Gliding Through Winter Injury-Free
"Cold temperatures and slippery surfaces combined with vigorous activity provide a lot of potential for injuries, especially in children," says orthopaedic surgeon Tim Johnson, MD. "However, the right clothing and protective gear ensures your warmth and safety so you don't miss out on the fun."
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2006:
- Skiing was the leading cause of winter sports injuries, sending 133,585 people to hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings.
- Snowboarding came in second with 127,643 injuries.
- Other sports and activities on the list include ice skating with 55,666 injuries, ice hockey with 55,311, sledding and tobogganing with 38,395 and snowmobiling with 20,390.
The Academy offers the following strategies to help prevent these winter sports injuries:
- Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are more susceptible to injury. Do some light exercise for at least 3 to 5 minutes, then slowly and gently stretch the muscles to be exercised, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
- If you or your child take part in a formal sport such as figure skating, ensure that the activity is led by a trained coach.
- Take frequent water breaks to prevent dehydration and overheating.
- Avoid participating in sports when experiencing pain or exhaustion.
- Never ski, sled, ice skate, snowmobile or snowboard alone.
- Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding, and make sure equipment is in good working order and used properly.
- For warmth and protection, wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing. Layering allows you add and remove clothing to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature when outside or in a cold environment such as an indoor ice rink.
- Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.
- When falling, try to fall on your side or buttocks. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.
- Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.
- Become familiar with the whereabouts of fences, trees, rocks, open water and patches of ice. Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas, such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
- Be prepared for emergency situations and have a plan to reach medical personnel to treat injuries.
Finally, sports should always be fun. A "win at all costs" attitude can lead to injuries, because it can cause a participant (particularly a child) to ignore the warning signs of injury and continue to play with pain.
More information on exercise- and sports-related injury prevention: click here.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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