As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, our feet quietly take the brunt of the seasonal change. Cold weather, damp conditions and heavier winter footwear often combine to create a fertile environment for foot troubles. At Footworks Podiatry in Totnes, we see a spike in a few conditions every winter. Here’s what to watch out for, and how we can help you stay comfortable and healthy all season.
Why Winter Affects Your Feet
When it’s cold, your body naturally reduces blood flow to the extremities — including your feet — in an effort to preserve core heat.
At the same time, indoor heating and cold outdoor air strip moisture from skin, leaving it dry, cracked and vulnerable.
Add to that damp socks or boots and reduced air circulation, and you’ve got ideal conditions for fungal infections and skin breakdown.
Below are some of the most common winter‑related foot issues and what you can do about them.
Cracked Heels & Dry, Flaky Skin
Cold air and indoor heating both draw moisture away from the skin, meaning feet can quickly become dry, rough and cracked, especially around heels and soles.
If left untreated, these cracks can deepen into painful fissures or become a gateway to infection.
How we can help:
Professional debridement of thickened skin
Advice on effective moisturising (using a suitable foot cream, ideally after washing)
Preventative foot care through routine appointments
Chilblains & Poor Circulation
Ever noticed red or purple patches on your toes after a chilly day out? Itchy, sore and inflamed? That could be Chilblains. They occur when cold causes tiny blood vessels to constrict, then re‑warm too quickly, leading to swelling under the skin.
People with circulatory issues or who’ve had cold, damp exposure are most at risk.
How we can help:
Circulation assessment — and advice on footwear, socks and habits that support healthy blood flow
Guidance on gradual warming techniques (avoid direct heat such as radiators or hot water bottles)
Preventative and soothing care (e.g. moisturising creams for dry or inflamed skin)
Fungal Nails & Skin Infections
Winter footwear, thick socks and damp conditions can create a warm, humid environment; exactly what fungi thrive in.
As a result, fungal nail infections (also known as Onychomycosis) or skin fungal infections often increase in colder months. Symptoms may include thickened, discoloured nails, brittle nails or itchy, flaky skin.
How we can help:
Professional fungal‑nail assessment and testing (to determine if it’s a fungal infection or another nail issue)
Bespoke treatment plans which might include nail‑care, thinning, or laser therapy if appropriate
Advice on foot‑hygiene, drying, sock/shoe rotation and prevention to reduce recurrence
Our Approach — Personalised, Professional, Preventative
At Footworks Podiatry, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Our friendly, highly skilled team will carry out a full assessment, checking skin, nails, circulation, gait and footwear, and then create a tailored plan to keep your feet healthy all winter long.
Whether you need a simple moisturising and nail‑care routine, professional debridement, circulation advice, or fungal‑nail treatment, we’ve got you covered.
Winter Foot‑Care Tips You Can Do at Home
Wash and dry your feet daily, paying extra attention between toes.
Moisturise after washing (especially heels and soles) but avoid between toes to minimise fungal risk.
Choose boots and shoes that allow circulation and ventilation, avoid tight, damp footwear.
Rotate socks or footwear and wear moisture‑wicking socks rather than thick, damp ones.
Warm your feet gradually when coming in from the cold and avoid direct heat sources.
Winter doesn’t have to be a painful season for your feet. With the right care, regular check‑ups and simple home habits, you can keep feet healthy, comfortable and protected against common winter problems.
If you’d like personalised advice or a winter foot‑care MOT, we’re here for you, just get in touch here.
