Put your best feet forward
Winter is not the season of opentoed sandals and pretty painted toenails.
It’s the season of boots, socks and tights – and if you’re not careful, it can be the season of sweaty, unhealthy feet.
To help prevent foot problems, in colder months keep your feet dry and warm, and be vigilant about foot care.
Wear comfortable, properfitting footwear, preferably that closely match the shape and contours of your feet and toes.
Don’t cram your tootsies into tight, closed-toed shoes, even if they are haute couture.
Too-small footwear will lead to problems and increase the likelihood of numb feet, and more discomfort.
Prolonged exposure to cold weather can cause numbness in your extremities as your body moves the blood away from your limbs to maintain a constant body temperature.
During cold, damp weather, keep feet warm and dry, especially if you have circulation issues such as Raynaud’s syndrome, or diabetes.
Chilblains – or pernio – are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels, usually in the hands or feet, in response to repeated exposure to cold air.
Chilblains can cause itching, red patches, swelling and blistering, which usually clear up within one to three weeks, especially if the weather warms.
Treatment involves protecting yourself from the cold and using lotions to ease symptoms.
Chilblains don’t usually result in permanent injury, but can lead to infection, which may cause severe damage if untreated.
To avoid chilblains, limit exposure to cold, dress warmly and cover skin. Wear thicker nonconstricting socks and change them every day. Your feet still perspire, even in cold weather, and sweaty, damp feet create the perfect environment for certain yeast, mould, fungal and viral skin infections, fungus toenails and warts.
Cotton socks in closed shoes can lock in moisture, creating a soggy environment that encourages bacterial growth. Outdoors, cotton socks can make your feet cold, wet and prone to frostbite.
You want your feet to breathe in winter. Some experts recommend wearing light, synthetic wick socks to transfer moisture to a thicker wool outer sock, where it is absorbed and evaporated to the outside. Be mindful of foot hygiene. Clean and dry your feet thoroughly each day and if necessary, use a good foot powder. Cold weather can lead to dry, cracked, sore feet so keep them warm and soft.
Moisturise them at night and apply a hypoallergenic lotion daily to help prevent irritation or infection from dry skin. And trim your toenails carefully to avoid ingrown toenails.
But even with the best care, we can still end up with problems, whether bunions, a fungal infection or worse.
If this happens, see an expert as soon as possible.