With layers of snow and whiffs of freezing winds, winter season not only pushes us to stay cooped up inside our homes, but also forces us to cover ourselves up with layers of warm clothing including socks and shoes. It is likely that our feet may be neglected undercover. Moreover, since they are mostly concealed, who knows what they must be suffering from, whether their health is being compromised, or do they need attention? It is essential to be more careful about infections and skin rashes when your feet are covered throughout the day and even at night too.

Here are a few key tips to prep your feet for the cold winter season:

1. Practice good foot hygiene. Despite the season, foot care should remain constant. Wash and dry your feet properly. Use a pumice stone around your foot to gently remove any dead skin. By applying a moisturizer, you can keep the skin from getting dry and avoid painful complications such as cracked heels.
2. Take care of your nails. Keep your toenails properly trimmed in order to avoid ingrown toenails. Always cut your nails straight across and use a file to soften the edges. Never cut them too short. Cutting your toenails incorrectly or unevenly can result in ingrown toenails. This can cause swelling, redness, pain and sometimes an infection around the toe.
3. Wear the right shoes. If you do not wear proper footwear and you are an ice skater or a snowboarder, your winter fun can turn into winter misery. Wear well-fitted and activity-specific shoes that provide the necessary comfort and support for the activities that you are involved in. Tight shoes can lead to a number of serious problems such as hammertoes, bunions, corns, and other deformities.
4. Listen to your feet. Not addressing your foot concerns on a timely basis will only make the condition worse and cause additional injury. Regular foot checks can help spot anything unusual on your feet such as blisters, calluses, cuts or discoloration of the nails.

At Joseph Stuto, DPM, located in Brooklyn (718) 567-1403 and Brooklyn Heights (718) 624-7537, New York, our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Joseph Stuto can help you determine exactly the cause of your foot condition and provide the best solutions to avoid them from recurring. For more information, you can browse through our extensive library on topics that interest you online or call our office at any of the two numbers listed above to schedule an appointment.