Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Foot Safety While Shoveling

Dreaming of a white Christmas? The cold weather of winter sure makes us hope for snow!

However, we shouldn’t forget that where there is snow, there is a risk of injury. The roads and walkways can become more slippery and hazardous! We’ve got shoveling responsibilities ahead!

So let’s talk about how to keep our feet safe while we shovel so that we can enjoy the snow afterward! Here are some safety shoveling tips:

  • Bundle up the feet – Have you ever gotten snow in your shoes when you weren’t wearing socks? That ice-cold feeling can last for days! In severe cases, it can even lead to frostbite. So make sure you wear warm socks with waterproof, non-slip shoes. You wouldn’t want to slip on any ice that might be hiding under the snow. Boots made of thick material that cover the ankle (or higher) will be helpful in keeping the snow out and protecting your foot from injuries.
  • Warm up – You might think of shoveling as a chore, but it’s also very much a workout. Your entire body is involved in pushing the snow out of the way. That’s why so many people throw out their backs while shoveling! To help prevent back pain, be sure to warm up and stretch all parts of your body, not just your arms and legs. Your feet need to grip and stabilize your legs, so give them a good, specific warm-up too!
  • Use the right shovel – There are many different shapes and sizes of shovels to get the job done. Mainly you want to think about if you’ll be pushing the snow or if you’ll be scooping the snow. A light layer of snow would be an instance where you use a snow pushing shovel while moving a hefty covering of snow would require you to push and then scoop up mounds of snow to the side.
  • Use the right technique – Whichever shovel you use, it’s important to use the proper technique and posture so that you don’t hurt your body. Bend at the knees and use your legs for power, rather than your back. Make sure your feet are pointed in the direction you are pushing or scooping the snow so that you don’t slip or twist your ankle.

If you do experience a foot or ankle injury while shoveling, come to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. He will help you find the right treatment for your injury. Make an appointment by calling us at Crofton Podiatry at (410) 721-4505. Our office is located in Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding areas of Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie.

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed