As the temperature drops, the risk for foot problems goes up. Between too-tight winter boots and the risk cold weather poses, the winter months here in Illinois can be a challenge for anyone’s feet.
When you have diabetes, though, this is a particularly pressing area of concern. We want to help.
Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM, offer dedicated diabetic foot care at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois. To help you limit your need for podiatric attention this winter, though, we also want to call out a few areas worth your attention.
Winter footwear is often stiff and heavy (e.g., snow boots, ski boots). That makes it extra important to ensure a good fit. If the boots are too tight, they can pinch and rub. Too loose, and they can cause excess friction as they move around on your feet.
Either way, the blisters the poor fit causes put you at risk. When you have diabetes, it impacts your feet’s ability to heal wounds and avoid infection.
Your first course of action is to choose footwear that fits well. Your second is to check your feet each time you take off your shoes at home. Diabetes can also cause sensation loss, so you may have developed a blister without realizing it.
Winter is often a balancing act. You want to keep your feet sufficiently warm, but heavy boots and thick socks might make them overly hot.
If you know you’re prone to sweaty feet in the winter, put an extra pair of socks somewhere you can easily access them — like the glovebox of your car. Change into them if your feet ever feel damp. The wet environment makes your feet more likely to get infected.
An ingrown toenail isn’t comfortable for anyone, but it’s particularly risky when you have diabetes. Your poor circulation makes you more likely to have complications.
That means you want to avoid this issue in the first place. To do that, start by trimming your toenails regularly. Cut them straight across, because rounded corners are more likely to grow down into your skin.
Then, double-check all of your winter footwear for a good fit. If you know you like to wear thick socks, you might need to go up a half-size on shoes to avoid the toe box pressing into your toe. That constant pressure can encourage the toenail to grow down into your skin.
While this is an extreme one, it’s worth mentioning. When you have diabetes and it impacts the nerves in your feet, it can cause numbness. You might not realize just how cold your feet are, making you more susceptible to frostbite.
Be aware of your feet when you’re venturing out in the cold. Try not to stay outdoors too long without sufficient foot protection. And when you do come back inside, remove your shoes and socks right away, and check for any signs of frostbite, including changes in your skin color or texture.
Clearly, your feet need some extra attention this winter. For support with your diabetic foot care, call us, or schedule an appointment online today.
