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We’re a little bit more than halfway through winter. You certainly don’t want to spend Valentine’s laid up with an ice pack on your ankle, do you?

Winter here in Texas doesn’t get as rough as it does in northern states. But, we still have our days.

Here’s what to look out for and do so you don’t find yourself hampered by a painful foot or ankle injury:

1. Always Wear the Right-Fitting Footwear for the Activity
   
   This tip remains the top one to keep in mind all year round. You should always wear appropriate footwear that fits you snugly for the activity you’re about to do.If you’re a runner, your running shoes work well on cement. But then if you start running in the woods, you may misstep, bend your ankle, and have no support to prevent a full sprain from happening. You’d be better served wearing shoes with high ankle support. Or, simply avoid running in the woods.Consider how you use the shoes you have, and make sure they give you the greatest protection possible for your desired activity.
2. Consider Weight Training, Regardless of Your Activity LevelDo you like to go to ice skating rinks? Maybe you’re the type who does this just a couple times per winter because you love it so much.That’s actually the perfect recipe for injury. You’re doing something inconsistently. You remember how to do it, but your body itself isn’t fully prepared. Your ankles may not have the strength and coordination you believe they do.Consider doing strength training exercises for your ankles to keep them in shape and ready for any potential mishaps.
3. Avoid Blisters By Allowing Enough Room for SocksIf you, or your children, have to go outside, and you need to have boots on, make sure they have enough room to accommodate socks that keep your feet warm. If it’s cool enough to wear boots with thick socks, and you don’t have enough room for those socks in your boots, you can end up with blisters.And if your feet feel too loose in your boots, you may not have enough support. That can result in a twisted, or even broken, ankle.Regardless of the footwear you choose to wear outside, make sure your feet fit snugly inside and don’t feel too loose or too tight.

Have fun this winter. And, make sure you remember the safety of your feet and ankles so you don’t find yourself unable to do what you love to do.