Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening… These cheerful lyrics capture the magic of winter, evoking images of snowy landscapes and festive cheer. Walking in a winter wonderland is enchanting, but for Singaporeans venturing abroad during the year-end holidays, colder climates can also bring unexpected challenges, especially for your feet.
Adjusting to freezing temperatures can be tricky for those used to Singapore’s tropical warmth. Your feet, often overlooked in winter preparations, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the cold. The combination of icy weather, unfamiliar footwear, and long hours on your feet can lead to discomfort or even serious foot conditions. To ensure your travels remain enjoyable, let’s take a closer look at the common foot issues that can arise in winter and what you can do to prevent them.
Protecting Your Feet When Traveling to Cold Climates
For those living in tropical climates, traveling to colder regions requires more than just packing warm clothing. While many people focus on staying warm overall, it is easy to overlook how the cold can specifically affect your feet. The combination of freezing temperatures, dry air, and long hours spent in insulated footwear can create conditions that your tropical-adapted feet are not accustomed to. This is especially true for those who have not travelled to winter destinations in a long time, as even minor oversights can lead to discomfort or injury.
At our podiatry centres, we often see patients returning from winter holidays with foot-related problems caused by exposure to cold weather. Many of these conditions could have been avoided with proper care and preparation before and during their travels. Here are some of the most common foot issues we encounter after winter trips:
Skier’s Toe
Skier’s toe refers to toenail trauma that often happens during skiing. Clinically known as a subungual haematoma, it occurs when blood collects beneath the toenail, leading to a darkened or black appearance. This condition is typically caused by repetitive impacts, such as toes hitting the rigid interior of poorly fitting ski boots, or from acute injuries like stubbing your toe. However, a darkened toenail is not always due to trauma and could indicate subungual melanoma, a form of skin cancer. If you notice any unusual changes in your toenail, it is important to determine the cause.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are a common issue during the winter holidays, as cold, dry air strips moisture from the skin, leaving it prone to splitting. This dryness can become worse for those spending extended periods in winter boots, as repetitive rubbing of your heels against the boots’ inner surfaces can further aggravate the skin. For individuals with calluses, the risk is higher. Callused skin becomes rigid in dry conditions, making it more likely to crack under continued irritation. If left unaddressed, these cracks can deepen, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of infections.
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in the joints, leading to sudden pain, redness, and swelling. Cold weather during winter holidays can increase the risk by slowing blood flow to the feet, which lowers joint temperatures and encourages uric acid to crystallise. At the same time, festive meals high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary treats can raise uric acid levels, creating the perfect conditions for a flare-up. To minimise the risk, keep your feet warm, drink plenty of water, and enjoy rich foods in moderation.
Athlete’s Foot
Winter holidays often call for thick socks and closed shoes to keep your feet warm, but these can unintentionally lead to athlete’s foot. When worn for long hours, this combination traps heat and sweat, causing moisture to build up around your feet. Without proper ventilation for moisture to dissipate, this creates an ideal condition for fungi to thrive. Over time, this can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in symptoms such as redness, itching, peeling skin, and even blisters. To prevent this, change your socks frequently and make sure your shoes are aired out after use.
Ease Post-Holiday Foot Struggles with East Coast Podiatry
Winter holidays should be filled with joy and exploration, not foot pain or discomfort. If you’ve returned from your trip with concerns such as cracked skin, fungal infections, or joint pain, it’s important to address them before they interfere with your daily life. Left unchecked, these issues can worsen, impacting your mobility and overall comfort. That’s why our team is here to support you.
At East Coast Podiatry, we provide foot care that helps relieve discomfort and improve overall foot health. Whether you’re managing travel-related concerns or looking to ensure long-term foot health, we’re here to guide you. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free feet.
