Injuries That Occur While Engaging in Winter Sports
Even though winter is the coldest season of the year, it doesn’t stop many from engaging in sports. Common wintertime sports include different types of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, figure skating, hockey, bobsledding, luge, and more. By participating in one of these sports you are putting yourself at risk of injury. You could fall, which could cause a sprain, fracture, or worse. Learn about the common injuries that result from these sports as well as helpful ways to prevent injuries with Sports & Spine Orthopaedics.
Sprains
Sprains are very common while participating in winter sports. A sprain involves the stretching and tearing of ligaments. Ankles are often sprained while playing hockey, snowboarding, and skiing. Snowboarder’s Ankle occurs when the talus bone is fractured, which typically happens as a result of a sprain. The MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) can be sprained while skating, snowboarding, and skiing. Wrists are often sprained while skating. To prevent any injuries, it is important to be mindful of uneven surfaces, wear the proper equipment, and be familiar with the area that you are in.
Fractures
A fracture refers to a broken or partially broken bone. Spinal fractures can occur with sports like snowmobiling, hockey, and skiing. Ankle and wrist fractures are common while snowboarding and skiing. To prevent fractures, it is important to be careful in crowded areas, know when to stop, and warm up beforehand.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries occur when a ligament is torn. The most common ligament injury is a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). Your ACL is located in the center of your knee. This type of ligament injury can occur while skiing. Skier’s Thumb is another common ligament injury. This occurs when a skier falls and the thumb joint tears due to gripping the pole. While these injuries can happen suddenly, it is important to prevent them when possible. That means that you should be aware of your surroundings and follow the proper technique.
Spinal Injuries
Spinal injuries often happen during sports that involve speed. This includes skiing, snowboarding, luge, and more. Some of these injuries can have very damaging effects on the body, so it is important to prevent them as much as you can. Always pay attention when engaging in these sports and don’t go faster than you are capable of. Make sure to wear the proper protective equipment as well as follow the correct form.
Get Treatment From Sports & Spine Orthopaedics
Safety is extremely important when engaging in any sport. You need to remind yourself of your skill level and take the extra precautions to avoid an injury. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and when they do, we will be there for you. Whether you suffer from a minor or a severe injury, we will provide you with a solution that best fits your needs. It is our goal to get you back to the active lifestyle that you know and love as quickly as possible. If you or someone you know has experienced an injury from a winter sport, call and schedule an appointment with the board-certified doctors and surgeons at Sports & Spine Orthopaedics.
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