Halloween is just around the corner. Everyone wants to look for a unique costume that will keep heads turning as they head out to have fun. Whether you are going to a party or trick or treating, it is crucial to keep in mind the health of your feet. This may not be on top of your list at the moment but taking care of your feet is important to avoid injuries, foot pain, and other podiatry issues. You also need to put into account the safety of your little one’s feet as they rush around from door to door in search of treats. Children are also prone to foot and ankle injuries during Halloween. Here are some tips to keep you and your child’s feet safe during Halloween festivities.
Choose Shoes Wisely
Make smart shoe choices to keep your feet in good shape, especially when walking around the neighborhood for long periods. Choose a comfortable and supportive shoe that will go with your costume, and find creative ways to look stylish while keeping safety in mind. Do not forget a nice pair of warm socks and closed shoes to keep the toes from numbing and freezing. Wear warm wool socks on the outside, which have a moisture-wicking polypropylene layer on their insides, and avoid 100% cotton socks since they retain moisture in case you sweat. Choose properly fitting shoes to avoid blisters and discomfort. Avoid shoes that have not been worn in a long time because they can cause problems. Do the same for your child’s footwear.
You can have your little ones break in new shoes before the festivities. If it is a shoe that is not worn regularly, ensure it’s not rubbing hard on some areas of your feet and ensure they are comfortable to avoid blisters. You can pack for your child an extra pair of their everyday shoes for swapping in case they become uncomfortable with their new shoes along the way.
Avoid Towering High-Heeled Footwear
This is because as you go about trick or treating and other activities with your kids, you may stumble upon the treacherous, uneven, dimly lit ground, increasing your risk of sprains, strains, and falls. It may be enticing to wear stilettoes or towering boots to match your outfit, but this can lead to blisters, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and nerve pain on your feet’s balls. You may end your fun night earlier than expected. To avoid these problems, wear kitten heels or low-heeled shoes that are still fashionable and avoid a night of pain and discomfort in the name of looking cool.
Stay On Paved, Brightly Lit Paths
It is better to stay on paved paths and avoid walking through other people’s lawns to avoid the risk of trips, slips, and falls. Additionally, you may not know the terrain or the state of other people’s yards. You may end up spraining your ankle from getting your shoes stuck in treacherous terrain or trip and fall if the grass is wet. Stick to the sidewalks to be on the safer side.
Avoid dark or dimly lit routes or paths because you might trip on uneven sidewalks, curbs, and debris. Brightly lit paths will enable you to see where you are walking and prevent the risk of sprained or twisted ankles. You can use flashlights at night, especially for kids, because they are prone to falling easily, so they see where they are going.
Avoid Long Garments or Costumes
Whatever costume you want to wear, consider its length to avoid tripping over it or having people stepping on it and making you fall. Someone might also end up ripping your beautiful gown and ruining your costume.
Quality Shoe Material
Go for shoes made with breathable material to avoid unpleasant odors if your feet sweat. Canvas is a good option.
Be reflective
Add some bright reflective tape into your costume or to the back of you and your child’s shoes. This helps make you visible in the dark when trick or treating and avoid being hit by speeding bikes or cars.
Balance Out Your Walking/Standing Time
If you have a busy, active day, spread out the amount of time you spend standing or sitting. Whether you are trick or treating for long hours or attending a Halloween parade or concert, standing for long hours may lead to shin and foot pain. Additionally, going from little activity to a lot of activity in a short period can lead to shin splits and overuse. It may even be worse if you stand for long hours while wearing high heels. To avoid this, plan out your day in advance and carry an extra pair of comfortable flat shoes that you can swap when you feel tired. Splitting standing or sitting time would be best to avoid getting too tired. Call it a night if you get too tired, do not let your feet pay the price.
Careful with The Shoe Laces
Tripping on untied shoelaces can cause a falling hazard. Ensure your kids’ shoelaces are tied; if they keep undoing, do a double knot to secure them. Keep an eye on the laces and ensure they are always tied. Inspect your child’s costume to ensure nothing is hanging around their feet or there are no ripped parts that could wrap around their little feet and make them trip or fall.
Consult Your Podiatrist
Stay on top of your feet’s health by observing them for any changes. For example, if your feet get tired even after wearing comfortable shoes, it could signify that you need supportive devices or orthotics. If this happens, get your feet checked by a podiatrist. In case of any swelling, blisters, or other signs of injury, you may need to make a trip to your podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid further complications. If you already suffer from chronic pain or other foot problems, it would be wise to consult your podiatrist about your Halloween footwear in advance to avoid wearing shoes that could aggravate your condition. If you or your little one has foot pain after a night of trick or treating, you can try some home remedies for pain relief. If the pain persists for more than two days, visit your podiatrist for treatment.
You can still have fun while preserving the health of your feet. Take the necessary precautions and have fun at the parade or trick or treating. For more information please contact Ankle & Foot Ceters of Mid- America.