The time between January and March are big snow ski months here in PA. And skiing is definitely all fun and games until an injury happens. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center want you to have a fun, safe time on the slopes, so we’re sharing 4 tips to protect your feet and ankles on the slopes this winter.
- Clean feet immediately after skiing. Wash your feet with warm soapy water and put on fresh socks as soon as possible after skiing. While ski rental places try to keep boots fresh and clean, wear and tear can encourage fungal growth. So, stay safe this winter by taking the proper precautions to keep your feet dry and clean during and after a ski session.
- Make sure your boots fit correctly. A large part of safe winter sports is getting boots that fit correctly, and therefore, the correct fit can make or break your day of skiing. But you need to get your boots fitted by someone who knows how they should fit.
The proper ski boots should be tight around the arch and heel and be supportive while leaving enough room so you can wiggle your toes. But if your boots are too tight, you could run the risk of improper circulation, blisters, or a painful day of skiing. On the other hand, ankle injuries can become a concern if your boots are too loose. If your boots don’t provide proper support for your ankles, you may have a sprain or ankle fracture. Loose boots also allow socks to slide around, resulting in blisters or corns.
- Keep feet warm. While you probably will not experience frostbite during your skiing session, keeping your feet warm is important to keep them healthy, so you’ll have an enjoyable day on the slopes. Dry feet are warm feet, so only wear one pair of socks made of materials that wick sweat away. You can purchase toe warming inserts at your local sports equipment store if you need additional warmth.
- Choose the right socks. And speaking of socks, not just any old pair will suffice when you are skiing because ski boots are designed to keep your feet well insulated and warm. Socks designed to wick moisture away from your feet are necessary. We recommend choosing wool ski socks or those constructed of another synthetic blend. Don’t wear 100% cotton socks that can leave feet wet and soggy and make your feet cold, cause blisters from friction, and even promote fungal growth.
If you experience any issues with your feet or ankles after skiing, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of the experts at greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. Click here to find the office nearest you.