5 Tips for Healthy Feet This Winter

To support your body, your feet are always working, taking 1.5 times your weight per foot when upright, and up to five times when running. Home to 25% of all the bones in your body, these extremities are the drivers of movement, and you rely on them every day.

You may find your feet hurting more as you go into overtime shopping and preparing for the fall and winter holidays. To keep these hardworking lower limb powerhouses in good shape, you need to understand what can happen if you overwork them and how to avoid foot issues.

If you live in the lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco or San Jose, California, and you’re dealing with foot pain or other symptoms, Dr. Andrew Harrison and our team are here to keep your feet on the go.

Common foot problems over the holidays

Chilly weather can create problems for the whole body. However, when it comes to your feet, several issues are at greater risk when the temperature drops:

Dry cracked skin

Chilly weather often means a drier climate, which increases the risk of dry skin issues. This occurs all over the body. In your feet, it increases the risk of cracking and creating fissures in the skin, making infections a common issue.

Toenail fungus

Dry climate increases the risk of fungal infection in your toenails and athlete's foot.

Neuropathy

The chilly weather can also worsen nerve issues in your feet, resulting in weakness, tingling, numbness, burning, and pain, especially if you have related problems like Morton’s neuroma or other forms of neuropathy.

Ways to keep your feet healthy

To keep your feet healthy throughout the colder months, try these helpful hints:

1. Keep them warm and dry

Wear socks that keep feet warm and toasty, and reduce moisture that can cause fungal infections. Clean your feet after working out or long walks.

2. Moisturize regularly

After cleaning your feet, use lotions and creams to prevent them from drying out, lowering the chances of cracks and fissures.

3. Exercise your feet 

Exercise keeps the bones and soft tissue in your feet strong and healthy. Stretching reduces cramping.

4. Massage your feet

Massages help improve circulation, alleviate tension, and refresh the skin.

5. Use proper footwear

The last thing you want to do is walk around all day in shoes that hurt your feet. Wearing supportive and comfortable shoes will make all the difference in reducing foot pain and other problems.

The winter months can be harmful to your body, especially your feet. However, with some planning, you can keep them safe and warm. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrison and our team for all of your foot and ankle needs during the chilly season.