The holiday season is upon us. Along with all the festivities, the unpredictability of inclement weather is also
ushered in. The arrival of the winter season typically brings plummeting temperatures, snow and ice which can
cause common winter foot injuries and most are actually avoidable. North Texas Foot & Ankle wants you to
avoid winter foot and ankle injuries to keep you enjoying the festivities and outdoor fun the winter season
brings.

Chilblains
Also referred to by its medical name, Pernio, chilblains are what happen when the small capillaries in toes
spasm when exposed to long periods of cold temperatures. These spasms cause redness, itching, pain and
blisters. Ignoring chilblains and remaining in the cold can cause the blisters to rupture, risking infection.
Chilblains can be avoided by wearing thick, substantial socks and weatherproofed, close-toed boots or sturdy
shoes.

Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when skin is left unprotected to the wind, cold, snow or icy rain. Symptoms of frostbite include
the skin being cold to the touch and a pins and needles or prickling sensation in the affected area. This is
followed by numbness of the skin, finger, toes, etc. Skin color becomes unusual looking in color and texture,
appearing to be red, white, purplish, brown, bluish-white, gray-yellow or ashen and can look waxy or hard.
Patients also report that their muscles feel stiff and the joints of the toes and fingers are stiff, even
non-functional.

Frostbite can be prevented by wearing weather-appropriate, protective clothing. Many are unaware of their
symptoms until they are pointed out by someone else. Caught in its initial stages, frostbite can be treated by
gentle rewarming in warm water, however there is a great risk of permanent damage to skin, muscle and
bones based on the severity of the exposure. Seek medical care as soon as possible if you suspect you have
frostbite.

Cracked, Dry Heels
For many, the cold weather always results in cracked, dry skin. Women tend to moisturize their feet and heels
year-round, so they are less susceptible to this occurring during winter months. Dry, cracked heels are easily
prevented by daily moisturizing of the feet with a good quality, concentrated cream. Failure to treat cracked
heels can result in deep splits, called fissures, that can bleed and are easily infected. Ask your foot care
specialist what they recommend for keeping heels and feet moisturized and supple.

Athletes Foot
Patients tend to associate the development of athlete’s foot with hot, steamy shower rooms at the gym. The
fungi of athlete’s foot thrive in winter for the same reasons. Wearing heavy socks and warm boots cause the
feet to sweat, making them the perfect location for growth. The risk of developing athlete’s foot in the winter is
reduced if you remember to remove footwear and socks immediately upon return to the house. Follow through
with a thorough washing of the feet, drying well (especially between the toes), moisturizing and putting on
clean, dry socks. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread to other areas of your body, so wearing socks in
the home year-round is important to keep it contained.

Injuries From Falls
Foot and ankle injuries increase dramatically during the winter season. Exposure to icy and slippery conditions
is a threat to health and safety. Uneven terrain, depth perception, and footwear traction all play important roles
in keeping strains, sprains, and fractures from happening. To avoid these types of injuries we encourage
patients to take care in selecting footwear that can handle the weather conditions they are faced with. Make
sure that boots and shoes are well-made, close-toed, waterproof, and provide solid traction to help you safely
navigate icy, snowy conditions.

North Texas Foot & Ankle is here to diagnose and treat these and other weather-related conditions and
injuries. Our focus is to restore foot and ankle health to get you back to doing what you love. If you suspect that
you are suffering from any symptoms, call us today at 214-574-9255.