If you’re planning to get away or just lay low during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, you’ll want to pay some extra attention to your feet and ankles. The holiday weekend can present some additional risks for your foot health, but we’re confident that if you’re aware of these risks and take some steps to reduce your risk of an injury that you’l have a happy and healthy holiday. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the ways the Fourth of July can pose some additional risks for your foot health.
Foot Dangers On The Fourth
If you’re heading to the lake, lighting off fireworks or simply spending more time outside over the Fourth of July, be aware of some of these potential risks to your foot health:
1. Sunburn – The weather is expected to be hot and sunny over the Fourth of July, so if you’ll be going swimming or exposing your skin to the sunlight, be mindful to wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply regularly. Many people will cover their face, neck, chest and shoulders, but they don’t always get their lower body that well, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your legs, ankles and feet. Not only can sunburned feet be painful, but it can also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers.
2. Fire Burns – It’s also possible that you could suffer a burn injury from an outdoor fire or because of an errant firework. Stay a safe distance away from open flames, and consider wearing a more protective closed-toe shoe around a fire pit to decrease the likelihood of burn injuries to your feet.
3. Foot Punctures – Summer is a time when many people opt to go with a minimalist sandal or ditch the shoes altogether and go barefoot. If you’re familiar with your surroundings, that may be alright, but if you’re in unfamiliar or rocky areas, choose a shoe that offers more natural protection. Consider your plan for that day and match your shoes to the activities you’ll be performing to reduce the likelihood that you step on something sharp with your bare foot.
4. Water-Related Injuries – Be extra careful if you’ll be spending some time beating the heat by a pool this Fourth of July. The area surrounding a pool can be wet and slippery, and if you’re not careful, you could sprain or fracture your ankle. Wear shoes with appropriate grip and never run on slippery surfaces.
5. Recreational Vehicle Injuries -Finally, the Fourth of July can be a great time to get that ATV, jetski or boat out for a ride. Be sure you are aware of the rules and regulations of the area you’ll be driving in, and drive defensively. There’s likely going to be heavy traffic on the trails and water, so watch out for others and stay sober behind the wheel. These recreational vehicles can be a great way to pass the time, but there will inevitably be an uptick in patients treated for injuries due to accidents on these vehicles this weekend, so try not to become another statistic. Be aware of your surroundings, drive sober and wear the necessary protective gear for your ride.
We hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July, and if you need help with a new or existing foot or ankle injury, please reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.