Keeping Your Feet Cozy, Healthy, and Safe This Holiday Season
As the chilly winds of winter sweep across Maryland, it's time to bundle up and protect yourself from the elements. But while you're focused on keeping your nose and fingers warm, don't forget about your feet!
Winter weather poses special risks for foot and ankle health, from falls on icy sidewalks to the worsening of underlying health conditions. This article from us at The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland provides tips for keeping your feet cozy, safe, and healthy throughout the Holiday season.
Fall Prevention on Icy Surfaces
Maryland winters can bring treacherous conditions, with snow and ice making sidewalks and roads slippery. To prevent falls and ankle injuries:
Wear appropriate footwear: Choose boots with good traction and insulation. Avoid smooth-soled shoes or high heels that can increase your risk of slipping.
Use handrails: Utilize handrails when available, especially on stairs or uneven surfaces.
Be mindful of your surroundings: Pay attention to where you're walking and avoid distractions.
Clear walkways: Clear snow and ice from your walkways and use salt or sand to improve traction.
Take shorter steps: Shorten your stride and walk slowly and deliberately on icy surfaces.
Podiatric Care in Winter
Cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels and exacerbate conditions like Raynaud's Disease, which causes numbness and tingling in the toes. We recommend purchasing thermal socks to keep your feet as warm as possible.
Furthermore, dry air can lead to cracked heels and skin irritation, so make sure you’re moisturizing regularly and keeping your feet warm and dry to prevent fungal infections, especially if you are susceptible to skin conditions.
Diabetes Management
If you have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, pay extra attention to foot care and monitor your feet regularly for any signs of injury or infection.
Diabetes can often lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, especially in the extremities, like the feet. The narrowing of blood vessels in cold temperatures can also delay wound healing and make it harder to regulate blood sugar.
Want to say goodbye to foot problems? Contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, MD, at (410) 761-3501 to schedule your initial appointment. We look forward to meeting you!