Monday, November 21, 2011
Winter months bring more than just cold feet
With the weather turning colder, there is an increase in some of these.
That is because in the summer, we allow our feet to stretch out and even slightly widen in open, loose-fitting shoes. As the weather changes, the shoes become more constrictive, which increases many issues from bunion pain to joint pain to numbness and sores and ingrown toenails. Proper shoe-fitting is a simple key to decrease rubbing pressure that can increase the chance of developing a problem.
During the colder weather, there is decreased humidity in the air, which can increase dry, cracked skin throughout the body. Specifically on the feet and legs, these cracks can open, bleed and become infected. Proper skin hydration lotions, a bedside humidifier and limited barefoot time are simple preventative measures that help reduce these issues.
Another concern during the winter months is for people with poor circulation, neuropathy or diabetes. There is already decreased circulation to the legs, and in the colder months, not protecting with appropriate garments can lead not only to increased symptoms, such as pain, color change and burning, but could even lead to sores, infections and amputations.
If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, you should seek medical attention before the problems become worse.
Dr. Eric Levine is a podiatrist who is on staff at the Backus Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center. This column should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. If you want to comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Dr. Levine or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
