Winter is officially here and there a few things that you can do to keep your feet healthy this winter!
Footwear
Remember to make sure that you are wearing the correct footwear. In the colder months we are usually wearing more enclosed footwear so making sure that they fit correctly in key.
If your toes are being pushed together or out of position in shoes, then your shoes are too narrow for your feet. Wearing narrow shoes can cause ingrown toenails, corns and calluses
Try to keep your footwear and socks dry. Damp footwear can increase the risk of skin infections as the moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for an infection to spread.
Moisturise
The winter season also brings dryness, especially for the heel areas. Moisturising daily with a thick moisturiser can help prevent heel fissures and dryness.
Warm Feet are Happy Feet
It is very important to keep your feet warm in the colder months. The drop in temperature can also bring with it extra foot conditions, one of these are Chilblains.
Chilblains are itchy and/or tender red or purple bumps that occur as a reaction to cold. The condition is also known as pernio or perniosis, and is a localised form of vasculitis.
Chilblains are caused due to blood vessel shut-down in cold conditions and humidity. The cold exposure damages capillary beds in the skin, which in turn can cause redness, itching, blisters and inflammation. The cold causes constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin. When these areas are warmed up again, it can result in leakage of blood into the tissue and swelling of the skin. This “bruising” is called a chilblain.
If you are prone to develop chilblains then you should keep warm in cold weather and avoid excessive exposure to the elements.
Diabetic Patients
Winter months require a little extra foot care for everyone, but diabetics especially need to keep feet healthy. Decreased circulation, dry skin, and spending time exposed to cold and wet conditions put diabetic feet at a higher risk for developing an infection or foot condition.
Regular visits to your podiatrist will keep on top of any problems that may occur. Call Quay Health today to arrange an appointment.
Sam Towers, Podiatrist
Bupa Members First Podiatry Provider
To book a podiatry appointment with Sam Towers call 9252 2825
