MD Podiatrist Provides Tips for Healthy Winter Feet

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Taking care of your feet is important all year long and is vital to our overall health and well-being. During the winter season, our feet can be prone to dryness, injury. and poor circulation. In cold weather environments, the body has mechanisms to retain heat in our core, but sacrifices warmth and circulation to the extremities, like our feet. Try pairing your winter shoes with a pair of thick cotton socks to help with the thermal regulation of the feet and toes. This can help to keep your feet warmer for longer periods of time.”
 
 
“During the winter months, there is often less humidity in the air which can lead to dry, cracked skin. If your feet are feeling dry, make sure to use lotion on your feet as needed to keep them well moisturized. If your feet or toes are cold and begin to feel painful, please take a break from the cold weather to allow your extremities to warm up. Listen to your body in this regard. Cold exposure symptoms such as pain and redness could cause significant tissue damage, even within an hour,” says Dr. Michaels.