Winter in Colorado means cold mornings, snowy sidewalks, and icy driveways, but it also brings seasonal challenges for your feet. From dry, cracked heels to painful injuries from slips and falls, like sprained ankles, winter can take a toll if you don’t take steps to protect your foot health.
Here’s how you can keep your feet healthy and problem-free all season long, courtesy of the expert team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center.
While foot problems can happen in any season, winter brings a higher risk for certain issues. This includes:
Unfortunately, you might experience one (or more!) problems from this list unless you take time to protect your feet.
You can reduce your risk of these foot and ankle problems with a few simple strategies.
Cold weather can reduce circulation, which makes your feet more vulnerable to stiffness and pain. Thick socks and insulated boots help, but make sure they’re breathable. Trapped moisture from sweat can increase your risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Wool socks are a good choice because they’re breathable, naturally hydrophobic, and help prevent bacterial growth. Regardless of what fabric you choose, always change your socks if they get damp.
Winter air is dry, and heated indoor environments make it worse. This can lead to rough, cracked heels that are not only painful but also increase your risk of infection.
Apply a rich foot cream or ointment daily to lock in moisture. Focus on your heels and soles, but don’t put lotion between your toes.
If you have diabetes and develop cracks in the skin on your feet, be especially vigilant. These cracks can lead to infections, which can spiral into slow-healing wounds.
Slips and falls are common in winter, especially if your footwear doesn’t provide traction. Wear boots with slip-resistant soles, and consider adding ice grips or traction cleats if you’re walking on icy surfaces regularly. This can help you prevent foot fractures as well as bruises and other injuries.
Supportive shoes also help prevent plantar fasciitis and ankle injuries. If you already have orthotics, be sure to wear them as recommended.
Your day-to-day shoes aren’t the only ones you need to think about. If you participate in winter sports, take your time finding the right shoes. For example, wearing ski boots that are too tight can leave you with foot pain and aches.
To reduce foot pain and blisters, break in new shoes, hiking boots, ski boots, and even ice skates.
Once you come back inside, warm your feet up gradually. This can help prevent chilblains.
If you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or other circulation issues, cold weather can make symptoms worse. Don’t ignore numbness, tingling, or color changes in your toes — these could be warning signs of serious conditions that need medical attention.
Winter boots and tight shoes can crowd your toes and increase your risk of ingrown toenails. When the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin, it can cause redness, swelling, and infection. Keeping your nails trimmed straight across and wearing properly fitted shoes can help prevent this painful problem.
Schedule a foot exam before winter arrives to make sure your feet are healthy and ready for the season. At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center, our experienced team can spot small issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Pain isn’t normal, even if you think it’s just from the cold. Bunions, heel pain, and neuromas can all flare up in the winter if you’re wearing tight boots or walking on slippery surfaces. If your foot pain doesn’t improve with rest and home care, it’s time to see a member of our team.
We can help you get your feet ready for winter. Call our appointment line to visit one of our five Colorado locations.
