Winter is a hard time for many of us to get through – and that includes your feet! The cold & wet weather brings up many issues for your feet, that can easily become problematic without proper care. As always, our Podiatrists at Talaria are here to help your foot health during the colder months – but some simple tips can help you keep things in check for a more comfortable Winter.
1. Ditch the UGG Boots or Cheap Slippers – Invest in Quality Footwear:
Having a good pair of shoes in Winter is important. For outside, a breathable yet weatherproof pair of shoes is important – make sure they don’t get too wet on those rainy days! This helps you stay clear of fungal infections & other issues. For inside, a pair of good slippers with support, such as Archline Orthotic Slippers, is ideal & Podiatrist recommended. Wearing UGG Boots or cheap Slippers for long periods of time can cause lots of issues for your feet & body.
2. Keep Your Feet Hydrated & Moisturised:
The cold weather can be harsh on your feet, causing dry & cracked skin. Indoor heating & over wearing of warm footwear can cause this too. Using a good hydrating foot cream regularly is important during Winter. At Talaria Podiatry, we stock Walker’s Urea 25 Heel Conditioner, a non-greasy lotion formulated to soften dry, cracked & callused heels. Using this can help keep unsightly heels at bay & reduces the risk of fissures or painful cracks.
If you are struggling with Cold Feet, we also stock Akileine Cold Feet Warming Cream, which rapidly provides a soft & pleasant sensation of warmth. It’s also suitable for Raynaud’s Syndrome.
3. Keep your Toenails Trimmed:
Ingrown toenails are quite common in winter as we tend to get slack with our nail care & tend to wear more restrictive footwear. Regularly trimming your toenails straight across can help prevent ingrown toenails & lower the risk of infections. Our Podiatrists are highly skilled at toenail care & clipping, so if you are worried about stuffing it up, or struggle with it, it’s best to book an appointment in Winter for some general nail care.
4. Wear a GOOD pair of Socks:
A good pair of socks can go a long way in keeping good foot health in Winter. We tend to opt for thick, warm & woolie socks to keep warm – but this can cause excessive sweating & overheating. You can then run the risk of fungal infections. Cheap thin pairs aren’t going to cut it either – they can wear fast causing blisters. It’s better to choose moisture-wicking socks that can keep your feet dry & comfortable. At Talaria Podiatrist we stock Dr Comfort ‘Shape to Fit’ socks, made from Bamboo. They offer superior comfort & breathability, can protect your feet & toes, and reduces fatigue & aches. If it’s extra cold, layering your socks for short periods of time can provide added insulation. Come grab a pair in store!
5. Remember Foot Exercises:
When you are home more, feet can get stiff & lose flexibility from lack of use over Winter. Simple foot exercises & stretches can combat these in the colder months. Our Podiatrists can work with you on coming up with some simple exercises – such as toe stretching, calf stretching, ankle rotations & arch extensions. Doing these little movements every day keep your feet flexible, moving, plus can stop you developing issues with your feet.
6. Winter Sports require the right Shoes:
Whether it’s footy, netball, or you find yourself going on more walks during Winter, having the proper footwear for every activity is essential. You need the right support & protection for each occasion. Our Podiatrists can help you & give some tips for choosing the best shoes for the activity.
Winter is a hard time for your feet & it can be tricky to get it all right! Our Podiatrists are here to help. If you are having any issues with your feet, book in asap! The above tips can help you stay on track, but it’s essential to seek professional & personalised advice. We look forward to helping you battle through the cold Winter days ahead! Book ONLINE or CALL US on 9480 4935.
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