Have you ever wondered why your foot pain seems to get worse in the fall and winter? Whether due to standing on your feet all day or from chronic conditions, foot pain is not forgiving and is quite common in the colder months for many reasons.
We know how hard it can be to get through the day when your feet hurt. So, let’s go over some of the reasons why foot pain is common in the fall and winter, as well as some tips for dealing with seasonal foot pain.
Reasons for foot pain in the fall and winter
When the weather turns chilly, it affects your body in a variety of ways. For starters, cold air can cause your skin and nails to dry out, making them weaker and leaving them more vulnerable to injuries and infections. Dryer, more sensitive skin on your feet, for example, may be more prone to developing corns and calluses.
Cold can also disrupt your blood circulation, which can prove problematic for your feet — especially for people with diabetes. It can also result in a pinched nerve, resulting in numbness or pain. If you have peripheral neuropathy (or peripheral neuritis) the cold might even aggravate your symptoms.
As the temperature cools down, you also go from flip-flops to boots and heavy socks. If your feet have changed over the last year, your past winter’s footwear may no longer fit comfortably, or you may not have enough room for thicker socks. This compression can result in foot problems like bunions (or hallux valgus), hammertoe, and plantar fasciitis (or policeman’s heel).
Excess weight that you put on over the holidays is also an issue since it puts additional strain on your feet and arches. Excess weight increases the risk of obesity as well as the risk of foot disorders like plantar fasciitis.
Common Foot Problems in the Fall and Winter
Because your nails grow dry and brittle during the cold season, nail fungus (or onychomycosis) becomes a reasonable concern. You are also wearing thick socks — and if your socks do not wick moisture away from your feet, they can result in athlete’s foot (or tinea pedis) and toenail infections.
Wearing shoes that don’t fit perfectly can compress your feet, increasing your risks of developing blisters, bunions, and hammertoes. Shoes that are too tight can also lead to corns and calluses, heel pain, or plantar fasciitis.
Chilblains (or pernio) are more common in people who have circulation issues. When your toes are exposed to cold air then exposed to hot air, the small blood vessels in your skin may not respond appropriately. This can result in causing itching, red spots, swelling and blistering.
Extreme temperature swings can also in Reynaud’s disease, which is yet another circulation problem that affects the blood vessels in your feet. The condition can cause your toes to turn white and then blue.
Cold can also exacerbate neuropathy symptoms. Cold temperatures can worsen circulation problems, making them more symptomatic. Wearing ill-fitted shoes that pinch or compress your feet can further aggravate these symptoms.
Overcoming Foot Pain in the Fall and Winter
Many of us would like to skip cold weather and return to summertime, but we cannot! Knowing why foot pain is common in the fall and winter allows us to better care for our feet in order to manage seasonal foot pain. Additionally, as weather and temperatures change, you will need to adjust your foot care routine.
First and foremost, put on the proper footwear. Your feet may have grown since last year. Check that last year’s footwear fits you properly — if not, replace it with a pair that does.
Try to keep your feet clean and dry. Invest in good quality socks. Your skin and nails might be affected if your feet are trapped in sweaty socks all day. If you are prone to sweating, we suggest that you change your socks on a regular basis, especially after exercising or a hard day of work, and at the end of the day.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, seek professional foot care if you experience pain. Your feet are critical to staying fit and strong.
More information on how to keep your feet and ankles healthy can be found on the FootDocStore.com blog.