Winter Sports: The Ultimate Guide to Footwear and Foot Care

Engaging in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating offers exhilarating experiences but also places unique demands on your feet. Proper foot care is essential to prevent injuries and ensure comfort during these activities.

Selecting the Right Footwear

Choosing suitable footwear is crucial for both performance and foot health in winter sports. Consider the following factors:

• Insulation: Opt for boots with adequate insulation to keep your feet warm in cold conditions. Materials such as Thinsulate or shearling linings provide effective thermal protection.
• Waterproofing: Ensure your boots are waterproof to keep your feet dry in snow and slush (and rain!). Wet feet can lead to blisters and increase the risk of frostbite.
• Fit and Support: Proper fit is essential to prevent foot injuries. Boots should offer good ankle support and a snug fit without being too tight. Ill-fitting boots can cause blisters, corns, and exacerbate existing foot conditions.
• Traction: Look for boots with non-slip soles to provide stability on icy surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Layering Socks for Warmth and Protection

Instead of wearing a single pair of thick socks, layering two thinner pairs can be more effective. This approach traps air between the layers, providing better insulation and reducing friction that can lead to blisters. Ensure the socks are made of moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry.

Common Foot Issues in Winter Sports

Winter sports can lead to specific foot problems:

• Blisters and Corns: Tight or ill-fitting boots can cause friction, leading to blisters and corns. Ensure your boots fit properly and consider using protective padding in high-friction areas.
• Chilblains: Exposure to cold and damp conditions can cause chilblains —painful, itchy red patches on the skin. Keeping your feet warm and dry is essential to prevent this condition.
• Sprains and Fractures: High-impact activities like skiing and snowboarding increase the risk of ankle sprains and fractures. Wearing boots with good ankle support and practising proper techniques can help mitigate these risks.

Our Foot Care Tips

• Moisturise: Cold weather can dry out your skin, leading to cracks and fissures. Regularly apply a good-quality foot cream to keep the skin hydrated.
• Warm-Up Exercises: Before engaging in winter sports, perform foot and ankle warm-up exercises to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
• Regular Inspections: After activities, inspect your feet for any signs of injury, blisters, or skin changes. Early detection allows for prompt treatment.

When to Seek Professional Help

At Dulwich Podiatry, we provide a range of treatments to keep your feet in optimal health, especially during the challenges of winter sports. Our services address both immediate issues and long-term foot health:

• Injury Management: We treat conditions like Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and sprains caused by the physical demands of winter sports, using advanced therapies such as shockwave therapy, low-level laser therapy, and custom orthotics.
• Skin and Nail Care: Our podiatrists manage common winter ailments like chilblains, athlete’s foot, and fungal nail infections, providing effective solutions to maintain healthy skin and nails.
• Pain Relief: Whether dealing with blisters, corns, or bunions, we offer treatments to alleviate pain and provide expert advice on preventing recurrence.
• Diabetic Foot Care: For those with diabetes, we offer specialised assessments and treatments to protect against complications like ulcers and neuropathy, which can be exacerbated by cold weather.
• Preventive and Maintenance Care: From tailored advice on footwear to professional treatment for calluses, verrucae, or damaged nails, we help ensure your feet remain in top condition during the winter season.

If winter sports or the colder months have taken a toll on your feet, don’t hesitate to book an appointment.  Dulwich Podiatry is here to help keep your feet comfortable, healthy, and ready for adventure.