As your Toronto chiropodist and Toronto podiatrist, we are always available to administer the latest treatments and provide up to date advice. As the weather turns colder, people who exercise outside will encounter uneven terrain and hard frozen surfaces to move across.
If you’re running outside during the colder weather, you stand the risk of suffering a number of injuries if you don’t plan properly. Here’s a few common winter running injuries and what you can do about them.
Frostbite
Exposed skin can freeze when the temperature goes below zero. It’s important to make sure feet, hands and your face are covered in layers. Remember there is the wind chill to consider as well. We recommend running with your back to the wind as part of your exercise routine.
You’ll also want to avoid hypothermia. Make sure that you are wearing moisture wicking socks and other apparel that’s both wind and waterproof. Socks made of wool are sure to keep your feet warm and dry. Our chiropodist, Laura Desjardins, always wears wool compression socks in the winter to help her feet stay warm.
Knee and Ankle Sprains
Our Toronto chiropodist sees quite a few of these injuries. They are quite often the result of walking or running on uneven terrain that’s snowy or icy. Exercising in this kind of weather means putting extra strain on what are called ankle stabilizers. Running or even hiking in the snow shifts the pressure point from your heel to your ankle. This situation can be made worse by running and walking in other people’s footprints.
Avoiding any of these types of injuries means being proactive. Taking the time to purchase footwear that has extra traction, support and cushioning helps.
Lower Leg Injuries
Every time your foot hits the ground in colder weather, the extra stress puts a greater impact on your feet and lower legs. Conditions like plantar fasciitis can result. Achilles tendinitis is another injury that’s common.
A good workaround to avoid these mishaps is warming up your muscles to increase flexibility. Make sure that your footwear is still in good shape. Take a look at the cushioning to see if it’s worn.
Groin Pulls
Even walking on wet and icy surfaces can cause problems. Many pulled and/or strained muscles occur in the winter because falls and slips are more common. It’s a good idea to pre plan your route. Try to find even surfaces and well-lit clear areas to go for a walk or run in the colder months.
If you get injured in the winter, we are the Toronto chiropodist that has all the latest innovative treatments. We offer treatment plans and modalities for this.
