The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) notes that the risk of foot problems and injuries goes way up in winter months, and you want to avoid problems if at all possible. Having a broken toenail, cracked heel, or fungal infection can really mess with your plans for the new year.
At Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic in Lodi, New Jersey, Dr. Sean Rosenblum can help you develop a foot care routine that keeps your feet safe from the complications posed by winter weather.
Wash your feet thoroughly when you bathe or shower, dry them well, and always put on fresh socks. Don’t share socks, footwear, or other foot-related items like nail clippers, and try not to walk around barefoot, especially in communal damp spaces like in a bathroom, locker room, or pool area. These precautions can help you prevent toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot.
Indoor heating and dry winter air can contribute to dry, cracked skin on your feet and heels. Cracks that develop from severe dry skin can turn into painful heel fissures that can start to bleed if untreated and also provide a gateway for fungi and bacterial infections to enter your foot. Use a quality moisturizing cream, but make sure it’s well rubbed in and none is left between toes to create a haven for infection.
Wear the right kind of winter socks to insulate and protect your feet. You want socks made of breathable fabrics like wool or a moisture-wicking synthetic to help reduce sweating. Fish-belly pale feet and wrinkled toes at night when you strip off your socks indicate too much moisture building up during the day and are a sign that you need to go sock shopping. Also, wear shoes and boots that are roomy and don’t constrict your feet or cut off circulation.
Don’t wear wet shoes or boots, and always have dry socks and a spare pair of footwear on hand so you don’t put damp items back on your feet. Dampness can lead to bacterial and fungal infections, not to mention an unbearably offensive odor. Take your liners out of your shoes or boots and leave them to dry in a very warm place with no humidity.
Fractures go up in winter months, as do falls and ankle dislocations or broken toes. Avoid foot fractures by wearing boots or waterproof shoes with a low heel and a traction sole if there’s a possibility of walking on a slippery surface. Always wear appropriately designed and fitted footwear for sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.
Worried about the health of your feet this winter? Contact our office at 973-218-5720, or book an appointment online today.
