One of the more common wintertime ailments is frostbitten toes. It’s important to wear warm, insulated shoes and appropriate socks everyday as well as when participating in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating. Make sure to have waterproof boots and wear a wool sock such as Smartwool to wick away moisture and provide warmth. Some people are more prone to this due to underlying vascular disease such as Raynaud’s. If your fingers and toes turn white, blue or purple when cold this should be suspected.
The symptoms of mild frostbite include red, swollen, toes with shiny skin and extreme sensitivity or numbness. The toes will be cold rather than warm which will distinguish this from infection. If frostbite is suspected soak the feet in warm water, make sure they are in loose shoes that won’t impede circulation and keep warm socks on them at all times. Even though they are very painful avoid going barefoot.
And of course, seek professional help as soon as possible
