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HealthDay Reporter
Orthopedic specialists on the Hospital for Particular Surgical procedure (HSS) in New York Metropolis say they usually see an uptick in avoidable accidents and foot issues through the winter.
They supplied some suggestions for winterizing your toes.
First, be certain that your winter footwear and boots nonetheless match.
“Our toes change as we become older, and footwear that match us final yr could now be too tight,” mentioned Dr. Mark Drakos, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at HSS Lengthy Island and the primary hospital in Manhattan. “Squeezing your toes into footwear which can be too comfortable can result in foot ache, blisters, bruises and different issues.”
Drakos recommends purchasing for new footwear and boots within the late afternoon or night as a result of toes get bigger all through the day. Take alongside the socks you propose to put on in chilly climate. Thicker socks require extra room.
“It could seem to be widespread sense, however the first winter storm of the season usually catches folks off guard, and we are likely to see extra accidents,” mentioned Dr. Andrew Elliott, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at HSS in Manhattan and Paramus, N.J.
Elliott recommends conserving a spare pair of winter footwear at work in case of sudden snow. Anti-slip shoe covers may also present traction on slick surfaces. They’re simple to search out on-line.
Footcare is necessary, too, the consultants famous in an HSS information launch.
Moisturize your toes each day should you’re susceptible to dry, cracked heels or comparable points.
Thrust back fungus and infections resembling athlete’s foot by conserving your toes dry. Acrylic-blend socks that wick away moisture may help with that.
Change socks after exercising, participating in winter actions or on the finish of the day. Dry any moist footwear and socks in a single day, Elliott mentioned.
Should you begin to expertise numbness or ache, go to a hotter surroundings as quickly as potential. Individuals with diabetes are at explicit threat as a result of nerve injury referred to as neuropathy could forestall them from feeling the chilly, Elliott mentioned.
Earlier than hitting the slopes, do some power coaching and conditioning to get your physique prepared, mentioned Dr. James Wyss, a physiatrist at HSS Lengthy Island who treats sufferers with sports activities accidents and different painful circumstances.
“Everybody must also take the time to heat up earlier than an athletic exercise,” he mentioned. “That is important to forestall damage.”
Wyss suggests a 10-minute warmup that targets the muscle mass that might be used that day. Somebody who’s mountain climbing or snowshoeing may do brisk strolling on a stage floor or climb a few flights of stairs.
“Very similar to the best way we modify our tires to cope with winter climate, we advise runners to put on the suitable footwear for the season,” Wanich mentioned.
He additionally recommends sporting insulated socks in very chilly climate to keep away from gentle frostbite. Consciousness of dropping temperatures is important to staying protected.
Cease should you expertise ache throughout an exercise and take a break, the medical doctors suggested. See a health care provider sooner somewhat than later when you’ve got foot ache that isn’t enhancing.
Extra data
The U.S. Nationwide Library of Drugs has extra on foot accidents and problems.
SOURCE: Hospital for Particular Surgical procedure, information launch, Dec. 14, 2022
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