The recent snow and cold temperatures have set the scene for winter fun! At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want our Middlesex County patients to get out and safely enjoy skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowboarding, or simply taking a winter wonderland walk.

5 ways to avoid common podiatric problems and injuries associated with winter sports:

  1. Always wear the proper footwear for the activity. Good traction is key in slippery conditions. If you’re out walking, choose boots with deep treads on the sole, not a smooth surface. Check winter sport boots to ensure they don’t need replacement. For children especially, check that they haven’t outgrown their current footwear. When renting ski boots and skates, be sure the size is correct—even if it means a few extra minutes before you can hit the ice or the slopes.

  2. Enlist the aid of good socks. Keeping feet warm and dry will enable you to enjoy your sport comfortably for several hours. While multiple pairs may help, the material of the socks also matters. Look for thin, moisture-wicking synthetic socks to wear closest to your skin, and add a second heavier pair on top for warmth. Reducing sweat means reducing friction, and the chances of getting a blister that ruins your winter fun. Padded socks can also decrease blister risk and increase comfort.

  3. Know your limits. No double black diamond or expert courses for beginners, or those that haven’t been on the slopes in a while. Choose the duration and difficulty level of your outing to coincide with your current fitness and ability level to avoid sprainsfractures, and other sports injuries. Use proper form and warm up before you start.

  4. Take time for daily care. Massaging in a rich moisturizer after showering and before bed will help prevent painful heel cracks, a common condition during the winter. Applying foot powder or roll-on antiperspirant in the morning to the soles of your feet will help them stay dry and reduce the risk of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

  5. Don’t play through pain. If you believe you have injured your foot or ankle somehow, stop. Continuing to put weight on the injured foot will only result in a worse or possibly even an additional injury. Contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 to arrange to see our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas. While you wait for your appointment, use the RICE regimen (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), and stay off the affected foot as much as possible.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416