Defending Ankles, Ft From Winter's Assaults
Newest Prevention & Wellness Information
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11, 2017 (HealthDay Information) -- From damaged bones to frostbite, you are at additional danger for foot and ankle accidents throughout winter. However you may defend your self, in keeping with a surgeon who makes a speciality of podiatry.
"Through the winter months, sufferers ought to take additional precaution to maintain their ft heat and dry when navigating frigid temps, particularly sufferers who've present well being situations," mentioned Dr. Greg Catalano, a Massachusetts-based foot and ankle surgeon.
Step one is to put on correct footwear, he mentioned.
"Whether or not attributable to sporting excessive heels on icy surfaces or simply sheer accident, falls are probably the most frequent causes of weather-related accidents. Oftentime, wintertime falls lead to an ankle sprain, or worse, a damaged bone within the foot, ankle, heel or toe. I encourage sufferers to put on low-heeled sneakers or boots with a traction sole to assist stop slipping," Catalano mentioned.
Water resistant, insulated footwear gives a barrier between the ft and outdoors components. This barrier is especially essential for individuals with neuropathy (nerve injury) or Raynaud's phenomenon (excessive sensitivity to chilly), Catalano mentioned.
"Whereas totally different, each situations block regular blood circulation within the ft and place an individual at a better danger of creating extra issues. In some circumstances, individuals can incur chilblains, that are itchy, tender, purple patches that emerge in response to chilly air, or in excessive circumstances, frostbite," Catalano mentioned in a information launch from the American Faculty of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
It is also a good suggestion to put on moisture-wicking socks that stop dampness from sweat, he added.
Some individuals place foot heaters of their sneakers, however Catalano mentioned they will burn the pores and skin and trigger extreme hurt for individuals with nerve injury. He recommends speaking with a foot knowledgeable earlier than utilizing them.
Should you do endure foot and ankle issues, take acceptable motion, Catalano suggested.
"Within the case of a suspected fracture or sprain attributable to a fall, see a foot and ankle surgeon or go to the emergency room as quickly as potential for immediate analysis and therapy. If medical care is unavailable, for short-term aid of signs, strive the RICE precept -- Relaxation, Ice, Compression and Elevation. However, keep in mind, delaying therapy may end up in long-term issues," Catalano mentioned.
In case your ft are uncovered to chilly and dampness for a very long time, soak them in heat -- not scorching -- water. Keep away from direct warmth. A warm-water soak will permit your ft to regain their regular temperature steadily, he mentioned.
-- Robert Preidt
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SOURCE: American Faculty of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, information launch
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