When It Comes to Your Foot and Ankle, Beware of Ice!

Freshly fallen snow can be beautiful and serene, but with it often comes ice.  This poses a real risk of injury from both falls and the strain of maintaining balance. 

Foot and ankle injuries are common on snow and ice. When you slip, your body tends to go one way, and your foot goes the other way.  These injuries occur in all ages, from a kid climbing a snowbank to an adult rushing across a parking lot, to someone who is already unstable on their feet. 

Normal injuries that are seen are: 

• Stress fractures and broken bones.  These occur from slips and falls and need to be treated right away. 

• Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.  These occur from straining to maintain balance and can be quite debilitating at times. 

• Sprained ankles.  This again occurs from falling and twisting the ankle leading to injuries to the supporting structures surrounding the ankle. 

• Blisters.  This occurs when shoes are ill-fitting or when the feet get cold and wet.  This can be especially problematic for people with diabetes or circulation issues. 

Treatments for Winter Injuries: 

• Conservative treatments.  Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the first steps to recovery. 

• Advanced care. If your injury is more severe, it may require a walking boot, cast, or even surgery. 

• Physical Therapy.  For strains and sprains, targeted exercises help strengthen and prevent future injury. 

During winter, take precautions to prevent injury. 

• Go slow and take your time. Take a little longer walking to and from your car, walking the dog or making that “quick” errand to the store. Think of the time you’ll lose if you’re sidelined with an ankle injury. 

• Walk like a penguin for stability. In conditions where slips, trips and falls are more likely, walk like a penguin. Point your toes out. Keep your knees relaxed. Bend slightly. Walk slowly. Keep your arms and hands free for balance. 

• Plan. Take your time. Leave earlier than normal for work or an appointment. Ask yourself if it’s the best day to walk to the mailbox or exercise outdoors. It only takes a small patch of ice to fall or roll your ankle. 

•  Wear the right footwear. Wear shoes with treads or boots with ankle support. If that’s not the fashion statement you’re going for then change your shoes once you get inside. 

• Seek help. If you are vulnerable to falls, walk with a co-worker to your car. Ask friends or family to take the garbage to the curb or shovel the driveway. People with osteoporosis are at increased risk of orthopedic injuries during winter. 

• Be alert for changing weather conditions. Midwest weather can change quickly. The parking lot that was clear when you walked into work may be covered with snow or ice when it’s time to leave. 

If you think you have an ankle fracture or have persistent ankle pain and swelling after a fall on the snow or ice, visit the emergency department, urgent care, or your foot and ankle specialist.  Remember, ice is slippery!!