5 Important Ways To Care for Your Feet This Winter

Winter is upon us. As temperatures drop in Utah, you’re probably making changes to stay warm and cozy throughout the season. That means adding extra layers to your outfits, but don’t stop there. You also need to change your footwear.

The winter makes your feet increasingly susceptible to issues like ingrown toenails and blisters. Fortunately, with expertise in overall foot health, our team at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute can help you protect your feet this winter.

For additional guidance, visit us at our American Fork or Saratoga Springs, Utah offices. In the meantime, we have some general tips you can apply to care for your feet during the cold months ahead. 

#1: Moisturize

During the winter, the risk of dry, cracked skin on your feet rises. That’s a problem because dry skin is more prone to cracking. That creates an opening in the barrier that protects your body from infections. 

During this time of year, keep your skin moisturized and healthy. That means applying a high-quality lotion to your feet regularly. We recommend putting on moisturizer after getting out of the shower or bath and before bed. 

#2: Change your socks as needed

When feet get sweaty in warm winter shoes, dampness can breed infections. To avoid toenail fungus or infections in blisters or scrapes, keep your feet dry.

If you’re particularly prone to sweaty feet, consider keeping an extra pair of socks handy. That way, you can change into them when your feet get damp. 

#3: Trim your toenails

If your toenails get too long, the closed-toed shoes you’ll be wearing this winter can press on them and encourage them to grow into your nail bed. To prevent ingrown toenails, regularly trim your toenails. 

When you cut your nails, trim them straight across. Rounding them at the corners makes you more likely to become ingrown. 

#4: Check your feet regularly

With the cold weather, you’re probably not spending a lot of time bare-footed. When you switch out of shoes and socks straight into slippers, take a pause in between. Use the time to check your feet for any potential problems like blisters or scrapes. 

Catching issues early and taking protective measures — like putting a bandage on blisters — prevents the problem from growing. This reduces the risk of more serious foot health concerns, like infections.  

#5: Choose your equipment wisely

You shouldn’t let the winter stop you from getting physical activity. However, the way you outfit your feet is important during these colder months.

For example, make sure ski or snowboard boots fit properly. You shouldn’t feel any pinching or rubbing when you first put them on. Don’t get overly big boots because that allows your foot to move in them, which can contribute to blisters and calluses. 

If you run in winter, choose a good-fitting pair of running shoes with sufficient tread to manage any icy ground. Also, shorten your stride to improve your stability when the ground may be slippery. 

These are just a few tips to get you started. For more care for your feet this winter, contact our team at the Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute by calling us at (801) 756-4200.