Winters HereTime To Think of Sandal Season



Of all the things on women's minds as the first snows begin to appear, sandal season is not one of them. But it should be, because the sins we visit upon our feet in the winter will be paid for once spring comes back around. And by then, women will face an uphill battle in getting their feet ready for their annual warm weather unveiling.

"Cold weather takes a particular toll on the feet. And while you might think that covering them up leaves them safe from the elements of snow, sleet and rain, in fact, the damp weather, combined with cold temperatures and dry indoor heat, all add up to a potentially hazardous combination for feet," said Dr. Lori Weisenfeld, a podiatrist who is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine and Clinical Advisor to the American Running and Fitness Association. "Too often, foot care neglect in the colder months comes home to roost in the form of corns, calluses and dry and cracked heels in the spring - unsightly foot problems that women will pay pedicurists dearly to address come sandal season."

While wintertime is cruel to your feet, a little prevention and care can help stave off unsightly problems and have feet ready to go once sandals come back out of the closet:

-    Dry, cold conditions dry out feet, just like skin, leading to painful cracking especially on the heels. Indoor heating exacerbates this problem. Dry, cracked heels provide an opening for fungus to enter, in addition to their unsightly appearance. To make matters worse, the skin on the soles of the feet contain no oil glands to lubricate and soften, so moisturizing is critical.

o    To prevent dry cracked heels from forming, moisturize daily with products formulated specifically for use on the thicker skin found on feet. ProFoot's Heel Rescue Superior Moisturizing Foot Cream contains urea, a powerful softening agent, and CoQ10 to boost the skin's natural ability to renew itself. For particularly dry and cracked feet and heels, try ProFoot's Heel Rescue Intensive Overnight Foot Repair. This ultra-moisturizing formulation comes complete with two booster booties and produces dramatic results overnight.

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-    Poor fitting boots can make cracking worse and also lead to friction on the foot, which causes corns and calluses to develop.

o    Use of insoles and inserts will not only help position the foot properly in the boot, thereby lessening friction and the development of corns, they have the extra added benefit of providing insulation from the cold ground. This is critical to keeping warm as the blood that passes through the feet circulates to the rest of the body. Try ProFoot's 2 oz. Miracle, a custom molding insole that after worn for just one hour conforms to the precise contours of your feet, providing a personalized fit. To prevent corns from forming on the tops of toes - the result of toes clenching when you walk - try ProFoot's Toe Beds. This invisible clear gel cushion for the toes and ball of the foot provides an innovative "toe bar" that gives toes something to hold on to as you walk, preventing them from clenching and calluses from forming. Toe Beds also helps reduce calf strain and provides a cushion for the ball of your feet.

-    It's also critical to keep feet dry when outside during the winter. From sweating in heavy socks to walking in snow or rain, this can create a breeding ground for odor and bacteria. Dr. Weisenfeld recommends wearing socks made from fibers that are efficient in wicking away moisture from the feet.

"The reality is people, and women in general, don't provide much thought to preventative foot wellness - only to taking care of unsightly foot problems after they develop," said Dr. Weisenfeld. "But, this winter, with just a little bit of care, you can keep your feet in tip top shape and get a great jump start on their 'unveiling' once the warmer weather rolls around again."

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Winters HereTime To Think of Sandal Season