Sadly, winter can be a miserable time for people who are prone to foot complaints. The unpleasant combination of colder temperatures, damp weather and slippery, and icy surfaces often results in poor circulation, aching feet and even chilblains. Unfortunately, your feet are particularly vulnerable to suffering in the cold, because they are an extremity, and as a result, your blood has to do a lot more work to flow sufficiently to them. The foot wellness experts at Foot Solutions on Patrick Street in Cork City have offered some tips to prepare your feet for the colder months and protect them from elements both inside and outside our homes.
This Winter, make your foot health a priority by following these tips to keep your feet comfortable and protected.
Get Prepared for Winter: 5 Tips to Help Your Feet Stay Healthy
If you want to make sure that your feet stay pain-free this winter, here are a few great tips to help you on your way.
1. Get active. Being active is by far and away the best thing you can do to keep your blood flowing and your circulation pumping. If you’re able to, make sure that you incorporate some level of physical activity into your daily regime, to keep your feet well circulated. Even if you’re in an office all day, taking the time to walk around for a few minutes, at regular intervals, can help improve blood flow to the feet.
2. Avoid the ‘get warm quick’ approach. After a cold walk home from work, there is a strong temptation to run a hot bath and immediately soak your freezing feet in comforting hot water, or press your feet against the nearest radiator. However, this is not a shrewd idea, as sudden changes of temperature can lead to chilblains. Instead, invest in a pair of thick, woolly socks, or snuggle into a pair of slippers.
3.Invest in suitable footwear. One of the biggest mistakes that people make in the winter is skimping when it comes to buying appropriate footwear. It goes without saying that it’s not a great idea to teeter to work in high heels when the temperatures are sub-zero; however, you also need to think about investing in shoes that offer waterproof protection, give suitable support and allow circulation to the foot, whilst keeping it warm. If you’re looking for inspiration, visit Foot Solutions, who have a great range of winter-suitable comfort shoes.
4.Wear natural materials. When you’re thinking about winter socks and the ultimate in comfort and protection, wear wool or cotton socks as these natural fibres allow your feet to breathe and will keep your feet warmer in the cold weather!
5.Get into a foot massage routine. Massage is also an effective, not to mention enjoyable way of improving circulation to the foot. If you have a loved one on hand to massage your feet for you, then encourage (or bribe!) them to do so; otherwise, you can massage your feet yourself.
Foot Solutions has a huge range of comfort shoes and winter socks in their store on Patrick St, not only designed to provide suitable support for your feet, but also to provide warmth and improve circulation in the colder months. To book a complimentary consultation in the Cork Foot Solutions store, see www.footsolutions.ie