in the winter time our feet can behave a little differently compared to the summer months, The change in temperature and the fact that we are often in fully enclosed footwear for longer periods of time can cause some discomforts.
Corns
What is a corn?
Corns are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. They commonly occur on the outside of the little toe, in between toes, on the top and bottom of clawed toes and also on the bottom of the foot.
Tips
Insure that you are wearing shoes which are the correct depth and width.
Change your shoes up! if you are wearing the same ones all the time then the pressure areas are going to be in the same area.
How can a podiatrist help
Frequent hard skin removal
Footwear advice .
Products such as toe separators and toe cushions.
Orthotics to change where pressure is felt in the foot.
Chilblains
What are chilblains ?
Chilblains (CHILL-blayns) are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin that occur in response to repeated exposure to cold but not freezing air. They often flair up in winter months when moving from cold to warm areas.
Tips
Try and limit going from cold to warm areas as much as possible.
Ensure that your shoes are the correct size and your socks are not too tight.
Use Akileine Akilhiver chilblains cream which helps to retain the body's heat while soothing itching and providing skin relief.
How can a podiatrist help
Providing a paraffin wax treatment that helps to open blood vessels and warm toes.
Proving footwear and sock advice.
Tinea
What is Tinea ?
Tinea is is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. It can be itchy, red and peeling.
Tips
Use a topical anti fungal cream.
Dry well between shoes after showering.
Change stocks regularly.
Wash your socks in an anti fungal solution.
Use products to help dry in between your toes such as tea tree oil spray.
How can a podiatrist help?
Use a machine to sterilise your shoes.
Monitor progression of Tinea in places where it is difficult for you to see.
Bunion pain from shoes
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the forefoot move out of place. This causes the tip of your big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint at the base of your big toe to stick out.
Tips when purchasing new shoes
Rounded ends of shoes rather than pointy ones.
Wider shoe at the front to accommodate the bunion.
Adequate depth of so your foot is not rubbing on the top.
Buying a show which is low heeled to reduce the pressure on the forefoot.
A soft top material of the show to allow for the bunion such as Flute from the doctor comfort range,
How can a podiatrist help?
Footwear advice.
Taping.
Padding the shoes to reduce pain .
Dry needling and shockwave therapy to loosen up muscles causing the bunion.
Protection devices, such as a bunion sleeve.
Does this sound an issue that you have been experiencing? Contact one of our friendly podiatrists today on 1800 778 316 if you have any questions!