Every season comes with its own unique risks, and that includes for your feet. During the summer, for example, wearing sandals exposes you to a higher risk of hurting your toes.
But winter’s a particularly problematic time of year when it comes to your feet. The drier, colder months introduce several factors that can lead to issues.
Joseph DiMenna, DPM, wants to help you avoid problems this November and beyond. Our team at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey developed this guide. Pair it with any foot and ankle services you need at our office in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to enjoy healthier, more comfortable feet during this chilly time of year.
Let’s look at five common wintertime podiatric problems and what you can do to prevent them.
Icy surfaces increase your risk of a slip, and that heightens the likelihood of a misstep that strains the ligaments in your ankle. If you do end up with an ankle injury, we can help you heal it.
Ideally, though, you’ll avoid this common winter problem. Wear shoes with good tread and walk carefully when the surface may be slick to prevent ankle injuries.
Tight-fitting, closed-toed shoes can put pressure on the tops of your toenails, encouraging them to grow downward into your skin. Add in the thick socks that are common during winter, and ingrown toenails get particularly prevalent this time of year.
The key to avoiding this problem is sizing your shoes properly. Ensure you have enough room in the toe box to give your toes a little wiggle. And when you’re buying shoes in which you know you’ll wear thick socks, go up a half-size to create sufficient space.
It’s normal for your feet to get cold when they’re exposed to winter temperatures. Pay attention to what happens when you head indoors, though. If your feet stay cold, you could be having a circulation problem.
Cold feet can be a symptom of diabetes. Specifically, a diabetes complication called peripheral neuropathy can damage the nerves in your feet, making them feel colder. If you have diabetes and your feet have been feeling chillier than normal, see our team. We offer dedicated diabetic foot care.
Treating the underlying condition helps you prevent cold feet in wintertime and beyond.
Winter often takes a toll on your skin, drying it out. That might be particularly noticeable on your feet, where the thick skin can get scratchy and crack.
To prevent this issue, make it a habit to moisturize once a day, putting lotion on your feet each time you get out of the shower or right before you go to bed, for example.
If your feet sweat in socks this winter, that damp environment creates a perfect environment for fungus to thrive. We can treat fungus if you get it, but we also have tips to help you avoid it.
Start by choosing breathable shoes whenever you can, especially if you’ll be wearing them indoors. Options like leather boots trap moisture.
Also, if you know your feet sweat, make a habit of carrying an extra pair of socks. Change into them whenever you start feeling moisture accumulate in your shoes.
We hope this guide helps you avoid foot and ankle issues this winter. But if you need any podiatric care, we’re here. Call 856-667-8222 to book an appointment with Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey today.
