Jack Frost Nipping at Your Toes>>Tips to Keep Feet Warm and Cozy All Winter Long

Well, the first snows have begun to fall in the Flathead Valley.  From Kalispell to Bigfork and Columbia Falls to Whitefish, the snow season is upon us.  So number one, when traveling between towns in snowy conditions and especially when heading to Flathead Family Foot Care to see Dr. Clase in Columbia Falls, make sure to take extra caution to arrive safely.

The same goes for your feet.  Winter weather brings changes in foot wear.  Whether its recreational or day to day, it is important to make sure your feet are prepared for the task at hand (or foot).

Here are some tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association and Dr. Clase himself:

APMA offers some advice for keeping feet healthy in common winter scenarios:

  • Winter is skiing and snowboarding season, activities enjoyed by nearly 10 million Americans, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Never ski or snowboard in footwear other than ski boots specifically designed for that purpose. Make sure your boots fit properly; you should be able to wiggle your toes, but the boots should immobilize the heel, instep, and ball of your foot. You can use orthotics (support devices that go inside shoes) to help control the foot’s movement inside ski boots or ice skates.
  • Committed runners don’t need to let the cold stop them. A variety of warm, light-weight, moisture-wicking active wear available at most running or sporting goods stores helps ensure runners stay warm and dry in bitter temperatures. However, some runners may compensate for icy conditions by altering how their foot strikes the ground. Instead of changing your footstrike pattern, shorten your stride to help maintain stability. And remember, it’s more important than ever to stretch before you begin your run. Cold weather can make you less flexible in winter than you are in summer, so it’s important to warm muscles up before running.
  • Boots are must-have footwear in winter climates, especially when dealing with winter precipitation. Between the waterproof material of the boots themselves and the warm socks you wear to keep toes toasty, you may find your feet sweat a lot. Damp, sweaty feet can chill more easily and are more prone to bacterial infections. To keep feet clean and dry, consider using foot powder inside socks and incorporating extra foot baths into your foot care regimen this winter.
  • Be size smart. It may be tempting to buy pricey specialty footwear (like winter boots or ski boots) for kids in a slightly larger size, thinking they’ll be able to get two seasons of wear out of them. But unlike coats that kids can grow into, footwear needs to fit properly right away. Properly fitted skates and boots can help prevent blisters, chafing, and ankle or foot injuries. Likewise, if socks are too small, they can force toes to bunch together, and that friction can cause painful blisters or corns.

While out enjoying our Montana Winter Wonderland, Dr. Clase recommends frequent evaluation of you feet.  “A common mistake is to stay out in the elements too long before realizing your feet may be in trouble.  So whether you are Skiing, riding your snow machine, snow shoeing, hunting or simply out in the elements, stop periodically and think about your feet.”

Look for Warning Signs:

-Numbness and tingling in the toes

-Burning or hot spots in your boots

-muscle cramping in the feet or legs

-pain

If you are having lingering issues, be sure to make an appointment to visit Dr. Robert Clase at Flathead Family Foot Care.

Call 406-730-3669

Now get out and enjoy our great outdoors!