Winter De-Feet

Winter is knocking on our doors and bringing cold air to chill our bones. The cold air gives us so many reasons to snuggle up in bed or cozy up by the fire, but it also gives us so many reasons to enjoy the outdoors.

Skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding are all common winter activities that expose our bodies to the cold. It is important to protect yourself from the cold weather. Many are unaware that you can still acquire cold injuries in weather above freezing! Sometimes we underestimate the weather, or sometimes we just don't have a pair of boots to go with our outfit. Whether on a ski hill or walking to work, you need to keep your feet protected from the cold.

Chilblains is an extremely common cold injury that does not involve freezing of the body's tissues. After exposure to cold weather, areas of the skin will be painful, red to purple, and swollen. The discomfort can last for days and eventually subsides. Occasionally, the affected area will permanently have an increased sensitive to cold Trench Foot occurs after the foot is exposed to cold and wet conditions. This was a common injury in soldiers of WWII. As in Chiliblains, none of the body's tissues are freezing but the cold weather does cause damage. The foot will be very painful, red, and blotchy. Depending on how long the foot was exposed and how cold the foot got, determines the severity. In rare cases, trench foot can lead to gangrene and the need of an amputation.

Frostbite is the actual freezing of the affected area and is the most severe of cold induced injuries. Ice crystals form and damage the surrounding tissues due to the lack of blood flow and heat. The longer the body is exposed or the colder the air, the more severe the injury. The skin may appear, pale, blue, red and will be extremely painful. Eventually the injury will cause nerve damage and loss of sensation. Blisters may form shortly after the injury.

The prognosis varies from mild complications to amputations. Those who are more susceptible to cold injures are children and elderly. Children have very small toes and fingers and therefore it is easier for these small areas to become cold. The elderly tend to have poor circulation and less mobility. Blood flow helps keep our extremities warm, thus anybody with poor circulation is at a greater risk for cold injuries. If you know you are going to be exposed to cold weather, make sure to dress for the occasion. Wear layers but make sure no area is too tight. Tight clothes can restrict circulation. Bring extra clothes and stay dry. If you have sweaty feet, try changing your socks as often as possible. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs since these products can alter your perception of the weather. Take some time to warm up when you are getting cold. Going indoors and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate is sometimes the best part of playing outdoors!