Staying safe on ice

Those look great! I just got new Yaktrax on Monday. I had some other brand for years with carbide tips, then got a knock-off pair that broke when I tried to put them on. Return to China for new? Ha. Saw them at my neighborhood hardware store and got them. I’ve been scared to leave my home lately because of the poor shoveling jobs. I feel free again.
I didn’t have them on the day of my fall, either.

Hi, @icydecember - I was thinking about you talking about using traction cleats, and I was remembering back to trying some after my concussion from a fall on an icy sidewalk. I think I honestly was psychologically impacted from my whole concussion and recovery, and walking on ice, despite cleats, was hard for me.

I actually had to bail out on my mom and her friend after about two blocks walking on an icy street with cleats on my shoes. Years later, I still have some fears when walking on ice.

I also wanted you to meet some others who've talked about falls on ice or preventing falls in general on Mayo Clinic Connect, such as @paula630 @stephcarney @edsutton @daphne17 @robertwills @21amy @lilypaws.

Are you still using your traction cleats, icydecember? Do you feel fearful at all when you're walking with them on ice?

I do still wear cleats. However, this winter has been nearly ice free. When I have them on I feel much more confident in moving without fear of falling. The type I use has a rubber frame with carbide tip cleats and I stretch them over shoes or boots.

I like these comments. I tried Columbia ankle boots other brands with cleats but felt my balance was more unstable. I am concerned about ice and slippery surfaces. I had a craniotomy in 2014 had to relearn how to walk. I still do balance exercises daily.

My injury happened in 2003, and falling is my PTSD. Have been using Yaktrax cleats for about 6 years after I fell while shoveling my driveway. I didn't hit my head when that fall happened, but I use cleats any time ice is on my vision.