FAQ’s for Winter Foot Care

Do you find that your toes are always cold?

• Your feet never seem to warm up from October to March.
• They gets dryer and develop cracks.
• Feet become cold and wet.
• They are confined in shoes and socks for hours.

Sweat and smell become real issues. Other foot problems, such as athlete’s foot, can develop from harsh winter weather.

Winter can be tough on your feet.

Our podiatry office get lots of questions about winter foot care. You’re feet never seem to warm up, they feel dryer, you skin develops cracks.

Winter Feet FAQ’s:

How can I get my toes feel warmer?

Four solutions, and trying all four together really works.

1. Wear a thermal undershirt. This works because as your core is kept warmer keeping the blood vessels open to your extremities. This makes you will feel warmer.
2. Place an insulated insole in your shoes or boots.
3. Always wear socks, and make sure your feet are always dry. Exterior moisture and interior moisture (that your body produces) need to be avoided. If you do sweat a lot use a non-drying antiperspirant formulated for feet.
4. Keep moving to keep your blood flowing

What can I do about dry, cracked skin?

Smooth, intact skin means healthy feet. Cracks are not a low level medical issue as they are portals to fungal and bacterial infections.

1. Excessive sweat can cause your skin to crack. Use a non-drying antiperspirant formulated for feet. I know this is a repeat, it’s not a mistake it’s just super important. Puckered skin or a burning feeling on your feet is a sign of excess sweat
2. Moisturize daily with an appropriate strength moisturizer. Pedicurian has four strengths: Daily Care, Extra Strength Hydration, Super Softening for Tough Spots and Ultra Skin Conditioning. 

What is the best winter shoe gear?

This answer excludes Florida residents who get to wear sandals 12 months a year.

Foot wear should be weather and activity appropriate. The best winter shoe gear is water proof with traction. That means no street shoes in a snowstorm and no high heels in icy conditions. If you have had your boots for a few years check the soles, you wouldn’t drive with bald tires in the rain!

What do I do if symptoms persist?

See a foot care professional (and that does not mean Aunt Sarah). Your symptoms may be due to an underlying medical condition, or may need medical care.

Keep Moving and keep Your feet gorgeous, healthy and warm all winter.