For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet. Diabetics are at risk for having reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. An otherwise minor injury, such as a blister, can escalate into a serious wound. Winter time can be extremely hazardous to diabetic feet. During winter months, the feet are covered up for longer periods of time and are not being checked as often as they should. Any sore that doesn’t heal must be attended to by a professional.
Poor circulation can also lead to increased swelling and dryness of the feet. Cold weather exacerbates the problem by further reducing blood flow and by indirectly reducing exercise. A lot of people in the winter have a tendency to be a little bit more sedentary – they don’t walk around as much, which can contribute to making one’s feet and ankles swell.
Additionally, the dryness of winter weather prompts many people to use a moisturizer. When feet are covered by socks for long periods of time, athlete’s foot becomes a potential problem, making antifungal creams more appropriate to use.