Although hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, most storms in Florida form from mid-August to late October.

Despite preparations, hurricanes can still cause a wide variety of injuries. This can be while preparing for the hurricane, during the hurricane itself, and most especially during the cleanup job after the hurricane.

Lower limb injuries often happen post-hurricane, during the process of repairing homes and streets. These usually involve cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds.

Following the storm, stay away from floodwaters and any standing water. It is often hard to see what is beneath the surface and people don’t realize that there are dangers lying beneath the water and rubble, increasing the risk of serious injury to the feet and ankles.

When going back to your property after the storm, make sure you are dressed appropriately, and your feet are well-protected by wearing work boots, hard-soled and closed-toe shoes. Avoid going barefoot or wearing open-toed sandals to prevent puncture wounds and foot injuries.

Be sure to watch where you walk. Debris and mud can conceal sharp objects such as broken glass, metal fragments and nails. Do not stand on piles of debris or surfaces that can throw you off balance, which can lead to foot fractures or ankle sprains.

When using ladders, remember to stand your ladder on flat ground. Do not stand on the top two steps of a ladder and make sure you stand in center of ladder step. Best to avoid using a folding ladder when it is closed and instead, ope the ladder and press the side locks into place. Be sure to practice ladder safety to avoid heel / ankle fractures resulting from falls.

Be extra careful when cutting down tree branches as these can land on your feet and ankles. These can fall with enough force that may lead to broken bones in the feet.

In case of puncture wounds , cuts, or scrapes, wash them immediately with clean water, apply a topical antibiotic, and clean bandage. See your podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid infection and other complications from wounds or embedded foreign objects.

For more information, contact Dr. Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com. Family Foot and Leg Center has several locations in Lee and Collier county to attend to your foot emergencies, foot and leg wounds  ASAP.

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!