Making a Fashion Statement in the Snow with High-Heeled Boots Is Dangerous
They may look chic, but wearing high-heeled winter boots in the snow and on ice puts the fashion conscious at a greater risk for slips, falls, and injuries. These popular boots often feature tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes.
Dr. Gerald Mauriello, Jr., DPM, MA, AACFAS, Freehold, a podiatric surgeon at AOSMI (Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute), says, “Think about it: Which is more fashionable –a low-heeled winter boot or a cast and crutches? Wearing high heels makes you more unstable when walking or standing on ordinary dry surfaces, let alone slippery ones like ice or snow.”
Even if you wear low-heeled boots, Dr. Mauriello also recommends women scuff-up the soles of new boots or purchase adhesive rubber soles to provide greater traction.
Falls from wearing high-heeled winter boots can lead to a number of injuries, depending on how the woman loses her balance. If her ankles roll inward or outward, she can break her ankles. If her ankle twists, ligaments can be stretched or torn, causing an ankle sprain.
Dr. Mauriello, one of 6,000 members of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), recommends that consumers look at FootHealthFacts.org., the ACFAS Website, which reminds people that you can have both a broken and a sprained ankle at the same time.
“This time of year I see a variety of broken bones in patients who have slipped on the ice,” says Mauriello. “These include broken toes, metatarsals, heels and ankles.”
Dr. Mauriello urges women hurt from slips and falls in high-heeled winter boots to seek medical attention right away, contacting an orthopedic surgeon for prompt evaluation and treatment. In the meantime, immediately use the “R.I.C.E.” method – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – to help reduce swelling, pain and further injury.
“Delaying treatment can result in long-term complications, such as chronic ankle instability and pain, arthritis, or deformity,” says Mauriello. “Even if you’re able to walk on the injured foot, pain, swelling, or bruising indicates a serious injury. My advice is don’t take a chance. Leave the high-heeled boots home.”
For further information contact Dr. Mauriello at AOSMI (732) 720-2555.
About Dr. Mauriello: Dr. Mauriello is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and an associate fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. In 2008, Dr. Mauriello completed a fellowship in Lower Extremity Traumatology at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Kurgan, Siberia.
Dr. Mauriello earned his D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, in 2004. He received his master’s degree in health and behavior studies with a concentration in health education in 2002 from Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, where he was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi National Honors Society; and his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University, Newark, N.J., in 1996.
Dr. Mauriello was honored with the Service Award from Saint Barnabas Medical Center. He has had several of his research articles published, including diabetic limb salvage and the management of a lower extremity deformity associated with Russell-Silver syndrome, among others.
Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) is an orthopedic practice located at Pond View Professional Park, 301 Professional View Drive, Freehold, and 312 Applegarth Road, Monroe Township. The board-certified surgeons at AOSMI, who have a combined 100 years of experience, provide advanced medical care. For more information, call 732-720-2555 or visit www.AdvancedOrthoSports.com.
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