Toasty Tootsies!

‘Tis the season of chilblains and cold feet. I am actually one of the few people who LOVES winter. I love the cold. I love how fresh the mornings are. I love winter fashion and I love warm drinks. Mostly tea. 

Quite often people come into the Podiatry clinic and say they have got cold feet, even when they have socks on. So, here are a few of my tips on keeping your feet warm in winter.

1. The secret to socks.

The best socks for insulation are wool socks. And best of all, most of them are Australian made.

This is not always easy if you need to put work shoes on and walk around as it will make your shoes too tight on your feet. So, try to find a thinner pair of wool socks or this may only be an option if you are at home.

If your feet are still cold, then double layer. Firstly, put one thin layer of cotton socks and then a wooly pair on top. Insulation is key. 

There is also Wooly Foot warmers if you suffer with chilblains.

2. Keep the rest of your body warm.

This helps to maintain overall homeostasis. If your body isn’t having to fight to keep your major organs warm, then it will manage to keep your whole body warm, including your feet. 

*NB* If you suffer with chilblains, it is best to only use blankets. Do not try to warm yourself up with hot water bottles or electric heaters as this will exacerbate the problem.

3. Slippers and UGG boots.

So, let us just get one thing straight, Podiatrist don’t love slippers. They are mostly terrible for your feet, and they are a massive trip hazard / falls risk. One major problem to come out of lockdown is that so many people got heel pain and sore feet from going barefoot and /or wearing bad footwear at home during isolation.

My advice is:

- Do not wear backless slippers.

- Do not wear slippers that your toes have to scrunch in them to hold on.

- Do not wear loose slippers or someone’s slippers that are too big

- Cheap slippers with poor material will not insulate your feet and therefore not keep them warm

However, there have been a few break throughs and a few slippers on the market that I would HIGHLY recommend. These all have arch support and are very well made.

• Vionic arch support Slipper for females and males
  
  
• Archline orthotic slippers. They are Super Lightweight, Warm, Comfortable and Slip Resistant.
  
  
• Birkenstock do a fantastic House Shoe.
  
  
• Wearing a pair of UGG boots will help to keep your feet lovely and warm. There are some great options on the market with insoles in too. Bared have an amazing Knitted Home Boot for females and a Classic Home Boot for males. 

4. Skin Care.

This is vital. Taking care of your skin is one of the key factors in keeping warm. Your body regulates its temperature through your skin. So, it's no different with the skin on your feet. 

Ensure your skin is healthy and hydrated. Use a nourishing foot cream or heel balm daily.
Apply PC Podiatrist Formula Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil daily. 

5. Massage.

Using a heat rub such as Dencorub has been known to help stimulate blood flow and reduce cold feet. Worth a shot right!?

So, pop some moisturiser on, pop some socks on, get in a nice warm tracky, cuppa tea in hand and snuggle up.  I own two professional lap warmers, also known as King Charles Cavaliers. They do a very good job of keeping me warm. 

Well, I hope that helps.

Let me know if you have any queries.

Love, Paula xx