Winter is a beautiful season, but it also brings unique hazards, especially when it comes to orthopedic injuries. Icy sidewalks, snow-covered steps, and winter sports are among the main culprits for fractures, sprains, and other bone and joint injuries. 

Luckily, we’re here to help. Let’s go over some of the most common winter orthopedic injuries, as well as how to identify them and steps to take if you or a loved one is injured this winter.

Wrist Fractures

Slips and falls are the main cause of wrist fractures in winter. Often, when we lose balance on ice, our natural reaction is to extend our arms to break the fall. However, this action can lead to broken or fractured wrists.

Signs of a Wrist Fracture

If you’ve fractured your wrist, you may experience immediate pain, especially when trying to move it or bear weight on it. Swelling and bruising are common around the injured area, and moving your fingers might be difficult or accompanied by numbness.

Treatment

After a wrist injury, it’s best to ice the area to reduce swelling. Avoid moving the wrist, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend a cast, splint, or even surgery to stabilize the fracture.

Ankle Sprains and Fractures

Ankle injuries are another common occurrence during the winter. Slipping on ice or uneven surfaces can lead to twisted, sprained, or fractured ankles. Winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, also contribute to ankle injuries.

Signs of an Ankle Injury

With an ankle injury, you’ll likely feel pain and notice swelling around the ankle area. Bruising or tenderness may develop, and walking or bearing weight on the ankle can be difficult.

Treatment

As a first step, follow the R.I.C.E. method. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Avoid putting weight on the ankle until a professional evaluates it. Severe cases may require immobilization or surgical intervention to ensure proper healing.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures, especially among older adults, are some of the most dangerous winter injuries. Falls on icy driveways or steps can lead to serious fractures that impact mobility and require significant recovery time.

Signs of a Hip Fracture

A fractured hip often causes intense pain in the hip, groin, or thigh area, making it difficult to move or bear weight on the leg. Swelling and bruising may also appear around the hip region.

Treatment

Hip fractures almost always require medical intervention. Surgery is often necessary to realign the hip or replace it in severe cases. Post-surgery, physical therapy helps patients regain strength and mobility.

Shoulder Injuries

Slipping and falling can result in shoulder dislocations, fractures, or rotator cuff injuries. Falls where individuals land on their arm or shoulder are particularly risky.

Signs of a Shoulder Injury

If you’ve injured your shoulder, you may notice pain around the shoulder joint and experience a limited range of motion or difficulty lifting your arm. Swelling, bruising, or even a visible deformity can develop around the shoulder.

Treatment

Avoid moving the shoulder and apply ice to reduce swelling. Medical evaluation can determine if there is a dislocation, fracture, or soft tissue injury. Physical therapy is then typically needed to regain strength and function after healing.

Back Injuries

Sudden falls on icy ground can put unexpected stress on the back and spine, resulting in strains, sprains, or even fractures. Winter sports such as snowboarding or sledding also increase the risk of back injuries.

Signs of a Back Injury

Back injuries often cause sharp pain in the spine or back muscles, especially with movement. Muscle spasms, stiffness, or numbness and tingling in the limbs may also occur.

Treatment

Back injuries can vary in severity, so initial rest and icing are recommended. In some cases, imaging tests may be needed to rule out fractures or herniated discs. Physical therapy and, in rare cases, surgery may be necessary to fully recover.

How to Prevent Wintertime Orthopedic Injuries

While winter injuries can be hard to avoid entirely, taking these preventive steps can reduce your risk:

• Choose the Right Footwear: Wear non-slip, waterproof boots with good traction. Avoid smooth-soled shoes, as they increase the risk of slipping on icy surfaces. Shoe spikes or ice cleats are great add-ons if you’re walking in particularly icy areas.

• Walk Carefully on Ice and Snow: When walking on ice or snow, take small steps, keep your center of gravity low, and use handrails when available. Try to focus on walking carefully instead of quickly. Bending slightly and walking flat-footed can help improve balance and stability.

• Warm-Up Before Winter Sports: Cold muscles are more prone to injury. If you’re going skiing, snowboarding, or engaging in any physical winter activity, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up beforehand. This will make your muscles more flexible and reduce the risk of strains and sprains.

• Stay Aware of Your Environment: Pay attention to potentially slippery spots, such as icy sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots. Look for treated paths or areas with sand or salt that offer better traction.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s not always easy to tell the severity of an injury immediately after a fall. Here are some signs to watch out for that indicate a more serious issue:

• Unbearable pain or inability to move a limb
• Swelling and bruising that worsens over time
• Deformities like bones protruding, misaligned joints, or twisted limbs
• Numbness or tingling, as this suggests, possible nerve involvement

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to get medical attention from a professional right away. Delaying treatment can worsen the injury, lead to improper healing, and prolong recovery time.

If you’ve experienced a wintertime orthopedic injury or want help managing recovery, come see our team at Mobility Bone & Joint Institute. We’re ready to keep you mobile, comfortable, and healthy through the colder months and beyond, so contact us today!