Tips to avoid slip and fall injuries

DENVER – When artic temperatures hit, it’s often a recipe for icy walkways, which can easily lead to injuries.

Slips and falls on the ice have kept doctors in the metro area very busy this winter, and now they’re offering advice to avoid those pesky injuries.

Experts say wearing the right shoes in inclement weather is the most important factor in safeguarding against a slip and fall. They say high heels are worst kind of shoes you can wear around ice because they often have absolutely no traction.

However, shoes with rubber or rough soles are the best type of footwear because they prevent slipping and falling - and possibly a trip to the doctor too.

For the past four months, Laurey York has made weekly visits to her chiropractor.

York knows all too well how hazardous the snow can be especially when it turns to ice.

“It's so dangerous and you can't see, you know, with the new snow coming in, you don't know what's under it, you don't know how much," said York.

York is one of the many of patients of Dr. Jim Kambeitz who is being treated for weather-related injuries.

"A lot of sprains, strains and a lot of falls,” said Kambeitz of his recent diagnosis. “A lot of people slipping on ice and hurting themselves.”

Kambeitz says he has seen a 60 to 70 percent increase in weather-related injuries since the first snowstorm in late December. Those injuries range from back-injuries from too much shoveling to the classic slip and fall.

"A lot of people I do see are in the female population and it's usually the high heels, slippery shoes,” said Kambeitz. “It's like wearing ice skates out there on the snow and ice, just very dangerous. So, footwear is important and just being aware there is ice under the snow and to walk a little gingerly."

Here are some great tips for walking on ice and snow: -Wear shoes or boots with good traction. -Do not walk in shaded areas where ice can build up. -Remember that ice can be lying under fresh snow. -Use a ski pole or sharp-ended stick to navigate through icy spots. -At home, apply ice melt to your sidewalks and walkways.

Abiding by these tips will help keep people who walk on the ice from requiring an ice pack to reduce the swelling later.