All OACM and PT OFFICES will be CLOSING EARLY Friday, December, 9th for our Holiday Party.
Both of our OACM After Hours locations will be CLOSED Friday December, 9th for the event.
Thank you!

Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland
(410) 644-1880(855) 4MD-BONE
MENUMENU
  • Menu
        • Physicians
        • Physician Assistants
        • Physical Therapists
        • + OACM After Hours
        • Careers
          • Pay Your Bill
          • Patient Portal
          • Schedule an Appointment
        • Specialties
        • Conditions & Treatments
        • Services
        • For Our Patients
        • OACM News
        • Patient Education
        • Testimonials
        • Locations
        • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Physicians
  • CRNPs/PAs
  • Physical Therapists
  • Specialties
  • Conditions & Treatments
  • Services
  • + OACM After Hours
  • For Our Patients
  • OACM News
  • Patient Education
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Patient Portal

Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Top Tips for Cold Weather Foot Care

October 20, 2021

Cold Weather Foot Care

With fall upon us and winter close behind, gone are the days of bare feet and flip flops. With the onset of cooler weather, it’s important to keep your feet safe from the elements – rain, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. According to Marc Lipton, DPM, a podiatrist with Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM), the cooler weather doesn’t have to put a damper on your outdoor activities. With a little preparation, working and playing outdoors while keeping your feet warm and comfortable can be easy.

Tip #1 – If the shoe fits…

Wearing appropriate shoes for the activity and the weather is a must. Before venturing into the outdoors, check the fit of older shoes. Leather boots and shoes, for example, can shrink if you have not worn them since last year.  Shoes that fit too tightly can cause foot sores and blisters.

Rainy fall days and snow and ice in the winter can leave your feet soggy. Shoes should be waterproof or water-resistant in wet weather. In winter, insulated boots are important if you’ll be outside for any length of time. Wet feet and prolonged exposure to the elements can lead to cold-related injuries such as frostbite. “Never immerse your feet in hot water,” cautions Dr. Lipton. “Carefully hold cold, wet feet near a source of warmth or use a heating pad to slowly warm and dry them.”

For individuals with diabetes, ensuring proper fit and warm, dry feet in the colder months is critical. Patients who have diabetic neuropathy of the feet and loss of sensation are especially susceptible to frostbite and cold. Frostbite and other cold-related injuries are serious and can lead to gangrene and even amputation in the worst cases.

Tip #2 – Wear appropriate socks.

Dr. Lipton recommends wool blend and moisture-wicking socks designed to keep feet dry and warm. “If you have poor circulation, neuropathy, or diabetes consider socks made for skiers to keep your feet warm,” he says.

People with impaired sensation in their feet should dress for the weather due to their inability to sense that their feet are cold. Consider feet warmers for prolonged cold exposure.

Tip #3 – Keep your skin dry yet moisturized.

Change socks and shoes as soon as possible if your feet get wet. Diabetics, neuropathic patients, and those with peripheral vascular disease should check feet visually before and after activities outdoors for any sores, blisters, or discoloration, especially when coming in from the cold. Additionally, moisturize dry skin regularly. Dry, cracked skin can lead to infection if not cared for properly.

Tip #4 – Pay attention to toenails.

Ingrown toenails can be a real pain. To avoid this problem, keep toenails trimmed straight across and even with the end of the toe. Tight-fitting shoes can aggravate ingrown toenails.

It’s also a good idea to avoid toenail polish when the weather cools off. This allows toenails time to breathe and recover from damage from prolonged use of polish during the warmer months.

In the right conditions, even relatively brief exposure to the cold can result in foot injury. An ounce of preparation as the colder weather approaches will go a long way in keeping feet healthy this fall and winter. For any cuts, sores, or abnormalities that do not improve in a reasonable amount of time, make an appointment with a foot care professional – your feet with thank you.

 

Contact Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at 410-644-1880, 855-463-2663, or visit www.mdbonedocs.com to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

Filed Under: Foot & ankle Tagged With: cold weather foot care, Foot and ankle specialist near me, Foot Care, foot doctor Maryland, Foot doctor near me, foot specialist near me, Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, Podiatrist

Primary Sidebar

Blog Main Page

Recent Posts

  • When Does Knee Pain Warrant a Visit to the Doctor?
  • Common Sports Injuries: Treatment Options
  • Shoulder Surgery Pain Relief: Tips for a Quick Recovery
  • Physical Therapy Exercises for Knee Pain
  • Sports Injuries in Baltimore, MD: Four Tips for a Safe Skiing Adventure

Categories

March 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Feb    

Archives

Tags

arthritis Back Pain best orthopedic doctor near me chronic pain Foot and ankle specialist near me Foot and Ankle Surgery Foot Care foot pain hip hip pain hip replacement Injuries joint pain Joint Replacement Joint Replacement Surgery knee pain Knee pain treatment near me Knee Replacement low back pain treatment near me Neck Pain Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Orthopaedic Surgeon orthopedic care near me orthopedic clinic near me Orthopedic Doctor near me orthopedic doctors orthopedics orthopedic surgeon orthopedic surgeon near me orthopedic surgeons Baltimore Orthopedist pain Physical Medicine physical therapy Physical therapy near me Plantar Fasciitis treatment near me Podiatrist Sciatica Pain shoulder shoulder joint shoulder pain Sports injuries sports injury Baltimore sports injury treatment near me sports medicine doctor near me

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Blog
  • instagram
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Non Discrimination Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Billing Disclosures
Copyright ©
Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland.
All rights reserved.
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland in Baltimore, Catonsville, Columbia and Eldersburg serves the nearby communities of Annapolis, Washington DC and Montgomery County. Our orthopedic surgeons, podiatrist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, and physical therapists specialize in arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, joint replacement, sports medicine, and onsite diagnostic imagery, outpatient surgery, and physical therapy rehabilitation providing pain relief from sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, foot pain, knee pain, hip replacement, shoulder impingement, cubital tunnel syndrome and more.

  Request an Appointment

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Home
  • Physicians
  • CRNP/PAs
  • Physical Therapists
  • Specialties
  • Conditions & Treatments
  • Services
  • + OACM After Hours
  • For Our Patients
  • OACM News
  • Patient Education
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Careers