Common Summer Foot and Ankle Injuries and Prevention Tips

With the weather warming daily, everyone enjoys their favorite summer activities outside. Going for a swim, taking a trip to the beach, going for a hiking adventure, or participating in sports can be a lot of fun. But if you don't take proper precautions, foot, and ankle injuries may leave you resting at home this season! Here’s everything you need to know about common summertime foot and ankle injuries and how to prevent them, so you can get the most out of your free time!

Common Hot-Weather Injuries

While foot and ankle injuries are common with any activity, there are a few that you’re more likely to face in the summer, like sports injuries. Some of the most common ones include…

  • Blisters

  • Broken or sprained ankle

  • Broken or sprained toe

  • Bruises and contusions

  • Fractures

Keep An Eye Out

Your schedule may be full of exciting, fun plans this summer, but it’s important to pause and remember to check in with your feet. If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort, that's a sign that there's something wrong. Look out for these symptoms:

  • Swelling

  • Bruising

  • Tenderness and sensitivity to touch

  • Inability to put any weight on your foot or ankle

  • Deformation

Moving Forward With An Injury

What should you do if you find yourself injured? Address it ASAP. Do not wait to care for your injury. Call your podiatrist right away to prevent your injury from getting any worse. In the meantime, take special precautions and remember the R.I.C.E. method:

  1. Rest

  2. Ice

  3. Compression

  4. Elevation

Keep your injury clean and protected with gauze or an ankle wrap. Apply ice as needed for any pain and swelling. You can elevate your foot with a pillow a few times daily to help it heal. Have a blister? Don’t pop it! And above all, let your podiatrist help.

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.