In the absence of long, sunny days, winter sports provide the exercise active Americans otherwise couldn't get without being cooped up in a gym. High speeds attained on skis and skates make for exhilarating sports, but expose the body to injuries. Healthy feet and ankles, which act together as accelerators, steering, brakes, and shock absorbers in winter sports, are not only crucial to success in competition, but also help keep the body upright and out of the emergency room. Any problems with the foot or ankle could have serious repercussions for winter sports participants. Preventing Cold Feet Without warm, dry clothes, any wintertime outdoor activity is a potential health risk.
Socks are also important.
Feet soaked in snow should get back indoors quickly. In sub-freezing temperatures, soaked feet are in immediate danger of frostbite, a serious, painful condition that can result in loss of toes or fingers. In skiing, particularly at an intermediate or advanced level, high speeds and force of gravity place tremendous levels of impact trauma on the lower extremity, especially on steep and bumpy runs. Skating also puts tremendous stress on the ankle. Hockey players change direction at speeds near 30 miles per hour, and even casual figure skating requires quick turns and stops negotiated by the lower extremity.