Winter Foot Woes: 7 Foot Conditions That Worsen in the Cold

When the temperature drops and winter sets in, our feet and ankles can become more susceptible to certain conditions. The cold, dry air, constricting boots, and sedentary, holiday-fast-fueled activity levels can all contribute to discomfort and exacerbate existing foot problems.

This article from us at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will explore some common foot and ankle conditions that tend to worsen in the winter months.

1. Chilblains: These small, itchy swellings on the skin are caused by exposure to cold and damp conditions and present with redness, itching, and even blisters.

2. Raynaud's Disease: This condition causes reduced blood flow to the extremities. Cold weather can trigger or worsen these symptoms.

3. Dry Skin and Cracked Heels: Winter's dry air can dehydrate the skin, leading to dryness, cracking, and even fissures on the heels. Cracked heels are painful and can become infected.

4. Arthritis: Cold weather can worsen joint pain and stiffness, which makes it more difficult for those with arthritis to maintain mobility.

5. Peripheral Neuropathy: Cold temperatures can worsen numbness and pain and increase the risk of injury.

6. Poor Circulation: This is especially true for Peripheral Artery Disease! In general, circulation issues can snowball into swelling, numbness, and slow-healing wounds.

7. Ingrown Toenails: Wearing tight or constricting winter footwear can increase the risk of ingrown toenails, which can cause irritation, swelling, and possible infection.

Tips for Managing Winter Foot Problems

  • Caring for your feet in the winter means more than just blankets and thermal socks. Depending on the condition, from cracked heels to Raynaud’s, your feet call for specific actions.

  • Moisturizing, wearing proper footwear, and exercising can keep cracked heels nourished, pain from arthritis at bay, and circulation flowing.

  • Since the cold weather brings an increased risk of chronic conditions rearing their heads, we recommend, in general, to be extra cautious.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat an expansive variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are happy to help our Hartford County patients. To book an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.

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