There are very polarizing opinions about winter weather – you either love it or hate it. While ice and snow are beautiful and bring winter sports fun, they can also cause treacherous conditions for roads and sidewalks with the potential to wreak havoc on our bodies. Though many people may prefer to stay inside and wait for the outdoor activities until spring, getting some fresh winter air is important, not just physically, but mentally as well. Here are some common winter injuries to be aware of as well as some tips on how to prevent them and treatment options.
Slips and falls cause the most common winter weather related injuries – fractures. In the elderly population, fractures from falls are more often seen in the hips. At the same time, younger people sustain fractures in other areas, including the extremities, shoulder, clavicle, and wrist. Head injuries can also happen from a slip on the ice and being knocked unconscious in blistering conditions can turn deadly. To help prevent slips and falls, consider the following tips:
Shoveling snow can be a pain in the back, literally, and the risk of lower back injuries is high when shoveling heavy snow. Shoulder pain and pulled or strained muscles are also common. To help prevent snow shoveling injuries, consider the following tips:
Though snow sports can be fun and exciting, they don’t come without risk. Whether sledding, skiing, or snowboarding, flying at high rates of speed down a slick hill can easily take a turn for the worst leading to head injuries and broken bones. To help prevent Snowsport injuries, consider the following tips:
Frostbite, the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, and chilblains, or a painful itchy swelling caused by poor circulation in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures, are also concerns you should think about when it comes to winter weather. To help prevent frostbite or chilblains, consider the following tips:
The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) is good practice for bumps, bruises and sprains, but more serious injuries should be looked at by a physician, especially if your condition worsens.
Exposure injuries, like frostbite and chilblains can be treated by rewarming. All other frostbite-type injuries require medical attention because it can permanently damage skin, muscle, bone and other tissue.
Being active in the winter is a great way to stay healthy and avoid the winter blues. While some people like to enjoy the cold winter months hibernating indoors, you may enjoy cold-weather sports and outdoor activities. No matter what your preference is, we want you to be safe and avoid a trip to an emergency department.
(Dr. Ronald Campbell is with UPMC Orthopaedic Care. For more information, visit UPMC.com/OrthoNCPA.)
