10 Ways to Keep Your Feet Warm and Happy This Winter
The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, but the demands on your feet aren’t getting any less. For diabetics, this season is especially important, when hot and cold sensitivity (or lack of thereof) and nerve damage causes a person not to notice when their feet are injured or cold. This is very common among diabetics and is important to be aware of.
Keeping your feet warm, healthy and happy when you have diabetes can be a challenge during the winter, especially if you spend a better part of the day outside. Luckily, with proper footwear your feet can be happy and healthy all winter long.
Since 1977, we have been providing service to our customers who suffer from diabetes and recently won the “Best Pharmacy” and “Best Customer Service” awards from The Dallas Post’s Best of the Back Mountain Awards.
We have pulled from our 30+ years of experience to put together a list of 10 things you can do to help keep your feet warm, happy and healthy all winter long:
- A proper fit is important:Having shoes that fit properly is important for good blood flow and ultimately warm feet.
- Check your feet daily: It can be easy to miss a cut or bruise when your feet aren’t as sensitive, so make sure you check your feet daily.
- Good slippers are key: Having warm feet indoors is just as important as outdoors! A good pair of sturdy slippers is great for indoor use, not only to keep your feet warm, but also to protect you from objects that could cause an abrasion.
- Avoid hot water: When it is cold outside a steaming bath or hot tub might seem appealing, but nerve damage in your feet caused my diabetes hinders the ability to sense if the water is too hot and could burn the skin.
- Invest in good socks: A really good pair of moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry. Unlike cotton socks, these types of socks are engineered to remove moisture so your feet can stay dry.
- Look into orthotics: Custom orthotics not only help keep your feet from aching after a long day, but they can also help with your back and your knees. Consider investing in a custom set.
- Try toe warmers: If you know you are going to be outside for a long period of time, you may want to try toe warmers to keep your feet warm. They are relatively inexpensive and make a noticeable difference.
- Go waterproof: A good pair of all-weather shoes is great to have on hand when the snow starts falling and you have to start shoveling. Just like we mentioned above, fit is important, even for snow shoes!
- Check-ups are important: Maintaining a regular appointment schedule with your doctor is important so you can discuss any issues you are having and fix any problems before they become worse.
- Dress for the weather: Your body’s natural reaction is to heat your core first and then your limbs, feet and hands. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the temperature so that you maximize the blood flow to your feet.
At Cook’s Pharmacy, customer happiness is important to us. For a limited time only, we are offering a free pair of Dr. Comfort therapeutic slippers to our patients. Dr. Comfort is the worldwide leading provider of diabetic footwear. Click here to claim your offer.
See what others have said upon receiving the slippers:
“Just received these and they are so comfortable. I have been suffering terribly for the last month from a flare-up of AS that is impacting the nerves in my feet. Put these on and they fit perfectly….going to make my walking so much less painful. Wish they came in black….I’d wear them everywhere (like in the office).” – Paula Lauerman
We have a team of highly qualified staff to answer any questions you may have about diabetes, foot care, or any other questions you may have. Our friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service will make you feel comfortable so you can get the help you need.
For more tips and information about diabetic foot care, please visit http://cookspharmacy.net/ or call 570.675.1191.