03/02/2020
How to take care of the feet in winter?
Winter and cold affect the health of our body, specifically the feet. Low temperatures can cause dermatitis , eczema, chilblains and in extreme cases, freezing of the lower limbs. The groups most at risk are the elderly, children and people who play sports. To help prevent these pathologies, the Illustrious Official College of Podiatrists of the Valencian Community(Icopcv) has developed a decalogue with recommendations to follow :
1.Use socks made of natural fibers , such as wool, that warm the feet without oppressing or hindering the circulation of blood.
2.Wear footwear that allows the foot to breathe so that it does not get wet, and does not increase the feeling of cold.
3.Avoid direct heat sources . Do not approach your feet to a stove or hot bag, as the chances of chilblains appearing increase.
4.Use specific creams in order to protect the skin from the cold, repair cracks and normalize the structure of the epidermis.
5.If winter sports are practiced, it is essential to use specific socks to prevent chafing and blistering and to keep the feet dry at a suitable temperature.
6.For people who have circulation problems it is advisable to take foot baths alternating intervals of cold water and warm water in order to stimulate it. This practice is very important especially after performing winter sports such as skiing , snowboarding or hiking.
7.Avoid alcohol and to***co , as they contribute to a dehydration of the epidermis that increases the risk of suffering from chilblains.
8.As for party shoes , instead of wearing lounge shoes, it is better to wear booties because they keep the temperature of the foot better.
9.It is also advised to keep the circulation active so that there is no cooling of the lower limbs. For this, it is convenient to avoid standing , and if you spend a lot of time sitting, it is advisable to massage your feet periodically.
10.Finally, it is preferable to wear shoes with non-slip soles , since wet soil can cause falls or sprains.
