Cold feet???
With the sudden cold weather upon us, we thought we might talk about how cold weather conditions can affect your feet. Cold weather can exacerbate painful foot conditions and also increase your risk of other foot problems developing. Below we will outline some of the conditions that can affect your feet due to the cold:
1. Dry skin and brittle nails: With the cold air and the coming and going from heated buildings and cars, it can dry out our skin and nails causing them to weaken and being more susceptible to damage and infection such as fungal nails
2. Fungal toenails: Keeping with the first point, the nails are more susceptible if they are weak and brittle. Other factors that can lead to fungal nails is that we are wearing enclosed footwear and thick socks….. fungal LOVES warm, moist, dark environments!
3. Circulation: Many people suffer with poor microcirculation (small blood vessels) in particular. This can lead to chilblains (ouch!) and also another condition known as Raynauds phenomenon. Chill blains are caused when your toes or other extremities are exposed to rapid temperature change (cold to hot) too quickly and blood vessels go into a spasm causing red, painful/itchy, swollen lesions to develop. These lesions can breakdown and become sores leaving you susceptible to infection. Raynauds phenomenon is also generally caused from a rapid temperature change, it can also be painful and your toes/fingers can change colour from blue to purple to white
Chill blains
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4. Blisters, Bunions and Morton’s Neuroma: These conditions can be exacerbated by ill-fitting footwear and/or socks and stockings that are the wrong shape or too tight
5. Arthritis: Unfortunately, arthritis does not like cold! It is a constant complaint from our patients through the cooler months as the climate can create increased pain to joints and also affect our exercise regimes
Arthritis and bunions.
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So how do we deal with these conditions you may ask?
1. Footwear and socks: Wearing water-resistant, insulated footwear along with warm socks serves as a barrier between the feet and outside elements. Wearing moisture-wicking socks will help keep feet dry from wetness caused by sweat (also helping to ward off fungal). Also wearing the right size footwear is critical…. even if your boots were perfect last year, your feet may have changed. If you are not careful and your shoes are too tight, you may develop corns…. and nobody wants that!
2. Slippers: Just because you are at home, does not mean your feet will not get cold! Wearing a good warm, supportive pair of slippers will help keep your feet and toes toasty warm on those cold tiles!
3. Temperature changes: Do not warm your feet up too quickly by placing them directly in front of a heater or placing them in hot water. This can exacerbate those circulation issues we have spoken about!
4. Podiatrist: Finally, and most importantly, if you are worried about your feet or they are painful, please see your podiatrist! We have many tips and treatments that we can give you and help to make you more comfortable.
Here at Footrix Podiatry we have a great range or products including sock, slippers, Frankie4 footwear and Revere footwear.
Our podiatrists are here to keep you on your feet!