Your kids have their eyes on the prize, and the countdown is on. Halloween is almost here, and it can be a magical time for kids — but it’s also potentially dangerous.
In addition to teaching your children about stranger danger, traffic rules, and candy safety, it’s a good idea to focus on one of the most common Halloween injuries — ankle sprains.
Here, experienced podiatrists at Dan Preece, DPM, and Darren Groberg, DPM, a branch of Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists in Salt Lake City, Utah, offer some practical tips about foot and ankle safety when trick-or-treating.
Choosing the right shoes is one of the easiest ways to prevent injuries. Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and backless shoes. Instead, opt for sneakers or closed-toe shoes with good arch support and better stability to reduce the risk of twisted ankles and trips.
Kids want to wear shoes that match their costumes, but safety should trump style. Make sure your child’s shoes are broken in and not brand new, as new shoes can cause blisters.
Adding reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark stickers to their shoes can also increase visibility during nighttime trick-or-treating.
While your child is trick-or-treating, they encounter all kinds of surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, and lawns. Uneven or rough surfaces can lead to trips and falls. Encourage your child to take their time and watch where they step.
It’s also a good idea to inspect your own yard for any potential hazards before the trick-or-treaters start arriving. Clear away any toys, garden hoses, or other obstacles that could cause someone to trip.
Masks are cool, but they make it tough to see where you’re going. Head and face coverings should have eye holes or other features that enable your child to see the path ahead and oncoming people and cars clearly.
Dark costumes can make it hard for drivers and even other trick-or-treaters to see your child, so incorporate bright colors or reflective materials into their costumes. If the costume is dark, have them wear a reflective vest or carry a flashlight.
You can also use glow sticks or LED accessories to make your child more visible. These not only add a fun element to their costume but also increase their safety.
If possible, accompany your child while they trick-or-treat to help them avoid dangerous situations and sprained ankles.
Running increases the risk of falls and collisions. While it's natural for children to be excited and want to run from house to house, encourage them to walk instead. Set a good example by walking with them and keeping a steady pace.
Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance, focusing on well-lit streets and neighborhoods. Avoid areas with heavy traffic and poorly lit sidewalks. Neighborhoods participating in community trick-or-treat events offer a safe environment with more supervision.
Accidents happen, and a twisted ankle is a common occurrence on Halloween night. If it happens to your child, the festivities may come to an end, but you can still make the most of it.
Grab your goblin and go home. Prop your child up on a comfortable couch and use the RICE method to alleviate pain and swelling.
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and it should keep your child comfortable through the night. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help.
Call us on November 1. Our team can diagnose the severity of the sprained ankle or fracture and recommend the best course of treatment.
We wish you and your family a safe Halloween and hope you don’t need us. But if you do, call Dan Preece, DPM, and Darren Groberg, DPM, or request an appointment online.
