With winter comes cold temperatures and an increase in Charcot Foot pain for many of us. While not everyone with Charcot Foot notices a change during the winter months, for those who do the impact can be significant.
“I never understood what people meant when they would say the cold made their bones and joints hurt,” Jessie said. “Now that I have Charcot Foot I completely understand what they mean. The cold just makes my feet stiff and they hurt. I notice my ankles are rigid and I just don’t move as well. I can’t wait for Spring!”
Other people with Charcot Foot have reported they notice an increase in pain during the winter months. While others report difficulty keeping their feet warm enough.
“My feet are always cold,” Beth said. “Even in the summer when it is 100 degrees outside my feet are freezing. I’m sure it’s because of the poor circulation. But in the winter it is downright miserable. No matter what I do I just can’t keep them warm.”
If you have Charcot Foot and are miserable this winter there are a few things you can do to help thaw your feet out. We reached out to others with Charcot Foot and asked for their feedback on what they have found that helps. Here are a few suggestions:
“Even though I hate the dreaded boot and can wear AFO’s instead I tend to wear my boot more in the winter because it helps keep my foot warm and I feel like it supports my ankle better which lessens the pain,” Jessie said. “If I have to be outside at all for work I will wear the boot no matter what.”
Beth swears by the Tundras Hot Hand Warmers. She says she sticks one in each of her socks when she is at home to keep her feet extra warm. When she is going out she will place one inside her AFO along her shin. She says the heat radiates down her leg and while it doesn’t keep her feet completely warm it does help keep them from turning to ice.
Megan enjoys using this 2 in 1 foot warmer at the end of the day. She says it is a relief to relax and finally get her feet warmed up.
One of our regular readers, Kevin, emailed us and shared these compression socks with us. He says they help reduce his swelling because of the compression but also provide added warmth. He bought them on a whim after seeing them on TV but says they were well worth the investment. We have ordered a few pairs to try and hope they help us too!
Another reader says they try to really focus on their safety during the winter. With increased pain they find their balance is off more than normal. They plan their days around the weather and avoid going out when it is snowy or icy. We agree! Falling on the ice could lead to huge set backs for those of us with Charcot Foot.
We hope some of these suggestions help you! Just remember, eventually Spring will come. Hang in there until it does.