In the colder months there is more to worry about than simply having cold feet. The chilly weather means swapping sandals for socks and winter shoes. But it can also mean an increased risk for certain foot problems like chilblains.
These are some of the most common cold weather feet complaints…
Cold Feet
It is normal to have slightly cold feet in winter, but if they are painfully cold or uncomfortable then it might be more than the weather at play. Overly cold feet can be a symptom of poor circulation, issues with your nervous system, or even an exposure injury like frostbite.
Dry Skin
Sometimes the colder weather can dry out your skin and nails, making them more prone to damage and infection. You might find a higher chance of developing corns or calluses.
Fungal Infections
Winter is a prime time for fungal infections. Often you will wear thick socks with boots or shoes. If your socks don’t draw moisture away from your feet, then you have the perfect breeding ground for conditions like athlete’s foot.
Chilblains
When your skin is exposed to the cold air and then exposed to hot air, the small blood vessels in your skin can leak blood into your tissue. This causes the itchy, red, swollen spots that are chilblains. They are most commonly found in areas of high friction like bunions or calluses.
Winter Sport Injuries
Injuries can occur at any time in the year, but winter has an increased chance with contact and adventure sports coming into play. Before taking on a sport, ensure that you train properly to maintain correct form and minimise the chance of slipping, falling, or twisting the wrong way. Be mindful of uneven surfaces and the potential for patches of ice or hidden puddles.
What You Can Do To Minimise The Risk
The best piece of advice we can give you is to wear correctly fitting shoes and appropriate socks. Your feet can change between seasons so don’t assume the same shoes from 3 years ago will still be the the right fit. Also, implement a good foot care routine – cleaning, drying, moisturising, and trimming your nails on a regular basis.
Most importantly, if you have any pain at all then come and see us here at Footsense. Having minor foot pain now can lead to more severe issues in the future, so it is best to get it looked at sooner rather than later.
