Trick or treat, smell my feet! This schoolyard chime may hit close to home, especially those who have braved a long Halloween night or two resulting in sore and stinky feet. Halloween is just around the corner and though everyone thinks about candy on October 31st, we want you to remember your feet this season too. Make no bones about it, foot injuries can easily take the fun out of Halloween. Whether you trick or treat, go to parties with friends, or visit haunted attractions, make sure you take precautions to have more fun than fright. Read on for tips on how to put your best foot forward this Halloween
A costume that is too long or mask that is too tight may cause you to stumble or fall on your night out. Those long flowy dresses and flying capes can pose some risks for trips and falls, so be mindful of costumes that fall below your ankles.
Take your time walking and go slowly. Remember to pick up those flowing costumes, or if you have time, adjust your costume so it falls above your ankle as it may save you from injury.
Make sure your shoes fit properly so you don’t experience any strains, cramps, or blisters from shoes that are too big or too small. Sprained ankles, falls, and stubbed or broken toes are common Halloween injuries, even from foreign bodies that have worked their way into an unprotected shoe.
Though high heels or monster feet can make your look, they also may pose restrictions when it comes to your comfort. Costume footwear is often made of cheap material and provides little to no support. Flimsy costume shoes could lead to achy or injured feet.
We urge you to use comfortable shoes that you know and trust. Sneakers are the best option. Though they may not fit the look, they provide tons of needed support on long nights out like Halloween.
Avoid wearing high heels. Though an alluring costume might call for stilettos or knee-high boots, there are plenty of fashionable shoes with heels less than 2 inches. Heels higher than 2 inches on a night out often end early with aching feet or injury, especially on nights like Halloween where you may be out in the dark unable to see where you are going.
Oops, wrong holiday, but the rule still applies.
If you are planning on going out at night, some light can help save you from a trip or fall. Flashlights are great, but even glow sticks can add a little light when you are out and about. These can help you in dimly lit areas where you may run into uneven paving or other obstacles to avoid.
Do what you can to be seen in the dark. Incorporate some reflective material to your costume or accessories so that you can be seen by others.
Be careful and watch where you are going, follow a sidewalk or path that is lit and clear so you don’t accidentally trip and fall. This will help you to avoid ankle sprains.
Obey traffic and remember street safety. Look before you walk, and if you are going to be near traffic, be sure to look both ways before crossing the street.
Be mindful of your surroundings and look where you are walking, avoid cracks and other obstructions that might be in your path
If you are not used to walking or standing for long periods, your feet may be sore at the end of the night. Take it easy, don’t push your feet too far.
Keep your feet dry and warm with socks. The weather is getting colder so closed shoes with socks are the safe bet to keeping your toes from becoming numb. Look out for puddles or standing water while being out, it’s always a good idea to pack to have extra shoes or socks if you know your feet might become wet or sweaty which can lead to painful blisters.
If you have some foot pain at the end of the night, don’t panic. At-home remedies and rest usually help with sore feet after long nights. However, if you think you may have encountered some spooky foot problem or pain that persists for several days, you may need to schedule an appointment. Our podiatrists at Tjoe Podiatry will be happy to access your orthotic needs so we can help treat your problem and get you feeling better. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
