Why Do Feet Hurt in Winter?

Podiatrists’ offices are especially packed during the winter. Freezing temperatures, slippery snow and icy winds can affect our bodies in more ways than one. Read on to find out some of the common ailments during winter, some treatments and why they are prevalent in this season.

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon at the back of your heel tightens and can actually shorten when you overuse it. This can be done by wearing high heels and by being overweight, among others. Wearing low-rise heels will give comfort to the pain as well as rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Ingrown Toenails

Improper nail trimming and trauma can cause the nail to grow into the skin – eventually causing infection. At home, soak the affected toe in warm water. You might put antibiotic cream on it, and cover the affected area with a Band-aid. If the symptoms worsen, have your podiatrist remove the damaged portion of the nail.

Fallen Arches

The primary tendon of the foot can lose its elasticity due to age, pregnancy, obesity or an inflammatory disease. If the loss of elasticity becomes permanent, the wearing of supportive athletic shoes and custom orthotics would be the best options. There are also braces that support the ankles, too.

Bunions

Bunion development might be caused by wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes. It can also be a genetic factor. Podiatrists might suggest some minimally invasive techniques, and there would be a need for different choices in footwear. Paddings are also used to relieve the pain and discomfort.

Heel Pain

The plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot might be damaged by poor shoe choices, obesity, foot structure, or an inflammatory disease. The treatment for plantar fasciitis is complex and may involve laser and sound wave treatments, but at-home treatments include rest, elevation, ice and new comfortable shoes.

Pinched Nerves

Tight footwear and repetitive pounding on the foot might cause a thickening of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Other than application of rest, ice and elevation, some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications as well as a metatarsal pad should be placed beneath the ball of the foot for comfort. If those don’t work, steroidal injections or surgery might be needed.

The cold weather tends to bring about stiffness, neuropathy and inflammation. Wet boots contribute to the development of toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. A lot of people also become interested in elective procedures such as bunion surgery during winter for many reasons. It is the time of year when social calendars are less packed and people get to have time off work to recover from any surgery required.