The leaves have turned golden brown, the clocks have gone back and there is a nip in the air. Summer seems a distant memory, and we now turn our attention to the colder months. We have been busy compiling some useful tips and tricks for your feet to help them transition from the warm sunny summer months to the cold and dark of autumn and winter.

Which foot conditions can be troublesome in the cold weather?

Winter Foot Care – Corns, Calluses, and Cracks

During autumn and winter, there tends to be less moisture in the air. This is because of both the cold and the central heating in houses. This can cause problems with your feet like an increase in hard skin (callus) which could create or exacerbate existing corns. It can also cause painful cracks in the skin (fissures), particularly on the heels, which can make every step a challenge.

One way of preventing this is by using a moisturising cream designed for feet such as Flexitol®. At We Fix Feet we stock both Flexitol®’s Heel Balm and their Intensely Nourishing Foot Cream. The urea found in Flexitol® has been clinically proven to increase the amount of water uptake into the skin and so reduces hard skin, calluses, and cracked heels. This can be purchased over the counter at our Ilkeston and Beeston footcare clinics.

Winter Foot Care – Fungal Nail and Athletes Foot

Another common foot problem that often occurs when going from summer to autumn, is caused by tight and enclosed shoes. These dark, warm and potentially damp enclosed conditions are a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial infections. This means that conditions like fungal nail and athlete’s foot can progress often unchecked.

Fungal nail infection (Onychomycosis) often causes your toenails to turn yellow, become brittle, and lift off the nail bed. This means that they are usually unsightly and uncomfortable. Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis) is the same fungus that usually causes a fungal nail infection, but instead of infecting the toenail, it infects the skin of the foot. This often presents as a red, itchy rash. We Fix Feet provide several treatments like Mycota cream and powder, along with Mykosept Tincture drops for the treatment of fungal conditions.

Winter Foot Care – Poor circulation

Finally, poor circulation can be a big problem for your feet during the autumn and winter months. It can often lead to cold feet and chilblains. The best way to counteract poor circulation is to get moving, as exercise promotes blood flow all over your body, including your feet. This should provide your feet with much-needed blood flow and warmth during the colder months. Other ways of improving circulation include a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and elevating your legs.

If you develop any of these problems or any other pain or discomfort in your feet or if you need help with your winter foot care, visit our multi-award-winning foot healthcare clinics in Beeston or Ilkeston. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online to see one of our Foot Healthcare Experts.