Warm weather is here, and many of us will be out and about soon to take advantage of it, hiking and trekking through nature to celebrate the coming of spring. Here’s the thing: While hiking is an excellent way to get exercise and connect with your environment, it can also increase the odds of incurring some serious foot trauma, even when compared with other outdoor activities.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, we don’t want you limping down the mountainside or stuck wondering what to do with your foot or ankle injury. That’s why this blog will cover common traumas incurred on the trail and what to do about them. Read on to get the lowdown on how to handle hiking injuries!

First Things First: Assess the Damage

The severity of your injury should dictate your course of action. If you experience a minor sprain, you can likely manage it with the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). However, for the more serious injuries below, emergency medical attention is crucial. Seek immediate assistance from your podiatrist right away if you incur:

Why Urgent Care Might Not Be the Best Choice

  • Urgent care facilities are often equipped for general medical needs, and they may not have specialists readily available.
  • This, coupled with the typically long wait times at overcrowded urgent care clinics, can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, especially for podiatric-specific injuries.

Enter the Podiatrist

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, we’re always available to offer immediate emergency services for any urgent care situation.

  • Our DPMS have in-depth knowledge of the complex anatomy of the foot and ankle, so they can quickly identify the source of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
  • Our offices provide same-day appointments, minimizing the time you spend waiting for relief.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Dr. Marc Lederman, and Dr. Kurt Rode treat ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, neuromas, and more. If you’re in need of emergency services, we can treat you faster than an urgent care clinic. Contact us online for your foot and ankle needs, or call (860)236-2564! Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.