From Injuries to Ailments: How to Keep Your Feet Safe and Healthy for the Rest of Winter

If you haven’t noticed any changes to your feet by now, the winter can be particularly harsh on our lower extremities. Between the icy sidewalks, numb toes, and poor circulation, we at The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland invariably witness an uptick in appointments this time of year. To combat these seasonal changes, here are some issues to look out for, from injuries to ailments.

Preventing Slips and Falls

According to the CDC, about 1 million people injure themselves each year by tripping on ice. This is a lot more people than you’d think, so to make sure you aren’t one of them, here are some tips to keep your feet planted:

  • Choose the Right Footwear: Boots, especially those designed for the snow, should be worn on icy and snowy days. Look for deep treads and rubber soles designed for icy surfaces. Avoid smooth-soled shoes or high heels that increase your risk of slipping.

  • Walk with Caution: Take short, deliberate steps on icy patches. Keep your center of gravity over your feet and avoid sudden movements. Also, use handrails when available, especially on stairs.

  • Clear Walkways: Salt isn’t just for the snowplows and main roads. Clear snow and Use salt in your driveway for traction between your garage and car door.

  • Watch the Ground: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions like texting while walking. And be aware of black ice, which may not be easily visible!

Addressing Winter Foot Conditions

  • First up: Dry Skin and Cracked Heels. Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home, and make after-shower lotion a daily ritual.

  • Next, it’s Chilblains and Raynaud’s Disease. These itchy, red patches (Chilblains) and lack of sensation in the toes (Raynaud’s) both rear their heads with exposure to cold and dampness.

  • Lastly: existing conditions, except worse. If you have conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or neuropathy, be extra vigilant in monitoring your feet and managing these conditions, as they all tend to flare up during the winter months.

Want to solve your foot issues? 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!

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