During wintertime, we usually think that our feet are protected because they are mostly covered in socks and shoes. But the fact is foot injuries and problems are very common during the colder months. From cracked heels to athlete’s foot to frostbite, the cold dry weather of the winters can cause several painful and harmful foot conditions. It is therefore important to understand these conditions and take the necessary steps to prevent them. So log on to your internet connections and familiarize yourself with winter foot care. If you don’t have a subscription or have just moved, explore a few Spectrum internet service economical plans.
Below are some tips that can help you prevent and/or treat the most common cold-weather foot problems:
6 Tips to Prevent Winter Foot Problems
1. Keep Your Feet Clean
Remember to wash your feet thoroughly whenever you take a shower. This would help you away from fungal infections like athlete’s feet, ingrown toenails, and toenail fungus. Because these kinds of foot fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, it is imperative to follow a disciplined cleansing routine that includes drying your feet before putting on your pair of socks.
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Generally, people associate foot fungus with public pools and showers, but the truth is that you can pick them up from virtually anywhere. Any surface can be infected and if you come in contact with it, you will catch the infection. However, you can considerably reduce your chances of catching such infections if you keep your feet protected throughout. So avoid walking barefoot, regardless of whether you’re in a public area or at home.
2. Don’t Sit or Stand for Long Durations
Sitting or standing for long periods is not good for the health of your feet. When you are in the same position at a stretch, the blood flow to your feet and legs becomes insufficient. This leads to tired legs and feet, edema or ankle/feet swelling, spider veins, varicose veins as well as stiffness in the joints. Therefore, make sure you are not sitting or standing in one position for too long. If you must, then keep your feet moving so that blood flow is not restricted.
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3. Moisturize Your Feet
Winters causes your foot skin to dry which leads to several other problems. Therefore, make it a point to moisturize your feet regularly. Whenever you bathe or wash your feet, first dry them with a clean towel and then massage them with an oil-based moisturizer. This would lock in the moisture and keep your skin from becoming dry. However, do not use moisturizer in excess and don’t apply it between your toes. Also, stay away from scented or harsh products as they can cause inflammation or itching.
4. Wear the Right Shoes
Your feet bear the weight of your entire body. It is therefore important for them to stay comfortable all the time. To ensure their comfort and safety, you need to be mindful about your choice of shoes. Always wear the shoes according to the purpose you wish to use them for. For example, if you’ll be running, look for running shoes. It is recommended to go for shoes that have ample arch support, else you might end up injuring yourself.
5. Wear Copper Compression Socks
Wearing copper compression socks during winters can help boost circulation in your feet. Besides enhancing blood flow and keeping your feet warm, copper-infused compression socks also help fight infection and odor-causing bacteria. They wick away extra sweat and thereby boost the skin health of your feet.
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6. Don’t Scratch or Rub Your Feet
If you feel itchy in your feet and legs, avoid rubbing or scratching them. That’s because it would only worsen the inflammation and increase the risk of more injections by allowing germs and dirt to enter the broken skin. If need be, use an ointment or anti-itching lotion to get some relief. Also, remember to trim your toenails after taking a bath. If they are too sharp or long, they can also cause damage to your skin.