The holiday season can be a wonderful time for you and your family, but this time of year can be particularly hard on your feet. For a number of different reasons, you’re at a heightened risk for certain foot and ankle issues during the colder winter months. In today’s blog, we explore why that’s the case and discuss some ways you can protect your feet and ankles from injury during the winter.
Why Winter Is Hard On Your Feet
Seasonal elements mean that the five following foot conditions may be more likely to develop this time of year. Here’s what you need to watch for this holiday season.
1. Bunions – As we’ve talked about at length on our blog, poor footwear choices are the leading cause of bunion development and progression. As the temperatures dip, we’re more likely to ditch our sandals or open-toed shoes for a tighter or more protective shoe. If these closed-toe shoes put abnormal strain on your toe box, your big toe joint can shift out of place. Make sure that your winter footwear choices still leave plenty of room for your toes.
2. Fractures – Ice and snow are common during the winter months, and one wrong step on these elements can lead to a slip and fall accident. If you end up landing hard on your feet, you could suffer a foot or ankle fracture. Wear winter boots that offer plenty of grip, and always keep an eye on your surroundings so that you can try to avoid particularly icy walkways.
3. Blisters – Blisters can also be more common in the winter months, especially if you’re indulging in activites like skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Your socks may get wet due to snow or sweat, and this can lead to friction and skin sheering within the shoe. You want ski boots or ice skates to be snug but breathable, and consider packing an extra pair of socks in case your first pair gets wet.
4. Gout – Gout is an inflammatory condition that oftentimes develops in the feet and ankles. It is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints, which can irritate or inflame soft tissues in the area. Uric acid buildup is believed to be caused in part by dietary choices, including diets rich in red meat and alcohol. If your normal eating habits get thrown off due to family get-togethers and holiday parties at work, you may find that you’re dealing with a gout flareup. Working to maintain an ideal diet and regularly exercising can help limit uric acid buildup in your joints this season.
5. Plantar Fasciitis – Finally, you may notice that heel or midfoot pain increases during the winter months, especially with your first few steps in the morning. Colder temperatures can cause soft tissues to contract and tighten, and in an individual with plantar fasciitis, damage to the plantar fascia can feel more pronounced after an extended period of inactivity. After a good night’s sleep, your plantar fascia may contract and tighten, especially if your feet are cold, and pain can set in as this damaged or inflamed tissue expands with your first few steps in the morning. Keeping your feet warm, gently stretching your feet before you get out of bed and maintaining an ideal weight can all help to combat and treat discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis.
If you’ve been bothered by any of these issues and can’t seem to effectively treat them, consider connecting with Dr. Silverman. Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!
