5 Winter Foot Care Tips for Seniors

Like it or not, the colder weather is here, and the time has come to don our winter footwear. But we find that many people - especially seniors – don’t always realize that having to walk in ice and snow, together with the dry winter air, elevates the risk for foot issues. So today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland is sharing his top five foot care tips for seniors.  

Keep Them Dry: If you walk outside without wearing waterproof boots, your feet may end up feeling cold and damp. Remove your socks and shoes as soon as possible and dry your feet thoroughly. This protects against the growth of fungi and bacteria that flourish in moist environments.

Cleanse and Moisturize: The dry winter air draws moisture out of the top layers of your skin, resulting in painful sores. Washing them daily with soap and water, drying them, and then applying a moisturizer is essential.  

Trim Nails Properly: During the winter months, it’s easy to forget about trimming and grooming your toenails. If you find this to be a difficult task, you can ask your podiatrist to do it or see if there are any foot care clinics at your local senior center.  

Exercise Your Feet: Going somewhere to exercise may be more challenging during the winter months, but you don’t have to skip it. You can perform exercises at home using simple resistance bands, practicing yoga using online videos, and doing foot exercises to relieve symptoms of bunions, pain from plantar fasciitis, and more. 

Update Your Footwear: Wearing thick socks can make footwear feel too tight. When shoes or boots are too tight or too loose, it can be uncomfortable and elevate your risk of falling. For winter, invest in shoes that can accommodate thicker socks.  

Studies show that almost a quarter of seniors live with diabetes, and for them, foot care is crucial to maintain optimal circulation. If you suffer from diabetes, talk with your doctor about keeping your feet healthy and pain-free this winter. 

Follow these tips from Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland so you can enjoy the outdoors this winter. If you are experiencing any issues call our office right away at (410) 761-3501 to make an appointment or click here to schedule a consultation online.