As the season gets ever colder and sidewalks turn into skating rinks, the risk of wintertime slip and fall incidents increases dramatically. While any tumble can leave you rattled, some injuries are more common than others – and certain wintery conditions can make them even trickier to recover from when they do occur.

Syracuse Podiatry won’t leave you to face these obstacles alone. Let’s lace up and explore the top three slip and fall foot injuries podiatrists see during the chilly months, then proceed to a few winter-specific tips that will help you stay surefooted through recovery.

Here Are The Top 3 Slip and Fall Accidents

• Ankle Sprains: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around your ankle joint stretch or tear beyond their normal range of motion. Winter’s icy patches and uneven snow are especially conducive to this painful type of twist. A study by the National Safety Council found that falls on ice account for over 20% of all winter slip and fall injuries, with ankles leading the way.
• Fractures: While less common than sprains, fractures can occur in severe falls, especially when compromised bone density is a factor. Winter’s hard surfaces, like packed snow or frozen grass, can worsen the impact, potentially leading to hairline or even displaced fractures.
• Foot Contusions: Blunt force trauma from landing directly on your foot can cause painful bruising and swelling, particularly in the midfoot or toes. Winter boots, while essential for warmth, can also limit your sense of the ground, increasing the risk of contusion.

Winterproofing Your Walk

• Tread carefully: Choose footwear with good traction, like boots with deep treads or soles explicitly designed for icy conditions. Toss out your worn-out shoes with smooth soles.
• Warm up, cool down: Stretching before venturing out and gently warming up your muscles helps prepare your body for movement. Stretching afterward can aid in faster recovery if you take a tumble.

Have you taken a tumble in the ice or snow recently? Expert DPMs Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin are ready to assist you. Our team treats a wide variety of podiatric conditions, and we would be delighted to treat your feet!