By Cara Murez
HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, Dec. 27, 2022 (HealthDay Information) — Getting round in winter works greatest if you happen to’re taking excellent care of the ft that take you locations.
Orthopedic specialists on the Hospital for Particular Surgical procedure (HSS) in New York Metropolis say they typically see an uptick in avoidable accidents and foot issues through the winter.
They supplied some ideas for winterizing your ft.
First, make sure that your winter footwear and boots nonetheless match.
“Our ft change as we become old, and footwear that match us final 12 months could now be too tight,” stated Dr. Mark Drakos, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at HSS Lengthy Island and the primary hospital in Manhattan. “Squeezing your ft into footwear which might be too cosy can result in foot ache, blisters, bruises and different issues.”
Drakos recommends purchasing for new footwear and boots within the late afternoon or night as a result of ft get bigger all through the day. Take alongside the socks you intend to put on in chilly climate. Thicker socks require extra room.
Don’t overlook good traction, which can assist maintain you in your ft on snowy or icy floor.
“It might look like frequent sense, however the first winter storm of the season typically catches individuals off guard, and we are likely to see extra accidents,” stated Dr. Andrew Elliott, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at HSS in Manhattan and Paramus, N.J.
Elliott recommends retaining a spare pair of winter footwear at work in case of sudden snow. Anti-slip shoe covers may also present traction on slick surfaces. They’re straightforward to seek out on-line.
Footcare is essential, too, the specialists famous in an HSS information launch.
Moisturize your ft each day if you happen to’re vulnerable to dry, cracked heels or related points.
Beat back fungus and infections similar to athlete’s foot by retaining your ft dry. Acrylic-blend socks that wick away moisture can assist with that.
Change socks after exercising, partaking in winter actions or on the finish of the day. Dry any moist footwear and socks in a single day, Elliott stated.
Publicity to chilly air may cause the physique to gradual blood circulation to the extremities. To stop frostbite, be sure you’re carrying waterproof, insulated footwear and heat socks if you happen to’re out within the chilly, the docs urged.
In case you begin to expertise numbness or ache, go to a hotter surroundings as quickly as doable. Folks with diabetes are at explicit danger as a result of nerve injury often known as neuropathy could stop them from feeling the chilly, Elliott stated.
Earlier than hitting the slopes, do some power coaching and conditioning to get your physique prepared, stated Dr. James Wyss, a physiatrist at HSS Lengthy Island who treats sufferers with sports activities accidents and different painful situations.
“Everybody also needs to take the time to heat up earlier than an athletic exercise,” he stated. “That is important to forestall harm.”
Wyss suggests a 10-minute warmup that targets the muscle tissues that can be used that day. Somebody who’s climbing or snowshoeing would possibly do brisk strolling on a degree floor or climb a few flights of stairs.
Sporting a shoe with good traction is essential if you happen to run year-round, added Dr. Tony Wanich, an orthopedic surgeon on the HSS Sports activities Medication Institute in Manhattan. A specialised shoe retailer can assist you make the proper alternative.
“Very like the best way we alter our tires to take care of winter climate, we advise runners to put on the suitable footwear for the season,” Wanich stated.
He additionally recommends carrying insulated socks in very chilly climate to keep away from gentle frostbite. Consciousness of dropping temperatures is essential to staying protected.
Cease if you happen to expertise ache throughout an exercise and take a break, the docs suggested. See a physician sooner somewhat than later you probably have foot ache that isn’t bettering.
Extra info
The U.S. Nationwide Library of Medication has extra on foot accidents and problems.
SOURCE: Hospital for Particular Surgical procedure, information launch, Dec. 14, 2022