In the winter months, it can be more difficult to put your ‘best foot forward,’ as a variety of foot problems can occur this time of year due to the weather and seasonal activities. As a result, doctors see an increase in falls and injuries during these months every year. Taking care of your feet can make a big difference in your safety and health.
In this post, we’ll examine why it’s important to pay extra attention to our feet in the winter, what the most common issues are, and how to keep your feet feeling great despite the potentially wet and cold elements.
The importance of foot care during winter
Practicing proper winter foot care is vital to maintaining healthy feet. Because the weather in the Pacific Northwest can range from damp to cold to freezing, you could be navigating potentially hazardous terrain in your everyday activities.
Furthermore, if you’re someone who enjoys seasonal sports, you have additional risk factors for injury and exposure.
Why are foot-related problems common during winter?
An increase in foot and ankle stress fractures and sprains occurs each year because road and sidewalk conditions are often slippery due to rain or ice, and winter sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and sledding can cause accidents.
What’s more, many people mistake the associated pain after an activity for fatigue, which can cause the issue to get worse. If pain, swelling and/or redness occurs following a fall or minor wintertime injury, be sure to seek medical care immediately to get an assessment and appropriate treatment. Start with your primary care provider. They can evaluate the problem and refer you to a podiatrist if needed.
Common winter skin problems on the feet and toes
Because more people wear socks and shoes in winter, it is common to develop dry feet, cracked heels, itchy skin patches, blisters, and ingrown toenails. If you’re having any of these issues, keep in mind that even if it seems minor, the earlier a medical professional can check it out, the sooner treatment and healing can begin.
In extreme conditions, where feet have been exposed to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period, frostnip and frostbite can set in. These conditions can cause harm to skin, tissue and muscles. If you have frostbite symptoms such as numbness and redness, seek medical treatment immediately to avoid more serious consequences such as infection or nerve damage.
Tips to keep your feet healthy during the winter months
There are several things you can do to maintain healthy winter feet. Here are some tips:
Choose the right size shoe
When shopping for boots and other shoes that completely cover your feet and sometimes your ankle and/or leg as well, be sure buy the right size. Consider the type of socks you’ll wear and the amount of activity that you’ll be doing in the shoes or boots when you’re shopping.
Buying the correct size will prevent issues such as ingrown toenails and blisters from developing. In addition, well-placed insoles and other orthotics can help stabilize feet once inside shoes and boots — especially while participating in sports — and can help prevent injuries.
Use foot powder to reduce foot sweat and odor
When feet are constantly covered by socks and shoes, they are prone to sweating, which can lead to infections or skin problems if socks are not kept dry. This can also lead to smelly shoes. One good way to reduce sweating and odor is to sprinkle foot powder inside your socks or shoes to absorb excess moisture.
Buy socks that are moisture-wicking and insulating
If you’re exercising outside in the winter months, or if your shoes aren’t waterproof, it’s important to wear socks that are made from a moisture-wicking fabric such as wool, acrylic, nylon, or polyester. In addition, look for socks that trap heat and provide insulation and thermal protection.
Stretch before you exercise
Cold weather makes your muscles less elastic, so if you’re hitting the slopes or just going for a run, don’t forget to properly stretch and move your feet to warm up first. This will serve as an extra layer of protection against injury, for your feet and your ankles.
Don’t go barefoot in cold weather
Though it may seem like common sense, it’s worth stating that bare feet shouldn’t be exposed to the cold for any length of time.
Regardless of how much moisturizer you may have used on your feet, they will be susceptible to frostbite and other serious issues in cold temperatures if not protected with the proper footwear.
Talk to a Podiatrist
If you’re experiencing pain or a problem with your feet, or suffering from a recent foot or ankle injury, it may be time to consult with a medical professional.
Start with your primary care provider. They can evaluate the problem and refer you to one of our skilled podiatrists if needed.
Visit our Podiatry page to learn more about the services we offer to help patients relieve their foot pain and get back to the activities they love.