02 Jul Independence Day Common Foot & Ankle Injuries
Nothing says celebration like the Fourth of July. Full of picnics, barbecues, fireworks, pools, and maybe even an adult beverage or two, Independence Day is the epitome of the American party.
But it’s not all fun and games. A LOT of injuries happen during Fourth of July, including foot and ankle injuries.
Why?
A multitude of reasons, including walking barefoot, wearing non-supportive shoes, like flip-flops, and of course, fireworks mishaps, can cause injuries ranging from sprained ankles to stubbed toes and everything in-between.
Common Fourth of July Foot and Ankle Injuries
- Twisted ankles caused by running, jumping and playing (both kiddos and adults!). Many adults take a tumble lighting fireworks, running and losing their balance on uneven grass or ground – believe me, I’ve seen it happen!
- Forgetting to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet can result in a painful sunburn that makes it hard to wear shoes when you’re required to go back to your professional workplace. While most people don’t think about sunburns as injuries, they indeed, are, so don’t forget to lather that sunscreen on your feet, too!
- Pools can be a common place for stubbing and cutting feet and toes, and if you’re a diabetic, this can be particularly dangerous since many diabetics are unaware they have a cut until much later. Wear pool shoes to prevent these types of injuries.
- If you plan on being active at the lake or even in your backyard, reconsider the flip-flops. While flip-flops can protect the bottom of your feet, your ankles and toes are fair game to a variety of injuries due to lack of support and coverage. Be sure to have some closed-toe sneakers or boat shoes around, just in case.
So, this Fourth of July, enjoy the sun, barbecue and beer, but take care of those feet and toes – they’re the only ones you have and believe me, you need them!
Happy Independence Day and remember, if you need some spring in your step, contact Strash Foot & Ankle Care, today. We’re always here to help you put your best foot forward, again!