As we now enter the cold winter weather, many of us will be skiing, sledding and shoveling snow. Many people will get cold feet as well as wet feet. Having “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” sounds great when Nat King Cole sings it, but it’s no fun when affected by serious cold weather hazards – frostnip and frostbite.

Extreme exposure of your feet to cold over a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. This is a followed by numbness in toes or feet and changes in skin color, from pale or red to bluish-gray or black.

Children, elderly, and diabetics are more prone to frostbite because of the size of their extremities or poor circulation. People who live or work outdoors also have higher likelihood of contracting frostbite because of their increased exposure to the cold.

There are various degrees of frostbite with frost nip (first degree), being the most common to most people who live in very cold climates or do a lot of outdoor activity in the winter. Skin may feel stiff to the touch, but the tissue underneath is still warm and soft

Superficial frostbite (second degree) and deep frostbite (third degree) are serious medical conditions that need to be treated by trained medical professional. Skin will feel hard and frozen to the touch and blistering will happen. In some severe cases, amputation may occur to prevent severe infection.

Mild frostbite can be treated by initially getting out of the cold and moving to a warm environment. Keep the feet dry and warm; warm the skin gradually by using warm compresses or immersing the feet in warm water (101ᵒ to 104ᵒ F) until sensation returns - do not use direct heat such as heating pads or fire; and do disturb any blisters.

Frostbite is very serious and if you suspect that you have it, seek professional help from a podiatric physician for any foot and ankle-related concerns. Their prompt diagnosis and proper treatment is essential – they can literally save your toes.

For many athletes and weekend exercise warriors, winter is a time to continue their cardiovascular health. Many partake in winter sports such as snow sledding or skiing, snowboarding, rough-and-tumble ice hockey or casual ice skating. Yes, winter provides a fast track for fun, but exposes the body to injuries, especially to foot and ankle injuries.

Some of the common winter and snow sports injuries related to the foot and ankle include:

    •    Frostbite – The symptoms of frostbite include skin-color changes, from blue to whitish, feeling of burning or numbness.

    •    Blisters – Friction in winter sports footwear often cause blisters.

    •    Neuromas – Enlarged benign growths of nerves between the toes are caused by friction in tight footwear and can result in pain, burning, tingling, or numbness. Neuromas require professional treatment, including an evaluation of skates and boots, from a podiatric physician.

    •    Sprains and strains – The stress of skiing and skating can result in sprains and strains of the foot and ankle. They can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If pain persists, seek medical attention from a podiatric physician.

    •    Subungal Hematoma – Pressure in the toe box of a ski or skate can cause bleeding under the toenail known as a subungal hematoma.  Such a condition should be treated by a podiatric physician to prevent the loss of a toenail.

Podiatric physicians recommend properly fitted shoes or boots to prevent winter and snow injuries. With planning, adequate preparation and proper equipment, most injuries common to winter and snow sports can be prevented.

    •    Maintain an adequate fitness level all year round. This is the best way to avoid many sports-related injuries in winter.

    •    Never participate in winter sports alone. Use a buddy system.

    •    Warm up thoroughly before activity. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Make sure to cool down thoroughly afterwards as well.

    •    Wear several layers of light, loose and water-and-wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection.

    •    Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.

    •    Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves, and padding.

    •    Wear a blend sock that ‘wicks’ sweat away from the skin. Consult your podiatric physician for recommendations.

    •    Drink plenty of water before, during and after sport.

    •    If your feet get wet, move to a warm/dry environment. The skin tissues of wet, cold feet are in danger of freezing (frostbite).

If you have any questions on proper winter sports footwear or anything else foot or ankle related, please contact us so that we can answer them for you.