LAKELAND - Freeze and thaw cycles that occur during the winter months can make sidewalks and other surfaces slippery and challenging to navigate.
According to Ankita Verma, a physiotherapist with Lakeland Physiotherapy in Lac La Biche, there are several precautions that people can take to minimize the risk of slipping or falling and avoiding injuries while walking on slippery and icy surfaces.
Before setting out in icy conditions, it’s imperative to wear the right boots.
“Having proper footwear with good traction helps prevent slipping . . . one can use boots with spikes or ice gripper,” Verma told Lakeland This Week.
While walking on icy surfaces, people should take short steps and shuffle while keeping their toes pointing out, which is referred to as the penguin walk. Falls and slips can also be curtailed by taking side steps while going downstairs or on a curb, explained Verma.
For those who walk with the assistance of a cane, an ice pick can be purchased for the cane to provide more traction.
Other advice provided by Verma is to bend knees slightly and have arms out to catch oneself in the event of a fall.
“Avoid carrying anything in your hands and keep your hands out of your pockets,” she stated.
Verma advises that people not use their phones while walking and keep their focus. People should also plan ahead to allow themselves enough time to avoid rushing.
If someone falls on an icy or slippery surfaces, and they are unable to put weight on their legs, there is a chance of that there could be a severe injury, Verma explained.
If this happens, it is recommended to seek medical help to rule out fractures or ligament injury.
Health care professionals can assess clients and determine the extent of injury to find out if they need further investigation through an x-ray or ultrasound.
“The assessment can also help to come up with a treatment plan,” she stated.
