Keep winter feet happy with moisture, TLC

With sandals and flip-flops giving way to heavy socks and close-toed shoes, smooth soles and manicured toes are suddenly out of sight and out of mind. But the feet should not be neglected during colder months.

Podiatric physicians from the American Podiatric Medical Association offer advice on how to successfully transition those sun-tanned feet into hibernation.

“Proper foot care should not fluctuate with the seasons,” says Christian Robertozzi, APMA president. “Dry, cold air can contribute to a myriad of pesky foot ailments. Properly caring for the feet, including keeping them clean and moisturized, is essential to maintaining foot health during the fall and winter.”

In a study commissioned by the APMA, 41 percent of women ages 18 to 49 reported that moisturizing is the most common way they care for their feet. The following tips suggest a few more ways to keep feet looking and feeling good this fall and winter:

¢ Practice good hygiene; wash feet with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

¢ Change shoes, socks and hosiery daily.

¢ Take time to get your feet measured while shoe shopping to find the right fit.

¢ When possible, wear shower shoes in public showers.

¢ Use a quality foot powder. Talcum, not starch, will help deter infection.

¢ Avoid wearing tight hosiery, which promotes moisture.

¢ Wear socks made of synthetic fibers that tend to wick away moisture faster.

For more foot health information, go to www.apma.org.