Baby it’s cold outside! With the winter weather comes hot cocoa, snow ball fights, holiday celebrations, and unfortunate cold weather pains. The cold and slick weather can exacerbate pain and makes the body more prone to injury. Bones and joints are particularly affected, and those in the foot are no exception. Common foot problems such as foot pain and injury can seriously hold you back this winter. Read on to learn why cold weather can bother your feet, and learn how to keep healthy and pain-free this winter.

Cold Weather Problems

Cold weather can spell aches and pain in many parts of the body, including the feet. The cold weather tends to dry out skin and nails, weakening them and making them more susceptible to injury and infection. The cold also has an effect on circulation, which can prove damaging for feet. One of the biggest ways in which cold weather can hurt your feet is indirectly, via your footwear. One of the biggest culprits for cold weather related foot problems isn't the cold itself, but your chilly season footwear. Ill fitting footwear that is too tight can lead to too much compression and friction causing hammertoes, bunions, and blisters.

The most common foot problems caused by cold weather include:

• Athlete’s foot: caused by moisture from sweaty, bundled up feet.
• Breaks and fractures: caused by slips and falls in both regular clothes and ill fitting ski or hockey gear.
• Chilblains: painful inflammation of small blood vessels caused by exposure to cold.

Protect Your Feet

Combat common cold weather foot problems with these winter protection and pain prevention tips:

• Wear the right shoes. Poor fitting winter shoes and boots are a sure way to bring on foot issues this winter. Be sure your snowy season footwear fits properly, with room for thick winter socks.
• Stay dry. Keep your feet clean and dry to help ward off fungus and infections caused by sweaty feet.
• Get help. If you develop any new foot issues or pain, or if an existing condition is greatly exacerbated, it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist.

Foot and Ankle Clinic at MidAmerica

If you feel like your foot issues are getting bad, don’t wait, schedule an appointment at MidAmerica Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Clinic. The expert podiatrists at the Foot and Ankle Clinic will conduct a thorough physical examination and work with their patients to pursue the best non surgical or surgical treatments for their case.

Among the specialists at the Foot and Ankle Clinic is Dr. Svetlana Zats. Dr. Zats specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options and has over 10 years of experience as a foot and ankle surgeon.

To learn more about MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Foot and Ankle Clinic and the different treatment options available to you, visit our website.

To schedule an appointment with MidAmerica Orthopedics podiatry specialist Dr. Svetlana Zats, call (708) 237-7200. You can also request an appointment online. MidAmerica Orthopaedics serves various areas such as Chicago, Tinley Park, Palos Hills, Mokena, Evergreen Park, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and more.