Watch your step! Tips to avoid a trip on the ice - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Recent icy conditions mean more patients in the emergency room.  Doctors have treated several people who were the caught off guard by slick sidewalks and slippery steps.

An ER doctor with Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City said common injuries from falls are to the upper body.  However, they also see broken ankles and hips.

"You have to do what you can to protect yourself and that's a natural response and you may end up with an injury to a hand or wrist or forearm, but it may save you from a more significant injury wither it be to your head or face or something like that," said Dr. Joe Liewer, Medical Director of Emergency Dept. at Mercy Medical Center.

To prevent falls, Dr. Liewer suggests wearing shoes or boots with grips, taking shorter steps and using railings around stairs.

He also said if you do fall, try to brace yourself if at all possible, and avoid landing on areas of the body like your hips.