Don’t Let Old Man Winter Sneak Up on You
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Although the weather in Texas is generally mild, January is the coldest month of the year and it’s always possible for some slippery days to sneak into the forecast. Unfortunately, it only takes one icy patch to cause a stumble or fall that can result in an ankle sprain, fracture or other foot injury. At Texas Foot Specialists, we believe in being proactive in taking care of your feet and that means being prepared for winter’s worst. Below are some tips to help avoid falls when the temperature drops:
Keep a pair of shoes or boots with rubber soles and good traction in your car for unexpected icy precipitation.
Have a bag of cat litter, sand or salt in your garage to sprinkle on walkways, sidewalks and driveways on slippery days.
When snow and sleet fall, look for paths that are cleared, salted and well-lit for safest passage. Your usual path to the office or store may not be the safest one.
Keep your hands free when walking on slippery surfaces. This will ensure that your view is not obstructed and also allow you to use your hands to help maintain your balance or break a fall.
Rest—stay off your feet until the foot doctor has examined you.
Ice—ice the injured area—20 minutes on, 40 minutes off.
Compression—use a compression bandage to help control swelling and reduce pain.
Elevation—keep the injured foot elevated slightly above heart level.
In Case of Injury
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a slip or fall may still occur. If that happens and you believe you have suffered an ankle twisting or other foot injury, contact our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Houston (713) 664-6677 office. Our podiatrists, Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller, will examine your feet and determine what type of injury you have and how to best treat it.