Throughout the months of winter, your feet are seemingly sheltered under warm, comfy socks and big sturdy boots. And yet, frostbites, lesions, foot aches, and fractures are more common than in any other season. This happens due to a multitude of reasons. In this article, we’ll cover the common types of foot problems and tell you about the perfect foot care routine for this winter.  

Common Foot Problems During Winters 

In general, muscles in winters are more susceptible to aches and injuries as a result of the stress exerted by tense muscles of nerve endings. Here are the common winter problems associated with your feet.

Athlete’s Foot

An athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The condition was named athlete’s foot because it is most commonly seen among athletes. It is a mildly contagious disease that can also spread between fingers and toenails.

Causes

An athlete’s foot is an infection of the foot typically caused by a fungus called dermatophytes, although there may be a few things that may make you susceptible to the bacteria.

  • Damp socks and shoes 
  • Warm and humid conditions
  • CARD9 deficiency –  a condition characterized by susceptibility to fungal infections

Breaks And Fractures

Hairline fractures are among the most common types of fractures in winters. Usually, fractures occur when a bone is subjected to more pressure than it can take however, in winters bones can become more susceptible to such stressors.  

Causes

The main cause of stress fracture is the stress caused by tense muscles on the feet. However, its effect may exacerbate depending on the intensity of activities. 

Chilblains

Chilblains are the inflammation of blood vessels in your skin that occur in response to repeated exposure to cold. Chilblains are usually also accompanied by red patches, itching, swelling, and blistering on hands and feet.

Causes

Chilblains are caused by an unusual reaction to extreme cold however their likelihood may increase under certain circumstances –

  • Damp and cold weather
  • Rewarming after exposure to extreme temperatures 

Foot care Tips For Winters 

As the temperatures take a dip, you should follow the right foot care routine. Here are some foot care tips that you can use this winter to prevent foot problems. 

Wear Comfortable Footwear

Make sure the boots/shoes and socks you wear are comfortable and clean. They should not be too tight as that might work to reduce blood flow to the feet. Poor blood circulation can make your feet cold and increase susceptibility to conditions like frostbite, Chilblains, and Raynaud’s. Along with that, an uncomfortable pair of shoes or one that cannot support you with a sturdy base might also put you at the risk of certain fractures, fungal infections from shoe bites, and foot aches. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is essential in winters as you are likely to be walking on slippery surfaces with muscles as tense as a bowstring. 

Maintain A Skincare Routine

Besides making sure you wear clean pairs of socks and shoes, it is equally important to have an antifungal skincare routine for your feet. Wearing warm socks and heavy boots all day can cause your feet to sweat, releasing germs and bacteria that may lead to rashes, breakouts, and even contagious fungal infections. Scrub or wash your feet daily to expunge germs and bacteria and also ensure that you do not leave any kind of mole, cut, or breakout untreated.     

Hot Water Dip 

One of the best ways to relax your feet is a nice hot water soak. During winter, the muscles in the human body, especially the feet, remain stressed due to the pressure on the nerve endings. This makes regular tasks like walking, running, and standing for long hours all the more tiring. A hot water soak is a great way to relax your feet at the end of the day. You can simply place your feet in a tub of warm water for 10-15 minutes and feel the pain melting away as the blood circulation is stimulated in the area. 

If you’re suffering from any of the above-mentioned foot problems and can’t seem to find relief, book your consultation with top orthopedics at Saqsham. Call us or book an appointment online with Dr Anuj Chawla to know more about the precautionary measures to take during the winters.