Winter Wellness: The Overlooked Role Of Orthotics In Cold-Weather Comfort And Safety
As colder temperatures settle in across New Zealand, health and wellness routines often shift to meet the season's challenges. But one critical area is frequently left out of the conversation – foot health, especially the role orthotics can play in helping Kiwis stay comfortable, mobile, and injury-free during winter.
While winter wellness strategies typically focus on immunity, nutrition, and warmth, fewer people consider how the season affects their feet. Yet as conditions become wetter, icier, and colder, foot-related discomfort and injury risk can increase – particularly for those with pre-existing conditions like flat feet, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis.
'Our feet are the foundation of movement, and in winter they're under increased stress,' says Lydia Charteris, General Manager at Orthotic House. Foot orthotics are custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts designed to support the feet and correct biomechanical problems. According to Charteris, foot orthotics can contribute to winter wellness in five key ways:
1. Enhanced Stability on Slippery Surfaces
Orthotics provide better foot alignment and balance, which can help reduce the risk of slips and falls. Proper arch support stabilizes the foot and ankle, offering more confidence on wet or uneven ground.
2. Improved Circulation and Warmth
Poor foot alignment can restrict circulation, especially in cold weather. Orthotics promote more natural movement and posture, which can enhance blood flow and help keep your feet warmer.
3. Reduced Joint and Muscle Pain
Winter tends to exacerbate joint stiffness and muscular tension. Orthotics can help evenly distribute body weight and reduce strain on knees, hips, and the lower back, common pain points during the colder season when we're less active and more bundled up.
4. Support for Winter Footwear
Many winter shoes can offer style and insulation but lack proper arch support. Orthotics can be inserted into certain footwear to make them more supportive.
5. Continued Activity and Mobility
Staying active is vital for physical and mental health during winter. By reducing discomfort and injury risk, orthotics help ensure you can keep walking, hiking, or even skiing safely through the season.
Winter wellness is about more than minimising illnesses, it's about maintaining comfort, stability, and mobility through the most challenging months. Orthotics support not just your feet, but your overall well-being, helping you move through winter with greater ease and confidence. 'Orthotics are more than a shoe insert, they're a tool for maintaining independence, reducing discomfort, and keeping people moving,' says Lydia Charteris.
As the season progresses, the team at Orthotic House are encouraging New Zealanders, particularly older adults, active individuals, and those managing chronic pain, to consider foot health as a vital part of their winter wellness strategy.
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