Participating in winter sports is a great way to have fun and stay active during the cold winter months. However, low temperatures, icy surfaces, and high speeds can lead to sports injuries. The most common injuries are strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations, and head injuries. It’s important to seek medical attention to prevent these injuries from becoming more serious.
Integrity Urgent Care provides on-site x-rays, so we are ready and able to treat all non-life-threatening injuries – including your winter sports injuries.
What are the Most Common Winter Sports Injuries?
While the benefits of staying active in the winter are worth the risk of injury, you should know the most common injuries associated with winter sports so you can take precautions to avoid them.
Snowboarding and Skiing
When snowboarding and skiing, unexpected falls and unruly skis can cause knee injuries. It’s also common for people to use their arms to break their fall, resulting in shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff injuries. In addition, serious falls can cause concussions for snowboarders and skiers.
Sledding
The most common sledding injuries are caused by running into trees or rocks or colliding with another sled at the bottom of a hill – resulting in head and limb injuries. Being suddenly thrown off a fast-moving sled can also cause various other injuries.
Hockey
One of the most dangerous professional sports is hockey, so it’s no wonder that playing on an amateur level can also result in injuries. Players are at risk of pulled muscles, ligament tears, and bruising from colliding with other players. More severe injuries include concussions, broken bones, or broken teeth.