Say good-bye to the sandals, loose slip-ons and bare feet of the summer. Now that winter is here, many of us have switched to socks and closed toe shoes. This change in your feet’s environment can cause foot problems, including:

Ingrown toenails.

Wearing an enclosed shoe can be a factor in getting an ingrown toenail. Watch how you trim your toenails and also wear shoes that are not tight in the toe box.

Toenail fungus.

Fungus commonly attacks the feet because it thrives in a dark, moist, warm environment such as a shoe. Many of us wear the same shoes every day without realizing this can promote fungal growth. To help avoid this problem, occasionally disinfect your shoes and wear different pairs to allow them to air out. Also, remove any left over summer nail polish from your toes. Nail polish seals the nail and traps moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungus.

Light sensitive skin disorders.

Wearing socks and shoes the majority of the time in the winter months, resulting in no sun or UV light exposure to the feet, may increase flare-ups of light sensitive skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

Irritation to bony prominences.

Bony prominences on the foot due to conditions such as hammertoes, bunions and bone spurs can be irritated by constant rubbing on shoes. Wear socks and properly fitting shoes. Having your shoe stretched in the areas of irritation may also provide some relief.

Neuroma flare-ups.

Neuromas, or nerve pain, may be triggered by tight fitting enclosed shoes. Make sure there is a wide toe box in your shoe so your toes are not being squeezed or irritated.

Contact our office toschedule an appointment if your feet are experiencing problems from the switch to winter shoes.