How to care for your feet during the winter

Keeping your feet healthy should be considered a full-time job. However, it’s especially important to take action during the colder months. At Great Neck Family Foot Care, our team is well versed in the issues that can plague your feet. Frostbite and Raynaud’s syndrome are two of the most common ones people face this time of year. For information on how to prevent them or how Dr. Hochstein, our expert podiatrist, can provide treatment, please continue reading.

What Are Frostbite And Raynaud’s Disease

Frostbite and Raynaud’s disease are two conditions that have a direct relationship with colder temperatures. With Raynaud’s disease, the smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin of your feet and toes narrow when they get cold, leading to limited blood flow. Numbness and feelings of coldness are two of the most common symptoms of this condition. Frostbite takes place when the affected skin and underlying tissues become frozen. It is a painful condition and can even lead to permanent damage.   

Prevention Methods

With conditions that are directly affected by the weather, there are methods in which our patients can play a role in preventing them. Doing so will help keep your feet protected and avoid the need to visit Dr. Hochstein for treatment. Examples of some of the best prevention methods include:

• Make sure you are dressed warmly whenever going outside.
• If traveling by car, preheat the vehicle before entering.
• Consider wearing warm socks, even when indoors.
• Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors in cold conditions.
• Avoid getting your feet wet when out in the cold.
• Change out of damp shoes or socks as soon as possible.
• Avoid drinking alcohol when going outside.
• Stay hydrated.

Treatment With Dr. Hochstein

Even patients who take an increased level of precautions when trying to avoid frostbite and Raynaud’s disease can still fall victim to them. When this takes place, one must schedule an appointment with Dr. Hochstein right away. Our team is well versed in this area and can administer any of the below treatment methods based on your condition:

• Prescribing medications that relax and open blood vessels of the feet.
• Applying prescription-strength cream to relax blood vessels in the affected area.
• Rewarming the skin.
• Prescribing pain medication.
• Removing the damaged tissue.

Contact Us  

Don’t let your feet suffer just because the temperature is beginning to drop. At Great Neck Family Foot Care, our team is committed to keeping patients healthy year-round. For more information on how to keep your feet protected from frostbite, Raynaud’s disease, and other issues this winter, contact us today and schedule an appointment!