Hot chocolate, snowball fights, holiday parties, and unpleasant cold weather aches all come with cold weather.
The body is more vulnerable to harm in these conditions. Particularly affected are bones and joints, and the foot is no exception. Common foot issues like pain and damage can substantially hinder you.
Continue reading to find out why having foot pain in winter can be uncomfortable and how to stay pain-free and healthy during winter.
Causes of Foot Pain in winter
Did you ever wonder why the winter makes your foot pain worse? Foot pain is not gentle and particularly frequent in the winter for many reasons. It can be recurring foot pain or a result of chronic illnesses that just so happen to flare up without notice. Whether your feet hurt during the day or at night, it can be challenging to go through your day. So, let’s go over some of the causes of foot pain in the winter and some advice for treating it.
Cold Weather
More ways than you would imagine making the cold uncomfortable. Your body may be freezing on the outside, but it could be wreaking havoc on your bones, muscles, and joints on the inside. Cooler temperatures can cause the tissues in your joints, such as your hips and knees, to contract, pulling on the nerve endings and resulting in joint pain.
As a result, disorders like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and arch pain tend to worsen in cold weather.
Extra weight
Obesity can result from carrying excess weight, but it can also raise the chance of foot pain, leading to other issues like plantar fasciitis.
The extra strain typically brings winter foot pain that the holiday weight puts on your arches, which tends to aggravate and strain your plantar fascia.
Inappropriate Footwear
We frequently overuse flip-flops and sandals during the hot summer months. They are simple to put on and give your toes room to breathe.
The majority of flip-flops lack arch support and are flimsy. Every step you take puts more tension on your muscles and tendons. In sandals without arch support, you risk stretching out your plantar fascia, tearing it, or inflaming it, resulting in foot pain.
Lower Blood Circulation
Problems with circulation are a relatively frequent cause of cold feet. People with poor circulation typically struggle to get sufficient warm blood to their feet and May regularly complain of having cold hands and feet.
Several factors can contribute to poor circulation. Cold feet can result from reduced blood flow to the legs due to a sedentary lifestyle or from spending all day at a computer. Smokers may experience painful feet more frequently because smoking tobacco products might make it harder for the blood to reach every part of the body.
High cholesterol can cause artery plaques to form, which can restrict blood flow to the legs and feet and result in aching feet.
Which foot issues are impacted by the cold weather?
Since our nails become brittle and dry during winter, toenail fungal infections are more prevalent. When wearing heavy socks and shoes, our feet become the ideal breeding environment for athlete’s foot and toenail infections if the socks don’t wick away moisture.
Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly may raise your risk of developing foot problems like blisters, bunions, and hammertoes.
Your toes may be compressed into an unnatural alignment or rub painfully, and calluses and corns may also result from the increased friction. Incorrectly fitting shoes and boots can also cause heel pain or plantar fasciitis.
Those who have circulation problems are more likely to experience chilblains. The little blood vessels in your skin might not react as quickly when your feet (or hands) are subjected to cold air and immediately exposed to hot air. This allows blood to seep into your tissue, developing itchy, flaming, and swollen patches.
Your skin may break, develop ulcers, and contract other illnesses if the chilblains become inflamed. Chilblains are more likely to form on calluses or bunions, where your foot is more open to pressure and friction.
How to prevent foot pain this winter?
You should adjust your foot care routine during winter to adapt to the seasonal changes in weather and temperature. Wear the proper footwear first. Your feet may have altered even if the previous year’s boots were terrific. As you age, your feet inevitably become wider, and your feet may also enlarge due to weight gain. Check that your boots and shoes fit correctly, and if not, replace them with new shoes that do.
Do your best to keep your feet dry and clean as well. Purchase quality, moisture-wicking socks. Your skin and nails may suffer if you spend the entire day with your feet encased in sweaty socks and boots. Change your socks frequently, especially after exercising and at night.
Lastly, seek professional podiatrist care if your feet are in pain. Having healthy feet is crucial to keeping fit and active and carrying out your daily tasks.
To ensure that your feet remain healthy and that you continue to feel comfortable, arrange an appointment with a podiatrist at the London Foot and Ankle Surgery Clinic if you have foot discomfort or detect any emerging foot issues. The LFAS clinic charts out a perfect treatment and surgery plan for your chronic foot pain to ensure that you wake up each morning absolutely pain-free.
People Also Ask –
Why is foot pain so common in winter?
Joint discomfort might result from the tissues in your joints contracting due to the cold temperature and pulling on the nerve endings. Additionally, it tends to make foot issues like plantar fasciitis and arch and heel pain worse.
How do you treat your feet in the winter?
Tips for Winter Foot Care-
• Dry off and keep your feet clean
• Your feet will stay warm and cozy with winter boots and wool socks, but they might also sweat a lot
• Air out your winter shoes and boots, and wear comfortable footwear.
• Take Care of Your Skin
• Wash Your Feet Daily
Why does cold weather increase my risk of foot problems?
Cold weather can cause pain in many body areas, including the feet. Cold weather tends to weaken and dry your skin and nails, leaving them more prone to damage and infection. The cold also affects circulation, which could be harmful to the foot.
When to consult a foot doctor?
The best action is to see a podiatrist if you have any concerns with your foot or ankle, such as a sports injury, arthritis or joint discomfort, skin conditions, etc. Almost all problems that affect the ankle and the foot can be managed and treated by a podiatrist.