Deer Me—Protect Your Feet When Hunting!

It’s hunting season in the Northeast, and we at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care want our patients who enjoy this activity to take a few moments to evaluate the safety precautions they are taking to prevent foot and ankle damage.

Before You Leave

• Check your shoes just like you do the rest of your hunting equipment. Make sure they are not worn down on the sole or tread. If our podiatrists, Varun Gujral and Dr. Nrupa Shah, have prescribed a custom orthotic device to help with a podiatric disorder, see that it fits properly inside your hunting boots.
• Pack extra socks in your bag in case your feet get damp. Allowing your feet to sit in wet socks increases the risk for developing athlete’s foot. Moisture creates friction between skin and socks, which can cause a blister to form. For this reason, it’s also a good idea to bring some moleskin along and apply it to any spot on your skin that appears to be getting sore.
• Let someone at home know where you plan to hunt and when you expect to be back. In case of an injury that prohibits you from walking, they’ll know where to look.

On the Hunt

• Pay attention to terrain. Look for roots, ruts, rocks, and other tripping hazards as you walk.
• Use a safety harness or other protective measure to prevent falls from tree stands. This is the most common cause of heel and ankle fractures when hunting.

After You Return

• If you hurt your foot or ankle while hunting, make an appointment at our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802) or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) offices as soon as possible after you return. Ignoring foot pain is a surefire way to increase the damage and make healing longer and more difficult.