Winter and Cold Weather Foot Pain
In the winter, the transition into a more confined shoe or boot can be uncomfortable. The cold weather tends to compound issues like stiffness, inflammation, and neuropathy as well.
Heel pain: Small tears in the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot are caused by poor shoe choice, foot structure, obesity, or inflammatory disease. Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The pain is caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Custom orthopedic devices that fit inside your shoes to help stabilize the foot bones can help along with foot orthotics that can help distribute pressure more evenly underneath the plantar surfaces of both feet
Fallen arches: The primary tendon of the foot can stretch out and lose elasticity due to age, obesity, pregnancy, or inflammatory disease. Wearing supportive shoes and custom orthotics can go a long way. Braces that support the ankles can also help.
Achilles tendinitis: Tight footwear and repetitive pounding are responsible for a thickening of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Custom orthotics can help.
Diabetes: Keeping your feet healthy in the winter is an even bigger challenge for those with diabetes. Winter moisture, cold, and dryness increase the risk of a diabetes foot problem like a foot ulcer. Make sure winter shoes and boots provide warmth, protection from snow and ice, and proper padding, and that they are roomy enough not to constrict blood flow to your feet. You can contact us for any additional help including inserts to help with this problem.