Winter foot care tips for active people
Winter Foot Care Tips for Active People: Keep Your Feet Healthy and Warm
For walkers, runners, and active people of all ages, winter can bring unique challenges to foot health. Cold weather conditions increase the risk of issues like chilblains, dry skin, and circulation problems, all of which can interfere with your enjoyment of outdoor activities. Here are some essential tips to help you care for your feet this winter, keep them comfortable, and protect them from common seasonal concerns.
- Protect Your Feet from Chilblains
Chilblains are painful, red or purple patches that appear on your toes and feet when skin is exposed to cold and then warmed too quickly. To prevent chilblains, keep your feet warm and avoid sudden changes in temperature. Choose moisture-wicking socks to reduce dampness and opt for insulated, waterproof shoes or boots to keep the cold out. If you are prone to chilblains, consider applying warming creams designed for foot health.
- Keep Feet Dry and Comfortable
Wet feet are more susceptible to cold, blisters, and other issues. When you know you’ll be out in the cold, use waterproof footwear and moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry.
What to Do If Your Feet and Shoes Get Wet:
If your shoes do get wet, remove the insoles and stuff them with absorbent materials like newspaper to soak up moisture. Avoid drying shoes directly with heat sources such as radiators, as this can damage the materials and affect the fit. Placing shoes in a well-ventilated area to air-dry is the best approach.
- Keep Circulation Flowing
Cold weather can restrict circulation, making it important to keep blood flowing to your feet, especially if you are standing still for long periods. Regularly moving your toes and performing simple foot exercises can help. Try ankle circles, toe spreads, or even a gentle foot massage to stimulate blood flow and keep your feet warm. These exercises are easy to do anywhere and help to keep your feet flexible and healthy during the winter months.
- Moisturise to Prevent Dry Skin
Cold air and low humidity can quickly dry out the skin on your feet, leading to cracks and discomfort. To prevent this, apply a quality moisturising cream daily to maintain hydration and protect the skin barrier. Look for foot creams specifically formulated for dry skin, ideally containing **urea** as an essential ingredient. Urea is highly effective at attracting and retaining moisture, making it excellent for softening thick, dry skin on the feet. Additionally, urea helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, allowing for deeper hydration. By choosing a urea-based cream, you can keep your feet smooth, comfortable, and well-moisturised all winter long.
Winter Foot Care Products from Active Podiatry
At Active Podiatry, we understand the unique challenges winter brings to foot health. We offer a range of foot care products designed to keep your feet comfortable throughout the season, including moisturising creams enriched with urea for dry skin and warming creams for added comfort. Our clinic also provides routine foot care services and treatments for foot and ankle pain to keep you active and healthy year-round.
Take the steps this winter to protect your feet, and they will keep you moving comfortably through every cold-weather adventure!