The unseasonably warm weather looks to be gone until spring, and while the cold weather allows people to do a number of seasonal activities, it may also lead to an increase in their foot discomfort. Some people believe that their foot pain tends to get worse during the winter, but is this really true? Below, we take a closer look at why your foot pain may feel worse when the temperatures drop.
Foot Pain In Cold Weather
There are a number of different reasons as to why you may experience new or worsening foot pain when the temperatures drop. Here’s a look at some of those reasons:
New Footwear – If you’ve been wearing sandals or other light and breathable footwear during the warm summer months, you may notice new foot pain if the temperatures force you to switch to a heavier closed toe shoe. If these closed toe shoes are narrow or tighter, it can put abnormal pressure on your toe box and exacerbate conditions like hammer toes, bunions or ingrown toenails. Make sure your heavier footwear still comforts and supports your foot.
Worse Circulation – When you’re cold, blood doesn’t flow as easily throughout your body, and the area that can feel this decreased circulation the most is your feet, which are the furthest body part from your heart. If you’re dealing with any type of condition that is worsened by limited blood flow, like diabetic foot issues or muscle cramps, symptoms may worsen in cold weather if your blood vessels constrict and circulation isn’t as efficient.
Joint Pain – Weather can also cause problems for our joints. If you’re dealing with ankle joint discomfort as a result of a previous injury or arthritic degeneration, you may notice that they tend to hurt a little worse in the cold. That’s because synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and helps to ensure smooth movement, can thicken when exposed to colder temperatures. This means joints can’t move as fluidly, which can create some discomfort when walking or putting strain on the joint.
Decreased Activity – Finally, the colder weather can make us want to curl up with a blanket and a book and not leave the house. That’s fine every once in a while, but if you become much more sedentary when the temperatures drop, it could cause problems for your feet. Being inactive can lead to weight gain, which can put more strain on your feet and cause worsening pain for a problem like plantar fasciitis, or it can simply lead to muscle and joint deconditioning, which can lead to discomfort when you are moving around. Stay active, even when the temps dip, and you’ll be able to help ward off foot problems.