Many people do not realize the dangers to your feet that may be lurking during the holiday season. Did you know that many patients head to see a podiatrist during this time for injuries to their lower leg, ankle, foot, or toes? Often called ‘turkey toes’ or ‘butterball break,’ this is when handling heavy frozen hams or turkeys can lead to an incident resulting in foot injury.

Many people at home preparing a meal in their kitchen may not have much on their feet to further exacerbate the situation. If you are barefoot, wearing socks, slippers, or any other unprotective footwear, you are opening yourself to significant injury if you drop anything heavy on your foot or toes.

Interesting Facts: The human foot is comprised of 26 bones. The average frozen turkey purchased during the holiday season weighs approximately 20 lbs. Be careful and protect your feet when carrying your turkey for preparation! While wearing a pair of steel-toe boots is not practical for holiday cooking attire, you can always put on well-constructed sneakers. Doing so can make the difference between a substantial bruise and a boke break.

Know the Signs of a Broken Foot

Believe it or not, many people will suffer with foot pain without realizing they actually have done substantial damage. There could be a fracture that ranges from a tiny bone crack all the way up to something like a laceration. Some of the symptoms of a broken foot that you should know include:

• Intense, throbbing, immediate pain
• Discomfort or pain that begins to increase with activity, but resides with rest
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Deformity
• Tenderness
• Issues bearing weight or walking

When to See Your Podiatrist

Here at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, we wish you and yours the best over the holiday season and all year long. However, we are ready and able to assist if you believe you have a foot injury that needs attention. If you ever seem to have swelling that will not go down or worsen over time, contact our offices and get you in as soon as possible. While we have you on the phone, we can give you some information on how to administer self-care until you can be seen.

Some accidents happen and injuring your feet during the holiday season may be unavoidable depending on the circumstances. However, Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic is always here to help. If you have questions on treating pain or to be seen for a significant foot injury, call Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663 today!