Don't Let a Fall Sideline You: 3 Common Winter Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them

It’s that time of year again for snow alerts, getting store supplies for blizzards, and keeping warm. Winter weather comes with its own range of hazards people need to look out for, with issues such as slipping, falling, hypothermia, joint injuries from shoveling snow, and injuries from falling trees and branches. 

If you like to be out in this weather because of sporting activities or staying active, it’s extra important to be aware of the possible injuries you may deal with and work to avoid them. Let’s review the common injuries this season can bring, what signs to look out for, and essential prevention and treatment options.

Fort Worth, Texas residents looking to stay active but be careful this winter season can rely on Dr. Joseph Daniels and his dedicated team at Southwest Orthopedic Associates to keep their joints as healthy as possible.

Common winter sport injuries

If you enjoy an active lifestyle outside in the winter, then sports like skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowboarding, and others are likely among the things you do. Each of these presents specific risks for injury, including:

1. Torn ACL

Tears in the anterior cruciate ligament compromise knee stability and can occur during sudden stops or directional changes.

2. Torn meniscus

This C-shaped cartilage in your knees suffers injuries frequently, due to motions that forcefully twist or rotate the knee when full weight is applied on it.

3. Wrist fractures

Any of the sports mentioned or other outdoor activities carry the risk of slipping and falling, and this often leads to fractures in the wrist.

Symptoms to look for

Pain and mobility issues are common with most sports injuries, and other specific signs of damage include things like swelling (edema, effusion, or hematoma), redness, stiffness that can affect range of motion, joint instability, and muscle and joint weakness. More severe injuries can also present with nerve damage in the form of numbness and tingling.

Deformities in joints indicate severe breaks in bones and joints, which need emergency attention. If a fall leads to head trauma, then concussions are a possibility, and these can cause confusion, dizziness, nausea, and irritability. 

Prevention and treatment

To avoid the dangers of these activities, here are some practical tips to follow:

• Never perform these activities alone
• Maintain fitness and warm up before starting
• Wear appropriate safety gear (goggles, helmets, kneepads, etc)
• Make sure the equipment works properly
• Wear wind-resistant layers
• Get lessons to perform actions safely
• Stay aware of possible hazardous weather conditions
• Find shelter when dealing with frostbite or hypothermia
• Hydrate regularly
• Avoid activity if you’re already in pain

To help you when things go wrong, we have many treatment options to restore joint function, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, activity modifications, regenerative medicine, and many ways to help you take care of yourself at home while you heal.

Enjoy the winter weather safely, listen to your body while intensely active, and wear the right gear to stay healthy this season. For other advice and to manage injuries, make an appointment with Dr. Daniels and Southwest Orthopedic Associates today.