Family Winter Tips
Children's Foot Care
- Don't pass down snow boots from one child to the next. The insulated inner lining of the boots become compressed and the next child won't have the warmth and comfort that the boot originally offered.
- For skaters: Be sure to check that the skates fit properly at the beginning of the season. Visit your local skating shop to have an expert evaluate the fit of the skates. (Be sure that your beginner skaters wear a hockey helmet and not a bicycle helmet while on the ice.)
- For skiers: Even if you're confident that the ski boots fit perfectly on your child, be sure to have a local ski shop adjust and check the bindings so that the ski boots will release from the skis in order to prevent injury. (The same hold true for anyone in the family that is skiing.)
- Often children want to run out in the snow in running shoes. Obviously this is something to watch out for since the feet can become cold and wet. Frostbite of the toes is something that kids don't think about until it is too late.
- Two pairs of socks in a slip-on winter boot can provide added insulation and help to keep the feet drier.
Help For Ladies
- Consider wearing boots with low and wide heels rather than high heeled dress boots for walking on ice and snow, particularly if you are doing a lot of walking during the day.
- Bringing along a comfortable pair of walking shoes to the shopping mall and switching from your dress boots may give you much more comfort during the time you spend shopping.
- Well cushioned insole material such as SpencoR provides added cushioning and insulation to your feet, particularly when warmth is needed. They can be used in skates or ski boots as well.
- Bunions (enlarged big toe joints ) can be prevented from progressing without surgery. Correcting abnormal foot mechanics can relieve pressure and enhance comfort. Try to wear boots that don't squeeze the forefoot which can cause bursitis of the big toe joint.
Help For Men
- Winter boots often reveal pain in the feet that would not otherwise be present. Arch pain and heel pain may occur from the lack of support in a slip-on boot as compared with a supportive shoe.
- Prescription orthotic devices often can correct these mechanical imbalances of the feet that lead to pain with walking. They add a great deal of support to slip-on boots.
- Consider wearing laced dress shoes with soft soles for business. They provide added cushioning and support (versus a flimsier type of slip-on shoe). However, they can be troublesome as they don't slide easily into overshoes (galoshes). Therefore, changing out of those shoes into a warm, slip-on boot may be preferred.
- If you're a skier, be sure to have your bindings checked and adjusted if necessary.
- If the ski boot shop tells you that you need to buy orthotics from them for skiing, consider having your foot mechanics checked out by a podiatrist to evaluate any true medical problems or significant bone imbalances of your feet.
Running In Winter
- If anyone in the family is outside during winter, consider wearing running shoes with good traction soles. Watch for icy patches and go slowly or carefully over any suspicious surface.
- Try 2 pairs of socks for added insulation.
- Running on a smooth, flat, compact snow surface is preferable to a field with unknown ruts or uneven spots where one can easily twist an ankle.
- Shortening your stride may help to avoid muscle pulls in the leg, particularly if you hit a slippery spot.
- Winter sports such as skating, hockey, cross country skiing or downhill (alpine) skiing are a great way to enjoy our winters. Using the proper equipment and doing warm-up exercises such as stretching, and by utilizing proper technique or getting instructions when necessary, should enable you to enjoy the winter months.
Contrary to popular belief, foot pain is not normal and if your feet hurt, something can be done to correct this. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine can detect any foot faults and correct problems before they worsen.
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