option. However, if your shoes get wet, you need to dry them out entirely before wearing them again. If you are spending time outdoors, your shoes can get very wet during the winter months. This is when having two pairs of suitable shoes works a treat – wear one whilst the other dries. Why is this important? See the next tip.

4. Keep your feet dry

Tinea and bacteria love wet and moist environments. Do not let your feet stay overly moist and wet for prolonged periods of time. Change socks at least daily and dry out shoes as appropriate. Make sure you dry your feet between your toes well. Use moisture wicking, high percentage (70% +) natural fibre socks which will keep your feet warmer and dry and help prevent heat loss. Natural fibres such as wool are absorbent which means they will absorb moisture instead of making your feet hot and sweaty. Synthetic fabrics will cause your feet to sweat excessively – these should be avoided.

5. Check your footwear

Choose shoes that will help keep your feet warm and dry. Check the sole of your shoes for worn out grip/soles. Thicker soles help keep your feet dry and away from water. Ensuring the grip isn’t worn out reduces the chance of slipping and falls.

Remember to be conscious of your shoe size when wearing thicker socks – you do not want to be cramming your toes in shoes that are too tight or tapered. This increases the risk of nail trauma, infection and ingrown toenails.

Your foot health is important

It is important to keep your feet healthy during the winter months as they are the key to keeping you active and mobile.

For the best foot care this winter make an appointment with one of our Melbourne podiatrists.

Do you need foot care this winter?

At our Melbourne foot clinic our podiatrists are experts in all facets of podiatry including general foot care which helps prevent foot complications.

So if your feet need attention during the winter months, book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today!