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When temperatures drop, the risk of an ankle injury rises. Icy terrain makes you more likely to slip, twisting or even fracturing your ankle.
Hobbling around during these winter months certainly isn’t ideal, so we want to help you avoid that unwelcome fate. William T. DeCarbo, DPM, FACFAS, and our Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center have some suggestions to help you avoid getting hurt this December and beyond.
All of this said, if you do end up with an ankle injury, we’re here at our office in Wexford, Pennsylvania. We offer sports medicine for skiing or snowboarding incidents, fracture treatment if you break something after a serious slip, and any other care your feet and ankles need this winter.
Now, here are our three tips to reduce your likelihood of that outcome:
#1: Choose the right footwear
The right tread can mean the difference between getting back home safely and ending up on the ground. We can help you pick the right pair for your winter activity of choice.
If you run outdoors during this chilly time of year, for example, we often recommend a trail running shoe. These have more grip than road shoes.
If you’re going to be skiing or snowboarding, make sure your boots fit properly. Slipping around in them even a little means extra strain on your ankles. You want your boots to be snug. To help yourself find the right fit, we recommend reviewing these sizing guides for skiers and snowboarders.
#2: Go slowly
Take your time as you make your way this winter. Slick surfaces contribute to a big number of spills during this time of year. Try to make sure each foot has stability before taking your next step.
Apply this advice extra diligently when you’re traversing a walkway that’s covered in snow or ice.
Be mindful of any areas that don’t see the sun, or haven’t lately (e.g., if you’re walking early in the morning). Black ice isn’t just a car problem. It can develop on sidewalks, too.
#3: Consider moving indoors
While fresh air offers a lot of benefits, it will be there waiting when temperatures pick up. For now, you can lower your risk of injury by choosing indoor activities.
Opting for the treadmill instead of the trail helps you avoid ice, for example. Or moving your pickup basketball game from the local park to a nearby gym can help everyone steer clear of slippery surfaces.
These tips can help you lower your risk for an ankle injury this winter, but a lot of slips come from unavoidable circumstances. You need to navigate your way from your car to the grocery store, for example, whether or not there’s ice in the parking lot.
If you do end up with an injury, come see our team. We can help you develop a plan to help it heal as quickly as possible — and to protect it from further issues during this slippery time of year. Call us or book your appointment online today.