Dangers of High-Heel Boots

Winter's fashionable high-heeled boots put women at risk for slips, falls, and injuries on ice and snow. These popular boots typically feature tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes.

Falls from 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. Broken and sprained ankles can also be present at the same time.
"Wearing high-heels makes you more unstable when walking or standing on dry surfaces, let alone slippery ones like ice or snow," says Dr. Richard E. Ehle, DPM. "A stylish low-heeled winter boot is a lot more fashionable than a cast and crutches." Ehle also recommends women scuff-up the soles of new boots, or purchase adhesive rubber soles, to provide greater traction.
"This time of year I see a variety of broken bones occurring in patients who have slipped on the ice," says Ehle. "These include broken toes, metatarsals, heels, and ankles."
Ehle urges women hurt from slips and falls in high-heeled winter boots to see a foot and ankle 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 Ehle. "Even if you're able to walk on the injured foot, pain, swelling, or bruising indicates a serious injury."
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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