Halloween may be a time for chills and thrills, but foot injuries are no fun at all! Whether you’re out trick-or-treating with the kids, dancing at a costume party, or simply enjoying the cooler weather, it’s important to keep your feet safe from “spooky” injuries. At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we want to help you avoid these 5 common foot injuries and enjoy the season pain-free.

1. The Phantom Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain can happen in the blink of an eye, especially if you’re walking on uneven surfaces or wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support (we’re looking at you, costume heels). One wrong step and your ankle can twist, leading to swelling, bruising, and pain.

How to protect yourself: Wear supportive shoes with good ankle stability, especially if you’ll be walking long distances. Avoid uneven surfaces, and always watch where you step!

2. The Creepy Corn Callus

Those cute witch boots or Frankenstein shoes may be the highlight of your costume, but they can also lead to corns and calluses if they’re too tight. Constant pressure or friction on your feet can cause painful, hardened skin that makes walking uncomfortable.

How to protect yourself: Choose footwear that fits properly, with enough room for your toes to wiggle. If your costume shoes are uncomfortable, try using cushioned pads or inserts to reduce friction.

3. The Frightening Fracture

Stress fractures are small cracks in your bones that can develop over time, often due to repetitive stress or impact. If you’re spending a lot of time on your feet without proper support, you may be at risk.

How to protect yourself: Give your feet a break when they’re tired! Take time to rest, and avoid overdoing it with activities that put excessive pressure on your feet. Proper footwear is key here as well.

4. The Gory Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail might not sound spooky, but the pain can be downright chilling. Tight shoes and improper trimming can lead to this painful condition, where the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin.

How to protect yourself: Trim your nails straight across, and avoid wearing shoes that squeeze your toes together. If you notice any signs of redness or swelling, come see us before it worsens.

5. The Spooky Sprained Toe

Sometimes called “turf toe,” a sprained toe occurs when you jam or overextend your toe, often during physical activity. This injury can leave you limping for days.

How to protect yourself: Be cautious when running or jumping, especially in less supportive footwear. Warm up your muscles before any intense activity to reduce the risk of injury.

At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we’re here to help you keep your feet healthy, whether you’re avoiding “spooky” injuries or recovering from one. If you need expert care, give us a call today at 214-574-WALK (9255)!