Winter weather is here in the Triangle… according to the Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center here are five things you need to do to protect your feet and ankles.

1) Wear stable footwear to avoid twisting your ankle or rolling your foot. “When there’s ice, slush and snow, put away your high heels and wear flat footwear,” said podiatrist Dr. Alan Boehm. “And when it comes to stability, lace-up shoes are better than slip-ons.”

2) Don’t try to get multiple seasons out of your kids’ boots by buying them too big so they can ‘grow into them’—footwear must be the right fit today. Kids love playing outside during winter weather, so make sure their feet are safe by putting them in stable boots that are the right size. If the boots are too big, kids’ feet slide, rub and get blisters. Additionally, if their feet are not stable inside the boots, kids can twist their feet or ankles which can lead to injury.

3) Runners can continue to train outdoors when it’s cold with extra precautions. Triathlete and podiatrist Dr. Alan Boehm said, “If it’s icy be careful so you don’t slip and injure your ankle. If you do decide to run outdoors just make sure you have the right gear… get a pair of grippers for your running shoes like Yaktrax which are designed for exercising in the ice and snow.”

4) “Don’t forget the big picture,” said podiatrist Dr. Kirk Woelffer. “Wearing footwear with traction is good, staying low to the ground is good, but don’t forget the big things such as holding onto the door when exiting vehicles (don’t assume you can jump out). And minimize the number of times you need to walk outside on sidewalks and parking lots. The goal during winter days in the Triangle is to be extra careful on that one day. The slush and ice will be gone in a day or two. Just don’t make a big mistake on the one or two days we have the bad weather that can sideline you for months.”

5) Finally, look out for your older family members and neighbors. “They are the ones who are going to try to get their mail and newspaper on that one day we get snow and ice in the Triangle,” said Dr. Woelffer. “You don’t need an ambulance picking up Mr. Johnson when you could have taken his paper from the driveway and run it up to his porch. Grab the mail and walk it up to his front door. Let’s keep our elderly safe from slips and falls.”

The Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center has professional, board-certified physicians and surgeons on staff to competently and compassionately care for all your foot and ankle needs in two Triangle locations. To request an appointment, click here.