Respect the ankles. They don’t get much attention in winter until a slip on the snow or ice snowballs into an orthopedic injury.
Then, we wish we had a do-over. If only we had taken a few precautions to avoid the pain and recovery from an ankle strain, sprain or fracture needing surgery. Now the ankles have our full respect.
Ankle injuries are common on snow and ice. When you slip, your body tends to go one way and your foot goes the other way. Ouch, you feel the pain in your ankle. Ankle injuries occur in all ages, from a kid climbing a snowbank to an adult rushing across a parking lot, to someone who already is unstable on their feet.
The ankle joint is where your shinbone (tibia), calf bone (fibula) and talus bone of the foot meet. Ligaments, the elastic bands of connective tissue, hold the bones in place. Tendons attach muscle to the bones to make the ankle move and help keep the joints stable. Ankle injuries may involve damage to the bone, ligament or tendon.
Pain and swelling will occur in sprains and fractures but an inability to bear weight on an injured ankle may indicate a fracture. While some ankle injuries are treated with a brace or walking boot, some require surgery to align or fix the broken bone.
During winter, take precautions to prevent an ankle injury.
- Go slow and take your time. Take a little longer walking to and from your car, walking the dog or making that “quick” errand to the store. Think of the time you’ll lose if you’re sidelined with an ankle injury.
- Walk like a penguin for stability. In conditions where slips, trips and falls are more likely, walk like a penguin. Point your toes out. Keep your knees relaxed. Bend slightly. Walk slowly. Keep your arms and hands free for balance.
- Plan. Take your time. Leave earlier than normal for work or an appointment. Ask yourself if it’s the best day to walk to the mailbox or exercise outdoors. It only takes a small patch of ice to fall or roll your ankle.
- Wear the right footwear. Wear shoes with treads or boots with ankle support. If that’s not the fashion statement you’re going for then change your shoes once you get inside.
- Seek help. If you are vulnerable to falls, walk with a co-worker to your car. Ask friends or family to take the garbage to the curb or shovel the driveway. People with osteoporosis are at increased risk of orthopedic injuries during winter.
- Be alert for changing weather conditions. Midwest weather can change quickly. The parking lot that was clear when you walked into work may be covered with snow or ice when it’s time to leave.
If you think you have an ankle fracture or have persistent ankle pain and swelling after a fall on the snow or ice, visit the emergency department or urgent care immediately.
