Do's and Don'ts for Winter Foot Health

It’s the season of celebrating and shopping and enjoying walks in the frosty air, but it’s also the time of year when we at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle see an increase in the incidence of several foot conditions, many of which could have been prevented. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you keep your feet healthy all season long:

Do: wear shoes that will keep feet warm and dry and that provide good support. Oftentimes boots do not have good arch support which will result in aching feet by the end of the day.

Don’t: forget to change socks frequently if your feet are perspiring in warm boots and overheated malls. Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist, dark environments and can cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails.

Do: bring your fancy party heels but wear your sturdy boots with no slip soles to avoid spills and ankle sprains on icy pavement. Also, don’t carry so many packages at once that you can’t see where you are going.

Do: remember to moisturize your feet daily. Dry winter air and heated homes, cars, and offices dry out your skin, and that means cracks and fissures can develop on your feet. Not only are these painful, they can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

Don’t: skip your regular exercise routine due to schedule or cold weather. Exercise keeps your feet limber and strong. It will also help you avoid holiday weight gain which is important because many foot conditions are made worse by excess weight.

Do: plan for times of rest during this busy season. Standing on long lines, cooking, and socializing means an above average amount of time on your feet which can worsen many common foot complaints such as plantar fasciitis and bunions.

If you notice any pain or other symptoms that are causing you discomfort in your feet, toes or ankles, make an appointment at either our Waldorf or Clinton office to see our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss. The majority of foot disorders have a better outcome if treated promptly.