Cincinnati weather can definitely be unpredictable—in fact the 4th most unpredictable among the nation’s 50 most populous metros, according to research from FiveThirtyEight. But we can still be pretty sure that a Cincinnati winter will bring us some snow and a lot of cold, slushy, rainy, dreary days—in other words, the best (and worst) of both the northern and southern winter.
Winter can really do a number on your feet. It’s important to keep feet warm, clean, dry, and soft-skinned. Here are some tips:
- This goes without saying, but bundle up! Don’t wear sandals or even sneakers out on a cold, slushy day. Exposing your skin to extreme cold (especially if they’re wet) can cause blistering, frostbite, hypothermia, or other problems.
- With winter precipitation, choose waterproof boots and warm, moisture-wicking socks.
- Keep in mind, however, that stuffing your feet in boots all day can cause you to sweat a lot. Waterproof boots can’t stop moisture that comes from inside. Sweaty feet are a magnet for bacterial infections, so make sure you’re changing socks regularly and giving your feet plenty of time to air out when you’re inside. You may also try using foot powder inside your boots, and alternating between at least two different pairs, so that each can get a full day to dry out between uses.
- Indoor heating systems remove a lot of moisture from the air, which may leave you with dry or even cracked skin if you spend a lot of time inside. Make sure you moisturize your feet regularly if you notice problems.
Whatever Cincinnati’s unpredictable weather throws at us during the rest of January and February, make sure you’re prepared. If you have any concerns about your foot health this winter, schedule an appointment with Family Foot & Ankle Center at one of our six Greater Cincinnati locations. Just call 888-689-3317.
