Caution! Black Ice

Are you one of the millions of people annually who have either fallen or almost fallen on black ice during these cold winter months?

Falls on icy surfaces are a major cause of ankle sprains and fractures.  

The ankle joint is extremely vulnerable to serious injury from hard falls on ice. Ice can accelerate the fall and often time cause more severe injury because the foot can go in any direction after slipping.

In less severe foot fracture and ankle/foot sprains, it is possible to walk on afterwards and can easily be mistaken for an injury that does not require medical attention.

You know what they say when someone assumes! So, don’t be that person. Never assume the ability to walk means the ankle isn’t broken or badly sprained. Walking on an injury can only worsen the problem and could potentially lead to long term instability, joint pain and arthritis later in life.

Therefore, it is critical to seek prompt treatment to prevent further damage that can prolong recovery.

If you sustain a fall during these wintery months and are having any pain whatsoever to the foot or ankle schedule an appointment with a specialist.

Author

Garrett Kalmar, DPM, AACFAS