Winter Foot Care: How to Protect Your Feet During the Cold Months

Winter in the Tri-Cities may not bring heavy snow every year, but with the colder temperatures, you should still prioritize winter foot care.

Whether you’re out walking the dog, working outside, or just trying to stay active during the colder months, your feet need a little extra care and attention this time of year.

At Kiddy Foot & Ankle Group, I see many patients each winter dealing with foot pain, circulation problems, dry cracked skin, and even injuries from slips and falls. So let’s walk through some simple things you can do to keep your feet protected all season long.

Choose the Right Footwear for Winter Conditions

Supportive shoes are always important, but in winter, they play an even bigger role. Make sure your shoes or boots are waterproof, insulated, and have enough traction to prevent slipping on icy sidewalks or wet surfaces.

Cold feet can quickly lead to numbness or poor circulation, especially for patients with diabetes or vascular issues. If your feet often feel cold, consider thermal socks made of wool or moisture-wicking fabrics, and avoid socks that are too tight and restrict blood flow.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

The dry air that comes with winter can make your heels and soles crack, peel, or even bleed in severe cases. Moisturizing daily can help keep the skin soft and reduce your risk of painful fissures or infections.

Apply lotion after bathing, when your skin is slightly damp, and focus on the heels and balls of your feet.

Just make sure not to apply lotion between the toes — too much moisture there can increase your risk of fungal infections.

Watch for Circulation and Nerve Issues

If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a history of nerve pain, winter can make symptoms worse. You might notice more numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to cold. In these cases, it’s essential to do regular foot checks to catch any signs of injury, color changes, or slow-healing wounds.

I recommend patients with diabetes or neuropathy come in for a winter foot checkup, even if they’re not currently experiencing pain. Early intervention can prevent serious complications later on.

Be Careful on Slippery Surfaces

Falls are a major cause of winter foot and ankle injuries. I often see sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries from slipping on icy driveways or sidewalks. To protect yourself, wear shoes with grippy soles, take smaller steps when walking outdoors, and avoid rushing. If you do experience swelling, bruising, or pain after a fall, this could be a sign of something bigger, and the number one component of winter foot and any footcare, really! It is getting a jump on problems before they become bigger.

Don’t Ignore Winter Foot Pain

Foot pain is not something to ignore, even if it seems like “just the cold weather.” If you’re dealing with achy heels, stiff toes, or soreness when walking, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. In some cases, cold temperatures can aggravate conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or poor circulation.

The sooner we evaluate what’s going on, the sooner we can help you feel better and get back to your regular winter routine.

Take Steps Now to Start the Year Off Right

Winter is a great time to check in on your overall foot health.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or want to make sure everything is in good shape for the year ahead, I’m here to help.

Call our office in Kennewick to schedule your winter foot exam, and let’s make sure your feet are ready to support you through the season — and beyond.