How to Protect Your Feet and Ankles During Winter

Winter is an irritating season for people who suffer from arthritis, athletic injuries, and osteoporosis. Even healthy people should take care to protect their feet and ankles, lest serious medical problems arise by springtime. No matter how young and healthy you are, you should always protect yourself from accidents, injuries, and more. These are some excellent ways to protect your feet and ankles this winter, including recommendations from medical professionals in advanced foot and ankle care from The Woodlands, TX.

Proper Footwear

First of all, it’s important to remember that proper footwear is essential to good foot and ankle health. You should try to find waterproof, non-porous shoes, as wet feet can become cold or develop rashes. In cold weather, wet feet can contribute to illness. Wear socks that are appropriate for the temperatures. Find thicker socks for winter and light, breathable socks for summer. Wearing shoes without socks can cause blisters, sweating, and poor grip, the latter of which can lead to a twisted or even broken ankle. Depending on the severity, you may need foot and ankle surgery to repair your injuries.

Don’t wear footwear that’s too tight. This can cause blisters. However, loose shoes can lead to falls and other accidents. Dragging loose shoes as you walk can cause sore ankles. Try to also wear shoes with good traction and grip design to prevent slipping.

You should also try to wear natural fiber socks. Wool and cotton keep in warmth during cold weather. Cold feet can experience bone aches and sore muscles.

Good Hygiene

Apply moisturizer that’s right for your skin’s individual needs. Heavy moisturizers can leave your feet feeling moist and uncomfortable. However, failure to use a good moisturizer can lead to calluses and cracked skin. An ankle and foot specialist can recommend a reliable product for your skin type.

If you are diabetic, avoid soaking your feet in warm baths or using hot towels to soothe your feet. Diabetic patients have poor foot sensation, and you can inadvertently burn yourself.

Also take care to be active. A sedentary lifestyle can leave you feeling weak and sore. This also ensures proper circulation to your feet and ankles, as well appropriate blood flow back to your heart. A lack of blood flow is a common cause of varicose veins on the ankles.

For more recommendations or for injury treatment, visit a clinic specializing in advanced foot and ankle care in The Woodlands, TX.