Do’s and Don’ts for Winter Sport Safety
At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that winter brings the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of outdoor fun: skiing, ice skating, sledding, and more. Our goal is to help you make the most of your winter sports while protecting your feet and ankles. Below are some do’s and don’ts for enjoying winter sports safely:
Do: get the correct size footwear. Whether it’s ski boots, ice skates, or snow boots, wearing winter sports footwear that fits properly is the number one way to protect your feet. Shoes and boots that are too big or too small can result in injuries that range from blisters and bursitis to ankle sprains and fractures. If you’re renting equipment, take the time to make sure your gear fits—even if it means trading in the first pair, you get for one that fits better.
Do: take the time to warm up. Physical activities in cold weather require extra time for stretching. Your body is acclimating to the colder temperatures and muscles need more warming up to function properly and without injury.
Don’t: neglect the proper socks. Finding the right type and number of layers to wear on your feet can be tricky for winter sports. You want your feet to stay warm but you also don’t want them to get sweaty—that increases the risk of blisters and fungal infections. Many winter sports enthusiasts find that two layers—one thinner, moisture-wicking sock, and another warmer pair on top—work best.
Don’t: ignore signs that your feet and the rest of your body are getting uncomfortably cold. Pain, burning, or numbness is your signal to get inside where it’s warmer, especially if your skin is changing colors and becoming very red, white, or bluish.
Do: treat any injuries promptly. If you do hurt your feet or ankles while participating in a winter sport or experience pain afterward that doesn’t go away after 24 hours, it’s important that you get a podiatric evaluation. Contact our Upper West Side office by calling: 212-877-1002 and one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff will examine you and determine if treatment is needed.