A Physiotherapist’s Guide To Preventing Injuries This Winter

Khairunnisa Hemani • November 30, 2022

The leaves on the trees are gone, and the air is getting much cooler. That’s right, winter is well on its way, and there’s only so much fun and excitement we can muster at seeing the first snowflakes hit the pavement. 


Next thing we know, we’re out in the cold doing our best to shovel the fresh snow and salting our driveway to avoid some nasty falls. That is the reality of winter, and we do our utmost to prevent severe injuries yearly.


If you are not at all accustomed to the tribulations a winter climate can bring to your life, then read this helpful guide on winter injury prevention. Following these tips can save you a trip to your local hospital.


Tip 1: Stay warm


Did you know that maintaining a warm body temperature throughout the colder months helps prevent injuries? It’s so helpful to invest in a good winter coat to dress warmly in subzero temperatures and to avoid frostbite. Therefore, put on your thickest coat, wear layers if necessary, and do everything possible to keep your body warm.


Your body starts to tighten as it loses heat as the temperature dips below freezing. Your muscles and joints will begin to feel more strained due to the reduced blood supply. Maintaining a warm body temperature can keep your muscles flexible and prevent injuries like sprains and pinched nerves.


Tip 2: Proper shovelling techniques 


While snow is fun to play in and creates the perfect landscape for fun winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, it can become problematic if it blocks your driveway or front entrance. The rush to remove fresh snow is a familiar feeling for many of us. 


We all know from experience that fresh snow is the easiest to shovel due to its powdery lightness. Waiting too long to shovel can become quite a nuisance as it has enough time to harden and become heavy.


Over the years, we have had access to shovelling companies that will graciously remove all snow from your driveway within seconds with their massive snowblowing trucks. You can also invest in your own snowblowing machine, which will lessen the time it takes to shovel by several minutes, and you get to save your back from potential discomforts or injuries. 


Of course, if you are on a tight budget or prefer to shovel by hand, that option is always available. Ensure you employ a proper and safe shovelling technique to spare yourself from a severe injury.


To take the weight off your back and prevent back injury, lift using your legs. Be sure to turn your complete body when dropping snow from your shovel. This will stop you from rotating your body too sharply and straining a back muscle.


Tip 3: Best practices to prevent slip and falls


It’s safe to say that we’ve all slipped and fallen on the ice at least once. The pain could last a long time if you face a nasty fall. The best advice on how to prevent injuries of this kind is to look to the animal kingdom and master walking like a penguin. In other words, step with your toes, followed by your heels. 


Having your arms spread out can also help maintain your balance. Give it a try with snow cleats, and you’ll be more secure on ice. You can also spread ice on your driveway and front entrance to ensure maximum grip and safety. 


Regain your mobility with us!


There’s no need to suffer pain when you can get expert help. At
Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we can help you fully recover from any injuries you sustained. Call us at (905) 822-9898 or fill out our online contact form to get more information on our physiotherapy services


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Your feet carry you through life. every step, every stride, every move. When pain strikes, it can affect your entire body, from your ankles and knees to your hips and back. Many people don’t realize that these problems often start from the ground up. Your feet support your entire body and even a small imbalance can lead to pain throughout your legs, hips, and spine. That’s where orthotics and chiropody care come in. At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we offer comprehensive orthotics and chiropody care in Mississauga, delivered by our registered chiropodist and multidisciplinary rehab team. With two convenient locations - Erin Mills and Central Parkway Mississauga ,expert foot care is always close by. What Is Chiropody Care? Chiropody is specialized healthcare focused on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Our registered chiropodist in Mississauga provides safe, evidence based treatments to help you stay active and pain-free. Conditions Treated by Our Chiropodist: 1. Corns, Calluses, and Cracked Heels Symptoms : Thickened, rough skin on the soles or toes; dryness or painful cracks around the heels. How We Help : Our chiropodist carefully removes corns and calluses using safe, sterile techniques — no over-the-counter acids or blades needed. We also provide footwear recommendations, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure points that cause hard skin buildup. 2. Ingrown Toenails and Fungal Nail Infections Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, or infection along the nail edge; thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails. How We Help: We offer gentle and effective treatment for ingrown toenails, including partial nail removal if needed. For fungal nails, we provide medical debridement and guidance on topical or oral treatments to restore healthy nail growth. 3. Plantar Warts Symptoms: Small, grainy growths on the soles of the feet that may cause pain when walking or standing. How We Help : Our chiropodist removes plantar warts safely using professional methods such as cryotherapy, topical treatments, or debridement without damaging surrounding healthy skin. 4. Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Neuropathy Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, wounds that heal slowly, or loss of sensation in the feet. How We Help : Our chiropody team provides regular diabetic foot assessments, wound care, and education on daily foot checks. We design custom orthotics to protect high risk areas, improve circulation, and prevent ulcers from returning. 8. Skin and Nail Disorders Symptoms : Dry, itchy, peeling skin, or thick, discolored nails. How We Help : From fungal and bacterial infections to eczema and psoriasis related issues, our chiropodist offers safe skin and nail care tailored to your needs improving both comfort and appearance. Expert Care, Tailored to You Our chiropody and orthotics services in Mississauga are designed to help you walk comfortably, prevent complications, and maintain long-term foot health. Whether it’s pain relief, prevention, or performance, Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab has you covered. Learn more: 📍 Visit us at Delta Physiotherapy Erin Mills ( Erin Mills & Dundas) 2400 Dundas Street W, Unit: 16, Mississauga, ON L5K 2R8 905-822-9898 Delta Physiotherapy Central Parkway ( Near Square One) 325 Central Parkway W, Unit 38, Mississauga, ON L5B 3X9 905-270-3086 How Custom Orthotics Help You Move Better Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts designed to support your unique foot structure and correct alignment. Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are made from a 3D scan or cast of your feet, ensuring a perfect fit and lasting comfort. Our custom orthotics Mississauga can help manage or relieve: 1. Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms : Sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after rest. How We Help : Our chiropodist provides custom orthotics designed to cushion and support the heel, relieve pressure from the plantar fascia, and improve foot mechanics to prevent future flare-ups. 2. Flat Feet (Pes Planus) Symptoms : Little or no arch, foot fatigue, and pain along the inner ankle or knees. How We Help : Custom orthotics provide arch support and realign the foot structure. Our chiropody care includes gait analysis and exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles. 3. High Arches (Pes Cavus) Symptoms : Excess pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, frequent ankle sprains, and instability. How We Help : Orthotics distribute weight evenly and provide cushioning to reduce stress on pressure points. 4 . Heel Spurs Symptoms : Pain and tenderness in the heel, often linked with plantar fasciitis. How We Help : Our chiropodist designs orthotics with heel cups and cushioning that reduce inflammation and pressure on the heel bone. 5. Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms : Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel or calf, especially during movement. How We Help : Orthotics help correct overpronation (rolling inward of the foot) and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. We also offer footwear advice and stretching programs. 6. Shin Splints Symptoms : Pain or tightness in the front or inner part of the lower leg, often triggered by running or walking. How We Help : Orthotics help improve foot mechanics and reduce shock impact. Our team provides advice on proper footwear and activity modification. 7. Knee Pain / Patellofemoral Syndrome Symptoms : Aching or pressure behind the kneecap, especially when climbing stairs or sitting for long periods. How We Help : Custom orthotics correct misalignment in the feet that contributes to knee strain. Chiropody and physiotherapy work together to support proper leg mechanics. 8. Hip and Lower Back Pain Symptoms : Persistent pain or tightness in the hips or lower back, often due to poor posture or uneven leg length. How We Help : Orthotics promote better alignment of the feet and spine, reducing strain on joints and improving posture over time. 9. Bunions and Hammertoes Symptoms : Pain, swelling, and deformity near the big toe (bunions) or bent smaller toes (hammertoes). How We Help : Our chiropodist recommends orthotics that reduce pressure on the affected joints and provides footwear guidance to prevent further irritation. 10. Diabetic Foot Conditions Symptoms : Numbness, tingling, wounds that heal slowly, or changes in foot shape. How We Help : Our chiropodist provides routine diabetic foot assessments, wound care, and custom orthotics that protect sensitive feet and prevent ulcers. 11. Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms : Burning or tingling pain between the toes, often described as “walking on a pebble.” How We Help : Custom orthotics relieve pressure between the metatarsal bones and improve foot alignment to reduce nerve irritation. 12. Arthritis-Related Foot Pain Symptoms : Stiffness, swelling, and pain in the foot or ankle joints. How We Help : Orthotics with cushioning materials absorb shock and reduce joint stress. Chiropody care includes footwear recommendations and gentle stretching guidance. 13. Gait and Posture Issues Symptoms: Uneven walking patterns, hip or knee discomfort, or back pain caused by poor alignment. How We Help : Through gait analysis and custom orthotics, we identify imbalances and correct your posture from the feet up. Improved alignment reduces stress on joints and muscles, enhancing movement efficiency. Whether you’re an athlete, a healthcare worker, or someone who spends long hours standing, custom orthotics can dramatically improve comfort, balance, and performance. Learn more about Custom Orthotics in Mississauga :https://www.deltaphysiotherapy.ca/custom-orthotics Why Choose Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab At Delta Physiotherapy and Rehab, we’re more than just an orthotics clinic .we’re a multidisciplinary team that includes physiotherapists, Chiropractors, massage therapists, and a registered chiropodist. We use advanced technology, including gait and posture analysis, to ensure your orthotics and foot care plan are completely personalized. What Makes Us Different: Registered Chiropodist on-site Collaboration between chiropody and physiotherapy Two Mississauga locations for convenience with free parking onsite Covered by most extended health insurance plans Visit Us: Delta Physiotherapy Erin Mills Mississauga ( Erin Mills & Dundas) 2400 Dundas Street W, Unit: 16, Mississauga, ON L5K 2R8 📞 905-822-9898 👉 View on Google Delta Physiotherapy Central Parkway, Mississauga ( Near Square One) 325 Central Parkway W, Unit 38, Mississauga, ON, L5B 3X9 📞 905-270-3086 👉 View on Google 🌐 Visit: https://www.deltaphysiotherapy.ca/ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist? Chiropodists and podiatrists have similar scopes of practice. The main difference is educational background and title. Chiropodists are trained in Ontario and other Commonwealth countries. Podiatrists are typically trained in the United States. Both are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (COCOO) and can assess, diagnose, and prescribe custom orthotics or treat foot and nail disorders 2. How long do custom orthotics last? With proper care, custom orthotics typically last 2–3 years, depending on your activity level and footwear. Our chiropodist can re-assess them annually to ensure the best fit. 3. Are orthotics covered by insurance? Yes! Most extended health insurance plans cover custom orthotics prescribed by a registered chiropodist or physician. We can provide all required documentation for your claim. 4 . Do I need a referral to see a chiropodist? No referral is required. You can book an appointment directly with our chiropodist in Mississauga. 5. Can orthotics help back or knee pain? Absolutely. Poor foot alignment often affects your knees, hips, and spine. Correcting it with orthotics can relieve stress and restore natural movement patterns. 🌟 Step Into Comfort Today At Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, we believe healthy movement begins with healthy feet. Whether you need routine chiropody care, custom orthotics, or a comprehensive biomechanical assessment, our Mississauga team is here to help. ✨ Take the first step toward pain free living, book your appointment today! 🌐 https://www.deltaphysiotherapy.ca/
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