Protect Your Feet and Ankles With These Top 3 Cold Weather Tips

While there is never a good time for an ankle or foot injury, some people consider the winter months to be the most inopportune time to have their ankles or feet out of action. But ironically, it’s during these months when many injuries in the lower limbs occur due to weather-related occurrences. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing some tips for protecting your feet and ankles. 

Causes of damage to the ankles and feet can vary. But by taking preventive actions, you can decrease your chance of suffering foot or ankle problems during the winter months. 

These three easy-to-follow tips can make all the difference between pain and comfort in your feet during the colder months. 

1. Keep your feet dry and warm. Wet feet can cause harmful cold feet. By wearing moisture-wicking socks, you will be able to keep feet dry while waterproof footwear will protect you against the elements that can cause wetness.

   For some people, putting foot warmers in their shoes provides an extra layer of protection. But before proceeding, consult with your podiatrist because if used incorrectly, they can burn the skin and cause severe injury.

2. Provide proper treatment. With everything that can happen to the ankles and feet during the cold weather, you need to know what action to take when faced with an injury or condition caused by cold weather.

   If you suspect a sprain or fracture caused by a fall, see your podiatrist or visit the emergency room as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment. But if medical attention is inaccessible, for short-term relief of symptoms, try the RICE method, which consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But don’t delay treatment too long!

3. Wear proper footwear. Falls are one of the most common causes of weather-related injuries and often result in an ankle sprain, or even worse, a broken bone in the ankle, heel, toe, or foot. Opt for low-heeled boots or shoes that have a sole with traction to prevent slipping.

   It’s just as important to wear warm boots to shoes to protect against frigid temps. Keep in mind that the thicker the insulation, the greater the protection. 

For more information on keeping your ankles and feet safe this winter, or if you’re experiencing any issues with your feet, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today.

We serve both New Haven County and Fairfield County areas. You can schedule an appointment by calling our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724. You can also request an appointment online.