Icy, slippery weather isn’t over for Howard County yet, and at Cange Podiatry we know that means an elevated risk of ankle sprains, falls and other foot and ankle injuries. There are steps you can take, however, to protect yourself even when the weather turns treacherous.
Shoe Savvy—shoes or boots with no heels and a gripping, heavy tread can help you safely navigate slippery conditions. Even after the major cleanup has been done from a storm, slick spots remain. If your job or an event requires heels, pack them and change when you get where you’re going. Keep a pair of snow boots in your car in case of unexpected frozen precipitation.
Clear the Decks—keep walkways, steps, and driveways cleared of snow and use salt or sand to keep the surfaces in and out of your home slip resistant. Be sure all access points to your house are well lit too. When you park your car at work or stores, scope out the clearest route before you open the door and start walking. Consider keeping a small sandwich bag of sand or cat litter with you to sprinkle on the ground if you can’t avoid walking on ice or sleety surfaces.
Don’t Overload—your arms with packages and bags. Not only will this obstruct your view and make it difficult to see the pavement in front of you, but it also will affect your balance and your ability to break a fall.
If, despite taking the above precautions, you do slip or fall, contact our Glen Burnie (410-684-5934) or Ellicott City (410-680-8357) office as soon as possible so that our podiatrist, Dr. Darlyne Cange, can examine your injured foot or ankle and order x-rays or other imaging studies to determine the extent of the damage. While you wait for your appointment, employ the RICE regimen:
Rest the affected foot and don’t walk on it if possible
Ice the injured area
Compression with a bandage to the injured area will reduce swelling
Elevate the affected foot to a level above the heart
Prompt treatment of podiatric injuries will ensure the fullest and fastest recovery.