Take care of your feet this winter

With winter fast approaching many of us change our footwear for something more appropriate for the weather. In winter corns, bunions, chilblains and sore cracked heels can return with a vengeance.

So how can you protect your feet from the ravages of the cold and the damp?

Many people simply put on thicker socks and use the same shoes, unfortunately this can mean that the shoe or boot does not fit as well and rubbing can lead to painful corns and blisters. A solution to this is to wear a pop sock or other thin layer underneath your normal sock. Even better, a well-fitted winter shoe with an insulated sole will provide you with the warmth and protection you need. Many of my clients wear wellington boots in the winter to protect them from rain and snow. Unfortunately wellingtons do not tend to fit snuggly and can encourage clawing of the toes leading to rubbing, corns and callus as well as the discomfort of gathering of the sock under the foot. The best solution is to wear a well-fitted walking boot with waterproof Gaiters, but snug fitting wellingtons with a fleecy warm boot liner will make a good compromise. 

Who has to be careful in the winter?

If you suffer from diabetes, poor circulation or arthritis it is very important to monitor and take care of your feet. Painful lesions caused by the cold, such as chilblains (itchy red painful swelling on the extremities) or by rubbing can quickly become a problem for those not in the best of health. Keeping warm and wrapped up, wearing slippers in the house and bed socks at night are inexpensive solutions. Keeping your feet at a constant warm temperature can help prevent chilblains or other problems caused by poor circulation. Avoid using hot water bottles, electric blankets, very hot baths or sitting with your feet in front of the fire. It is better to keep your feet and legs warm all the time than to warm them up too quickly which can result in chilblains. If a chilblain does occur and becomes weepy cover it with a clean dry dressing and seek medical attention from your Doctor, nurse or HPC registered chiropodist.

Five tips for healthy feet this winter
1) Keep warm all the time
2) Wear appropriate well fitted footwear with a good non slip, insulated sole and warm socks or thicker tights with a pop sock underneath
3) Have a foot MOT from your HPC registered podiatrist/chiropodist who will be able to answer any questions you might have and provide accurate advice and refer you to your doctor or nurse if you need it.
4) Use a good quality foot cream I recommend Gehwol Warming Balm and use it regularly in conjunction with a good quality foot file (avoid the metal grater type as these can damage healthy skin)
5) Use it or lose it. Take a moderate amount of exercise, Yoga and Pilates are both effective. Activity can boost circulation, improve mobility and make you feel good, speak to your Doctor about the best way to do this especially if you are worried about how much you can do.

Elizabeth Williams BSc, HPC podiatrist /Chiropodist
Well-Healed Podiatry
www.well-healed.co.uk