High heeled winter boots dangerous on ice and snow

This winter’s fashionable high-heeled boots put women at risk for slips, falls, and injuries on ice and snow, warns Colorado foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Jessica Herzog, DPM, FACFAS.

These popular boots typically feature tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes.
“Wearing high-heels makes you more unstable when walking or standing on dry surfaces, let alone slippery ones like ice or snow,” says Herzog. “A stylish low-heeled winter boot is a lot more fashionable than a cast and crutches.”
Dr. Herzog also recommends women scuff-up the soles of new boots, or purchase adhesive rubber soles, to provide greater traction.

Falls from high-heeled winter boots can lead to a number of injuries, depending on how the woman loses her balance. If her ankles roll inward or outward, she can break her ankles. If her ankle twists, ligaments can be stretched or torn, causing an ankle sprain. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons consumer Web site, FootHealthFacts.org, broken and sprained ankles can be present at the same time. Herzog is one of 6,000 ACFAS members.
“This time of year I see a variety of broken bones occurring in patients who have slipped on the ice,” says Herzog. “These include broken toes, metatarsals, heels and ankles.”

Dr. Herzog urges women hurt from slips and falls in high-heeled winter boots to contact her office at 303-814-1082 for prompt evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, immediately use the “R.I.C.E.” method – rest, ice, compression and elevation – to help reduce swelling, pain and further injury.

“Delaying treatment can result in long-term complications such as chronic ankle instability and pain, arthritis, or deformity,” says Herzog. “Even if you’re able to walk on the injured foot, pain, swelling, or bruising indicates a serious injury.”
To contact Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care, call 303-814-1082.

Author

Dr. Jessica Herzog Dr. Jessica Herzog provides podiatry care as a Board-Certified foot and ankle surgeon at Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care. Dr. Herzog earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at The Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Herzog is dedicated to providing exceptional care for all of her patients, which involves taking several factors into consideration to create a treatment plan. She bases this personalized plan on the patient’s lifestyle, living situation, and long-term plans/goals. Dr. Herzog also shows a strong commitment to the Castle Rock community as a whole by participating in local events, including races, chamber events and at her local church.