How Slips and Falls Impact Your Feet and Ankles

A simple slip or fall can happen in an instant, but the consequences for your feet and ankles can last for weeks, months, or even longer. Many people think of slips and falls as a problem for the knees or hips, but our feet and ankles are on the front lines absorbing the impact and twisting in ways they're not used to. In the spirit of Falls Prevention Month, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center want to shed light on this dangerous issue so that you can stay on your feet.

The Common Causes of Falling

It’s unfortunate that most slips and falls are results of preventable hazards. The most common cause is a loss of traction on slippery surfaces, uneven ground, at-home obstacles, wet floors, and poor shoe choices.

Think wet floors in grocery stores, icy sidewalks, and spilled liquids…

Or, a crack in the pavement, a loose floor tile, and unseen divots in grass…

Or, electrical cords, rugs that are bunched up, and items left on stairs…

Or, shoes that don’t fit well, high heels, and dress shoes that are too big (like loafers).

Foot and Ankle Injuries From Falls

When you fall, your feet and ankles are often the first to take the hit. But the type of injury you sustain depends on how you land.

  • Ankle Sprains and Fractures: As your body loses balance, your ankle can roll or twist awkwardly. An ankle sprain is a tear or stretch of your ankle ligaments, and a fracture is a break in the ankle bone. Unless you have osteoporosis or some type of condition that causes weak bones, fractures aren’t usually just from a fall, but a fall from a height or hard landing (watch your ladders, folks).

  • Foot Fractures: The bones in your midfoot are also vulnerable. Falling and landing with all your body weight concentrated on the ball of your foot can lead to a stress fracture or even an acute break.

  • Toe Fractures: Dropping an object on your toes or kicking something hard during a stumble can lead to painful toe fractures.

  • Plantar Fascia Strain: Falling is jolting, so it can easily trigger existing pain from plantar fasciitis, neuromas, and deformities.

Preventing Slipping and Falling

Most slips and falls are preventable. We’ve written about fall prevention specifically in other blogs, so be sure to take a look.

If you don’t get the treatment you need after a slip and fall, it could lead to long-term complications like chronic ankle instability or arthritis. Don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with us.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve 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.

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