Halloween is tomorrow night, and soon kids from all over the neighborhood will be walking all around collecting goodies as they go door to door. Halloween is also one of the leading holidays for foot and ankle injuries among children, so there are some steps you’ll want to take if you’re overseeing your child’s Halloween excursions this year. Here’s a look at a number of ways to keep their feet healthy and injury-free throughout Halloween night.
Preventing Foot Problems on Halloween
Here are a few things to keep in mind to help keep your kids’ feet safe this Halloween.
1. Smart Shoe Choices – This is probably the most important tip we can give. Although that ruby red set of heels or those sandals may go great with your Little Red Riding Hood or Beach Bum costume, they aren’t what you’re going to want to wear if you’re going to be on your feet all night walking around the neighborhood. Make sure you choose a comfortable and supportive shoe that can handle the rigors of walking all over the neighborhood.
The same goes for your child’s footwear. You might think that the shoes they have on are cute and a perfect match for their costume, but if they aren’t shoes they wear regularly, they can cause problems. Have your kids break in new shoes before they go our Trick or Treating, and make sure their walking shoes have plenty of support and protection. Also, if it’s a shoe they don’t wear often, make sure they aren’t rubbing too hard in certain areas of your foot, or all that walking in poorly fitted shoes will almost assuredly lead to blisters. If you’re going along with your child tomorrow night, pack their everyday shoes in a bag in case they want to swap out during Trick or Treating.
2. Paved Paths – It’s also a good idea to stay on paved paths this Halloween. You might be able to shave off five seconds by cutting through lawns when you go door to door, but aside form being a little disrespectful, it also greatly increases your risk of injury in the event you slip or trip. The grass will be wet from the rain and snow, and you don’t know the terrain of someone else’s yard, so stay on the sidewalk and driveways if you want to avoid a sprained ankle.
3. Stay Visible – A foot or ankle injury may be the least of your worries if you are struck by a vehicle when crossing the street. Parents, add some visibility items to your child’s costume so that they can be seen, and consider having your group carry flashlights for extra visibility. Also, try to stay on well-lit paths and sidewalks, because if you can’t see where you’re stepping, you could slip or trip.
4. Don’t Overdo It – Yes, the prospect of free candy is great, but don’t try to hit every house in the city on Halloween. If you’re walking up and down driveways for hours, your feet and shins may start to hurt. If your feet are getting tired, call it a night and head home to enjoy your goodies. Shin splints and overuse strains are common when people go from little activity to a lot of activity in a short amount of time, so know your limits this Halloween.