Studies show that 240 people a day get injured while holiday shopping, traveling, or decorating. A majority of these people are age 50 or over. What can you do to meet the demands of the holiday season this winter? Take precautions.
A good start is taking a minute to think about keeping your feet comfortable, supported, and clean inside those heavy socks and sweaty boots. Pedifix.com has all your quality footpads, insoles, devices, creams, and cleansers. Visit our site, check out our “Ailments” section for some great information and tips on keeping your feet healthy through the holidays and into the New Year.
Then be sure to monitor your schedule of events and daily activity carefully. Take the time to stretch your back and legs properly to avoid injury. Try pushing against a wall and do a full stretch with each leg. An unexpected slip can twist an ankle or strain muscles and ligaments a lot easier than we anticipate. And on that note, avoid wearing those high heels, at least while you travel to your destination. Be sure not to take short cuts when you are lifting and carrying several bags or bulky packages to save a trip from the car on that icy parking lot. Making that second trip, holding objects close to your chest, and watching where you step can significantly reduce strain and help avoid injury. Remember to bend at the knees, and don’t only use your back to lift heavy objects. And always ask for help when you need it. This is especially true while running around to decorate the house or prepare for holiday guests. By rushing to move that big Christmas tree into the house, carrying up armfuls of folding chairs from the basement, or maneuvering that unwieldy ladder up against the house by yourself to string those lights across the edge of the roof.
Watch out for wintery conditions. Hard rain, slippery slush, and ice coupled with cold, blustery winds can be a recipe for disaster. Twisted ankles and unexpected falls are common. You could have a fracture or torn ligaments that limit your mobility, and it might only feel like a bad strain. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society reminds us that just because you can walk after a slip and fall accident does NOT mean you haven’t fractured or broken something. It’s possible to still limp around in pain on a fractured foot or ankle. If it doesn’t feel better in an hour or two and has trouble bearing weight, reach out to a foot care specialist.
When walking, be sure to take your time and move in a safe and controlled manner. Check your surroundings to help maintain your equilibrium, especially when carrying all those gifts into Uncle Burt’s place. Wear warm socks and supportive winter footwear with sturdy, durable soles that provide excellent traction. Monitor how long you’ve been out in the cold. Keep an eye out for slush and ice and Take extra safety precautions to prevent injuries and stay on your feet this winter.
If you have questions about any of the quality foot care products from PediFix, please reach out to us at Pedifix.com or by phone at 1-800-PEDIFIX (733-4349) to speak directly to a product specialist today.
PediFix Medical Footcare. 256 Ways to Relieve Foot Pain.