How to Care for Your Feet this Winter

Cold weather can take its toll on your feet so make sure they are the center of attention this winter.

When you think about how much time we spend on our feet, it is hardly surprising that winter and a night out can leave them feeling battered and bruised.

Most of us are guilty of neglecting our feet. We are especially prone to letting our foot care routine lapse during the cold winter months when we just want to bundle them up in warm fluffy socks and snuggly big boots.

Daniel Altchuler, DPM, a board certified podiatrist, says, "The big thing about winter is that people go from a summer sandal to a more enclosed shoe and the biggest problem people face is that their shoes do not always fit properly.

"If you have a correctly fitting everyday shoe, then you have fewer problems with your feet and toes."

Altchuler, who has been in practice for over 30-years, recommends that the same pair of shoes is not worn every day.  "It is a good idea to vary shoes daily and have your feet measured properly at least once a year.

“Feet change, and it is amazing how many people are wearing the wrong-sized shoes."

Altchuler finds the most common foot problems in winter are dry and cracked skin and chilblains (small itchy, red swellings on the skin, which can become increasingly painful, can swell and then dry out leaving cracks in the skin which expose the foot to the risk of infection.) The answer is to moisturize. Altchuler says it should be done at least once a day using a good quality cream.  Altchuler recommends keeping a tube by the bed and making it a part of your bedtime routine.

"Some people put socks on afterwards so the cream doesn't go on the bed and because it makes it easier for the cream to be absorbed," he said. "There is nothing wrong with wearing socks at night for whatever reason, as long as they are clean ones."

The most important thing to remember in foot care is to maintain a steady temperature and not expose your feet to extreme heat or cold. This is particular critical for diabetics, who frequently develop neuropathy (the loss of sensation) in their feet and are unable to feel pain.

"If you are going outside in the winter, even if it is just to bring in the paper or put the garbage out, make sure you have shoes and socks on," Altchuler says.

“Wearing ONLY dry footwear is also important,” Altchuler continued.

 "If you have been out in the rain or snow and your socks or shoes get wet, make sure they have thoroughly dried before you wear them again," he said.

Altchuler also gives the following tips to help keep you feet healthy during Winter:

• Practice good hygiene and wash feet with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

• Change your shoes, socks and hosiery daily.

• When possible, wear shower shoes in public showers

• Use a quality foot powder. Talcum, not starch, will help deter infection.

• Avoid wearing tight hosiery, which promotes moisture.

• Wear socks made of synthetic fibers that tend to wick away moisture faster.

Lastly, he recommends adding a podiatric physician to your healthcare provider contacts. “In that many health problems first manifest themselves in the foot, proper foot care is important to overall health, and is critical for diabetics.” Altchuler says.   He advises visiting a podiatric physician as often as you the dentist – at least once a year.  This, too, is vital for those with diabetes.