Monday, December 3, 2012

Switching To Winter Shoes

Say goodbye to the sandals, loose slip-ons and barefeet of the summer. Now that the cold weather months are here, most of us have switched to socks and closed toe shoes. This change in your feet's environment can cause foot problems, including:
Ingrown toenails
Wearing an enclosed shoe can be a factor in getting an ingrown toenail. Watch how you trim your toenails and also wear shoes that are not tight in the toe box.
Toenail fungus
Fungus commonly attacks the feet because it thrives in a dark, moist, and warm environment such as a shoe. Many of us wear the same shoes everyday without realizing this can promote fungal growth. To help avoid this problem, occasionally disinfect your shoes and wear different pairs to allow them to dry out. Also, remove any left over summer nail polish from your toes. Nail polish seals the nail and traps moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungus.
Light sensitive skin disorders
Wearing socks and shoes the majority of the time in the winter months, resulting in no sun or UV light exposure to the feet, may increase flare-ups of light sensitive skin conditions like psoriasis.
Irritation to bony prominences
Bony prominences on the foot due to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, and bone spurs can be irritated by constant rubbing on the shoes. Wear socks and properly fitting shoes. Having your shoe stretched in the areas of irritation may also provide some relief.
Neuroma flare-ups
Neuromas, or nerve pain, may be triggered by tight fitting enclosed shoes. Make sure there is a wide toe box in your shoe so your toes are not being squeezed or irritated.
Call our office to schedule an appointment if your feet are experiencing problems from the switch from sandals to winter shoes. If you are experiencing a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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