Halloween Foot Safety For Kids: Avoiding Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

Kids love Halloween. They can’t wait to dress up and score loads of candy. But in all the excitement, they often forget to watch their step. Foot and ankle injuries can turn a fun night sour real quick. 

At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, the experienced team helps with various foot and ankle injuries. 

Here’s how to keep your little monsters safe and happy while they’re out trick-or-treating.

Pick the right shoes 

Letting your kid wear those plastic princess heels or superhero boots is tempting. But those shoes aren’t made for pounding the pavement for hours. Stick with comfortable sneakers that fit well and won’t slip on wet leaves. You’ll thank us later when your kid isn’t complaining about blisters halfway through the night!

Watch out for costume hazards 

Long capes, flowy dresses, and giant prop swords? While cute, these custom hazards can be a recipe for disaster. Ensure nothing’s dragging on the ground where it can trip up little feet. And maybe encourage your kid to walk instead of running.

Scout the route 

Take a quick walk around the block before you head out. Look for sketchy sidewalks or potholes that might cause trouble in the dark. Stick to well-lit streets if you can. You might also consider placing some reflective tape on your kid’s costume. It’ll help them see where they’re going and ensure cars can spot them, too.

Skip the unintended obstacle courses

Halloween decorations are fun, but remind your kids they’re not an obstacle course. Jumping fences or climbing on displays is just asking for a twisted ankle. Tell them to enjoy the spooky stuff from a safe distance instead.

Mind the terrain 

Whether hitting up houses or a trunk-or-treat, teach your kids to watch their step. Uneven ground, surprise curbs, and slippery grass can all lead to nasty falls. Get them to slow down and pay attention to where they’re walking.

Consider some extra support 

If your kid’s prone to rolling their ankles, you might want to get them a brace. These days, they make some pretty cool-looking ones that won’t ruin the costume vibe. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Check-in on those feet 

Halloween’s a blast, but it can be a long night of walking. Keep an eye on your kid and ask how their feet are holding up. If they start complaining about pain, take a break. Maybe grab a bench and sort through some of that candy haul. It’ll rest their feet and let you snag the good stuff before they notice.

Follow these tips to hopefully avoid any Halloween foot disasters. Here’s to a night full of treats and no trips to the ER! If your child does experience a foot or ankle issue, call the office or schedule an appointment online for diagnosis and treatment.