As the holidays roll in — with chilly weather, busy travel, cozy indoor gatherings, and long days on your feet — it’s the perfect time to pay extra attention to foot care. Cold air, indoor heating, and heavier footwear like boots can dry out skin, irritate heels, and lead to discomfort or even injury. Whether you’re strolling through Marietta, GA holiday markets, traveling to visit friends or family, or just surviving winter errands, good foot habits matter.
Here’s a friendly winter foot-care guide — and how trusted local podiatrists Dr. Ryan Goldfine and Dr. Shaynah Goldfine in Marietta can help when home care isn’t enough.
Why Winter Affects Our Feet
Dry Skin & Cracked Heels: Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating strip moisture from skin. Heels and soles are particularly vulnerable — cracks (fissures) can form, sometimes leading to pain, bleeding, or even infection.
Harder Calluses / Rough Skin: Daily walking in heavy boots or on hard surfaces can lead to thickened skin. Without regular care, calluses may crack or become painful.
Poor Circulation + Cold Exposure: Cold weather can slow circulation to extremities. Tight, non-breathable footwear or damp socks further raise risk of cold-related discomfort or even frostbite in extreme situations.
Hidden Infections & Foot Conditions: Moisture + warmth (from socks/shoes) + cracks in skin = ideal environment for fungal or bacterial growth. That’s especially risky if cracks go untreated.
Winter Foot Care Routine — What You Should Do at Home
Here’s a simple but effective foot-care regimen to keep your feet comfortable and healthy all season long:
Short, lukewarm soaks (not hot!) — Soak feet in lukewarm water for 10–20 minutes (optionally with mild soap or Epsom salts) to soften skin before exfoliating. Hot water can strip away natural oils and worsen dryness.
Gentle exfoliation — After soaking, gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or soft foot file to remove dead skin and smooth calluses. Don’t overdo it; avoid sharp tools or harsh scrubs.
Moisturize right away — Apply a rich, emollient foot cream or lotion immediately after drying (ideally within 5–10 minutes of bathing) to lock in moisture. For very dry heels, choose creams with ingredients like urea, glycerin, or shea butter.
Use moisturizing socks or overnight care — After applying cream, slip on cotton or moisture-locking socks (or silicone heel covers) overnight to help feet soak up hydration.
Wear proper footwear & keep feet dry — Use well-fitting, insulated shoes or boots that protect from cold and dampness. Avoid tight shoes that restrict circulation and avoid walking barefoot on cold surfaces.
Stay hydrated and manage indoor air — Drink plenty of water, and if indoor heating creates dry air, consider using a humidifier. Well-hydrated skin is less likely to crack.
These habits go a long way toward preventing common winter foot woes like cracked heels, calluses, painful dryness, and even skin infections.
When It’s Time to Call a Podiatrist Near Me— and How Drs Goldfine Can Help
If self-care doesn’t cut it — or you’re noticing pain, deep cracks, stubborn calluses, ingrown nails, or other issues — it’s smart to consult a podiatrist. That’s where Dr. Ryan Goldfine and Dr. Shaynah Goldfine come in.
Who They Are
Both are highly rated by patients (4.8–4.9 stars across hundreds of reviews), known for attentive, compassionate care and a broad scope of services. Piedmont Care+2Piedmont Care+2
What They Can Help With
Dry cracked heels & chronic skin problems — If your heels keep cracking despite home care, the Goldfines can professionally debride (remove) thickened skin, prescribe medical-grade moisturizers, and recommend treatments to prevent infection or recurrence.
Calluses, corns, ingrown nails, warts — Persistent or painful calluses, corns, ingrown toenails, or plantar warts often require professional treatment to safely remove or manage. Drs. Goldfine have the training and tools.
Foot pain (plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch pain) — Winter changes in footwear and activity can trigger plantar fasciitis or worsen existing conditions. As foot & ankle specialists, the Goldfines can diagnose and treat these issues, offering orthotics, physical therapy referrals, or surgical options when needed.
Foot & ankle injuries, sprains, fractures, tendon issues — Cold weather hikes or holiday-season physical activity sometimes lead to ankle sprains or foot trauma. Especially since Dr. Shaynah Goldfine trained in trauma and reconstructive surgery, their practice can handle acute injuries, fractures, and complex problems.
Preventive care & maintenance — Even if feet feel “fine,” a check-up can be worthwhile — especially for people with diabetes, poor circulation, or history of foot problems. Regular visits help catch problems early and maintain long-term foot health.
Custom Orthotics
Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain
Bunions and Hammertoes
Holiday Season Foot-Care Tips for Marietta, GA Residents
If you live in Marietta or nearby, here are a few practical holiday-season suggestions:
Keep a pair of moisturizing socks by your bed — great after late-night wrapping, holiday cooking, or relaxing.
Use boots with good arch support and proper fit especially if you expect lots of walking (shopping, events, family visits).
If you feel lingering foot pain or notice cracks, call the office of Dr. Ryan or Dr. Shaynah Goldfine — early intervention is much easier than waiting for infections or chronic problems.
For older adults, people with diabetes, or anyone with existing foot issues: schedule a preventive check-up — winter dryness + decreased mobility = higher risk of complications.
Look at foot care as part of overall holiday self-care — dry skin, cracked heels, or foot pain don’t have to be part of your winter.
The winter–holiday season is full of warmth, festivities, and winter boots — but that doesn’t mean your feet have to suffer. A little attention to soaking, exfoliating, moisturizing, and wearing proper footwear can go a long way. And if home care isn’t enough, the friendly, experienced care provided by Dr. Ryan Goldfine and Dr. Shaynah Goldfine in Marietta, Georgia offers a great resource right in our community.
Taking care of your feet now means fewer aches, cracks, or foot-related woes — and more comfort and joy as you walk through the season.
