4 Reasons Why Proper Winter Footwear is so Important
With all that’s going on, this is certainly a time to take in all the sights and sounds. But with this time of year comes the sometimes-harsh winter weather. With icy roads, slick walkways, and freezing temperatures, it’s important to take safety precautions, including wearing proper winter footwear. Today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing four reasons why choosing the right footwear is so important.
They keep your feet warm, which keeps you healthy. The winter months are when people are likely to get sick and keeping your feet warm and cozy is the first step to making sure you stay healthy. When the feet are warm, the blood vessels open, allowing better blood flow. They move heat to other parts of the body to protect your immune system and boost your energy. Wearing the right winter footwear, particularly during outdoor activities, can help keep you healthy.
They keep your feet dry and toasty. Good hygiene is important for overall health, and this includes your feet. Regularly washing your feet is important, but it’s just as important to make sure you keep them dry. Fungal bacteria are attracted to moisture between the toes. By keeping your feet dry, you can decrease the possibility of painful blisters or fungal infections, which can potentially lead to greater health risks. Choose shoes that offer waterproofing technology to keep feet dry for extended periods.
They help avoid injury. The wet, icy, and snowy winter season creates safety concerns for drivers and dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Icy pathways and snow-blocked sidewalks put walkers at risk of falling, which can result in serious injuries. If your usual walking route isn’t always properly prepped after heavy snowfall or de-iced after a cold night, wear shoes or boots that will keep you safe.
They provide proper support. When shopping for new winter footwear, many people often choose more season-trendy or fashionable options. By wearing shoes or boots that don’t provide sufficient support, you are at risk of plantar fasciitis, foot, shin, or ankle fractures, heel spurs, ankle sprains, tendonitis, arch spasms, and other conditions. Wearing the right footwear can stop pain from worsening.
Look for footwear that has a firm structure, padded sides, and lacing. Be sure you have enough room, so the heel doesn’t rub, and there is plenty of room to move your toes. To avoid injuries from falling on slippery surfaces, choose footwear that provides anti-slip properties.
If you’re planning on participating in outdoor activities during this winter season and aren’t sure if your winter footwear is causing problems, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.