Care for your feet this Winter!
The Winter season is in full swing! Layers of clothes, socks and shoes are a necessity to stay warm and dry. Feet are often neglected this time of year as they’re not on show for the majority of the season. It’s still so important to keep on top of your maintenance routine to avoid foot pain or infections later down the track. We’ve outlined a few Winter feet concerns and tips to keep your feet looking fabulous this season.
Foot circulation
Your hands and feet are usually first to react to the cold temperature. “I can’t feel my toes” is a phrase often uttered when out bracing the chill. Being in the cold can slow the circulation of blood through your feet, which is why you may feel a numbing sensation at times. Keep your feet warm with fully covered footwear and thick socks - we recommend bamboo socks! The unique anti-bacterial agent of bamboo named “bamboo kun”, combined with the tight molecular structure of bamboo fibres is believed to give it it’s anti-bacterial and bacteriostatic properties - which is not diminished even after more than 50 washes! We stock a range of extra thick work socks and dress socks in our Perth podiatry clinic. View our range!
Skin
Your skin can become dry, cracked and a little uncomfortable during Winter - so be sure to keep up with your moisturising routine!
Cutting your toenails
Cutting your nails can be often neglected this time of year, which usually leads to an increase in ingrown toenails. The cap of your shoes can often put pressure on your nails when they’re getting too long, so it’s important to cut and file them down as needed. Check out our blog post for tips on how to cut your nails correctly.
Infection
When feet are enclosed in warm shoes for long periods of time, it can provide an ideal environment for infection to thrive. Fungal infections like tinea are more likely to develop. This is why we encourage you to carefully dry between your toes after showering and ‘air out’ your feet frequently. Also, the use of bamboo socks can really make a difference to your overall foot heath, as it wicks the moisture away from your skin.
Nail polish
Give your nails a break from nail polish this season to avoid infection or yellow looking nails.
To sum up, maintain your feet this Winter by washing them thoroughly with soap, drying them carefully and moisturise regularly, cut your nail correctly and remove all traces of nail polish. For the ultimate comfort, purchase a pair of Axign brand orthotic slippers through our Perth podiatry. These slippers will provide optimal relief and comfort to your feet this Winter. Feature in-built arch support technology and a warmer inner lining - these slippers retail for $59.95 in our podiatry. Learn more!
