6 Ways to Prevent Winter Falls

It’s called the “most wonderful time of the year,” but it can also be one of the riskiest for slips and falls. Just as old man winter starts his treacherous winter weather, people find themselves having to go out even more often for holiday errands and festivities.

At NY Foot Health, we offer these six tips for preventing falls this season:

1.      Watch the weather. It may start bright and sunny in the morning and be sleeting and icy on the way home. Pay attention to the forecast so that you can be prepared with the proper gear and a plan for dealing with slippery conditions.

2.      Choose slip-proof footwear. The best time to get out your winter boots and make sure they are in good condition is before the first snowfall. The tread is key. You need a gripping, defined tread to navigate slippery sidewalks. If the soles of your boots appear worn down, it’s time to replace them.

3.      Avoid party fowls. Yes, we know you don't want to wear those winter boots to the office holiday party or other festive affairs, but most dress shoes with their smooth soles and high heels will likely land you in the emergency room with an ankle sprain if you wear them in the snow. Instead, pack your party shoes and wear your boots to get where you're going, then change after you arrive safely.

4.      Don’t stack up the packages. When shopping for the holidays, don't try to carry too many bags and boxes at one time. If your arms are full, you may not be able to see the path in front of you fully. You also will not have a hand or arm available to break your fall if you do start to slip and slide.

5.      Keep some cat litter handy. It may sound strange, but a little sealable bag of cat litter or sand in your winter jacket pocket could save the day. If there's an icy patch you can't just get around, sprinkle some litter or sand in front of you to get some traction.

6.      Focus on the path. It's a time of year when everyone has a lot on their minds. If your head is not watching where your feet are going, it's easy to miss a snow-covered curb or an obstacle in front of you and take a tumble. If you fall or twist your ankle, be sure to contact your podiatrist and get your injury evaluated promptly. If you don’t currently see a podiatrist, you can locate one in your area using our online directory.

To learn more about preventing foot and ankle injuries, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.