As the days are getting shorter and winter approaches, what can we do to maintain warm feet? Try to wear your shoes with the thickest sole, to keep you away from cold floors and pavements. Wear thermal socks and consider a thermal insole inside. However ensure that there is sufficient room in the shoe, as tight shoes will push the blood out the foot, worsening the effect of the cold.
Eat warm meals where possible, consider adding ginger, cayenne pepper and chillies to your menu. Keep your core warm to prevent the blood vessels in your extremities shutting down, this means more garments and thermals centrally rather than just extra socks or gloves.
Some natural supplements have been found to be effective. These include Gingko Biloba, Gamma Linoleic Acid (Omega 6), and vitamins C and E which can help protect blood vessels. If you are currently taking any prescribed medications, please check the suitability of these with your GP or pharmacist first.
If your cold hands and/or feet are very severe, you may have a condition called Raynauds. This is very common, thought to affect up to 1 in 6 people. There are treatments available to help with this, so please speak to your podiatrist.
Want to speak to a podiatrist for more advice? Contact our team here or call us on 01603 737188
