Frederick Office
(301) 668-9707
Urbana Office
(301) 874-2712
Now that we survived the dreaded “Dooms Day” we can get on with our normal holiday plans! If your plans include visiting colder destinations just be careful to be prepared from frostbite! As the temperature keeps dropping and the winds keep picking up, it is a serious risk if you are planning any outdoor activities this holiday season!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term frostbite; it is a when you are exposed to extreme cold temperatures and your skin and the tissue that lie underneath freeze as a result of the exposure. In some cases this process only needs a few minutes of exposure to occur. The most affected areas are you hand, feet, nose and ears.
If you find yourself on the slopes after skiing or on the trail after a long hike and your skin appears white or grayish and your skin might feel hard to the touch, you may have frostbite and should seek immediate medical attention. The podiatrists have suggested athletes to wear compression gear as a base layer and a second layer with water wicking material. Avoid cotton clothing in wet conditions because wet clothing can freeze in cold temperature. In any outdoor event from walking to a week long backpacking trip, the first thing to consider is dressing appropriately and prepare for worst case scenarios.
At risk people include the elderly, the young, people with circulation problems. And also people who drink or smoke excessively, which causes a decrease blood flow to the skin naturally, thus exacerbating the frostbite effects. People who are at risk should seek precautions such as dressing appropriately; especially wearing items to protect the feet, hands and face. Limiting alcohol and/or nicotine intake before exposure helps decrease the risk.
If you or someone you know are planning a winter excursion this holiday season stop by the office to pick up the perfect socks to protect your feet from the vicious cold; wewould love to see you at Frederick Foot & Ankle Specialists, at either of our locations in Frederick, MDand Urbana, MD. And while you are in the office we would be more than happy to schedule an appointment, so that this holiday season your feet don’t put a damper on your plans.
It’s getting that time of the year where the weather turns cold permanently. The days seem longer, the day gets windier, and the air is chillier. Despite the weather change and the challenges the wintry environment presents there is a minority of people that love this weather and love to be outdoors every minute of it! At Frederick Foot and Ankle Specialists we are glad you enjoy your favorite time of the year, but we are here to tell you to take precautions so you may keep joying what you love for many years to come.
Dangerous exposure of your feet to cold over for a long period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. If the frostbite goes unnoticed or untreated numbness will present in the toes or feet and can change in skin color, from pale or red to black.
Frostbite can be classified under two categories: Superficial frostbite injuries refer to those that involve the skin and subcutaneous tissue. When the damage goes deeper, beyond the subcutaneous tissue and into muscles, nerves, tendons, or bones, they are classified as deep frostbite injuries. At Frederick and Urbana, MD we will tailor a treatment plan to the frostbite based on the extent of the injury.
You might be asking how do celebrity athletes such as, Shaun White, spend so much time in those snowy conditions practicing his insane snowboarding tricks. He simply takes the necessary precautions to prevent frostbite. He checks his feet and he sees a medical professional on a consistent basis. It should be noted that children, the elderly, and diabetics are more prone to frostbite because of the size of their extremities and/or poor circulation.
If you suspect any sign of frostbite, please come see Dr. Yanes, Dr. Steinberg, and Dr. Ho immediately. We’ will need to rewarm the area, apply bandages and prescribe possible antibiotics and monitor damage tissue.
As always check your feet daily and stop by! It can help avoid future health problems!
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