City Sidewalks, Slippery Sidewalks—Avoid Ankle Sprains for the Holidays

Okay, so it’s not the traditional carol you’re used to hearing at this time of the year. Still, at Goldsmith Podiatry, we want our Manhattan patients to take the necessary precautions to prevent ankle twisting injuries during this busy holiday season. See our best tips below:

Tread Confidently—choose boots and shoes with a gripping sole and wide, stable heels when you plan to be walking the avenues looking for gifts or meeting friends for festive dinners.

Stay in the Clear—look for the part of the sidewalk that has been best shoveled and sanded on days when the weather is snowy. Be wary of shiny pavement, especially as the sun goes down, as it may indicate a wet patch turning to ice.

Route with a View—don’t over carry. Having too many packages in your arms obscures your view of the sidewalk or curb in front of you. It also leaves you without a hand to reach out for a railing or an arm to break your fall.

The Cat’s Meow—borrow a little clean litter from the kitty and keep it in a sealed baggy in your jacket pocket. If there’s a slick area that you can’t avoid, try sprinkling it ahead of where you’re walking for some added traction.

Save the Glam for the Party—pack your festive footwear and make your way across town in a good pair of snow boots or sneakers. Dainty heels are no match for slushy sidewalks. Save your ankles and slip into your dress shoes once you arrive at your event.

In Case of Falls—sometimes, despite all the precautions you take, you still twist an ankle. If this happens, try to get off your feet as soon as possible. Use the RICE regimen: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation on your ankle until you can get into our Upper West Side office for our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff to evaluate your injury. In addition to pain, some common signs of a sprain include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and stiffness. Ankle injuries can be tricky. Just because you can walk on it doesn’t mean an ankle isn’t sprained (or fractured). Be sure to contact us as soon as possible by calling 212-877-1002 to make an appointment.