New York Foot Experts December 2015
Issue Number 3 : www.newyorkfootexperts.com Phone 646-26-3033
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ENTIRE STAFF OF NEW YORK Foot Experts
Watch Out for Worrisome Winter Foot Conditions This risk is heightened as a growing number of people participate in the wide variety of winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to ice hockey and figure skating. Avoid spending the rest of winter off your feet by learning about these conditions and how to treat them Chilblains More common in people with poor circulation, chilblains (pictured above) occur when the skin is exposed to cold humid and then is introduced quickly to a warm environment. The cold air first constricts the small blood vessels in the skin; if the skin gets hot too quickly, the blood vessels cannot react
properly in time. Blood then leaks into the tissue, resulting in itchy, red and, at times swollen, spots on the skin. If aggravated, they can become ulcers or cause infections, as the skin dries out and cracks. If you think you have a chilblain, you can use an anti-itch lotion but, like doctors always say, don’t give in to the itch. Scratching will irritate the skin even more. If you suffer from diabetes or have circulatory issues, see your podiatrist to minimize risks.
Skier’s Toe If you look down at your feet and see a black toenail looking back up at you, you might have skier’s toe. The dark color you see is caused by bleeding under the nail (known medically as a “subungual hematoma”), and the painful pulsing you feel is due to the pressure of the blood against your nail.
Morton’s Neuroma Like skier’s toe, Morton’s neuromas are caused by too-tight footwear, which squeezes the tissue and bones against nerves. The result is pinched nerves that cause burning, numbness and tingling. This painful “electric toe” is most common around the third toe, but can happen in other parts of the foot. Your feet get wider as you age, so make sure to check your foot size (and width) every winter. If you think you already have a neuroma, a visit to the podiatrist is needed. Nerves can suffer permanent damage if not treated correctly with padding, different shoes, orthotics and/or medications to reduce the inflammation.
Blisters Well-fitting and quality-made winter shoes help keep your feet free of these pesky skins bubbles. But friction reigns from time to time, and repeated rubbing may cause blisters to develop, especially if you’re breaking in new shoes (though, if you’re getting shoes fitted properly by a professional, you shouldn’t really have to “break them in” to begin with). If your shoes are causing you blisters, it’s a sign that you shouldn’t be wearing them. It’s not worth the pain. You can also try inserting some extra padding between your skin and the problem area. Resist the urge to pop the blister yourself. Clean it with soap and water, and let it heal on its own. Wondering what shoes and socks would be best for your feet this winter? Do you have existing foot health conditions that require you to take extra precautions, especially during extreme winter weather? Give us a call
If you a need Podiatrist Call: at 646-626-3033