The arrival of winter also ushers in the winter sports season, which means many people end up in emergency rooms and orthopedic clinics across the country for injuries that range from mild to severe. In 2017, over 200,000 people were treated for winter sports injuries all over the country.
Here are the most common types of winter sports injuries.
Knee Injury
A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a very common downhill skiing injury. The ACL is located inside the knee joint and is prone to injury as a result of a twisting movement of the knee during landing and falls, which are common in skiing. You will hear a popping noise at the moment of impact that often indicates a damaged ACL.
Another common skiing injury is a damaged medial collateral ligament (MCL). It usually happens when you fall forward, causing the MCL to stretch or tear. Figure skating, snowboarding, and speed skating are high-risk activities for this type of injury. A feeling of the knee giving way is one of the symptoms of a damaged MCL.
Wrist Injury
A common snowboarding injury is a wrist injury, which usually occurs when you land on an outstretched hand. Amateur and professional snowboarders can injure their wrists after trying to break a fall with their hands. Beginners – such as individuals playing for recreational purposes –are at a higher risk due to inexperience.
Shoulder Injury
Another common snowboarding injury is a shoulder injury, which happens when you land on your shoulder after taking a tumble. Falling during skiing and the repetitive motions used to manage ski poles can also lead to rotator cuff injuries. Shoulder weakness, pain, and restricted motion are some of the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury.
Ankle Injury
Another injury that you can get from skiing and skating is an ankle sprain, which is the result of falling on a twisted ankle or an unbalanced landing. Other common injuries include ankle fractures and Achilles tendon ruptures. With ankle injuries, the ability to stand despite the pain is not an indicator that no serious injury took place. Painful swelling and bruising in the ankle area following a fall should be immediately examined by a doctor.
If you are planning on participating in winter sports this year – be it bobsledding, ice-skating, snowboarding or skiing – you are at risk of injury. Make sure to keep yourself safe while you play. This means following sports rules, wearing proper gear, and playing the correct way. Don’t overdo it, overexert yourself, or make risky moves in the pursuit of winning. By doing these things, you can keep yourself safe.
Winter Sports Injury Treatment in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
At Urgent Care Now, we provide emergency medical care to patients of all ages who have sustained winter sports injuries.
We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You do not have to make an appointment – simply walk in our clinic whenever you like.
Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you in our spacious, well-equipped, and hygienic Urgent Care Now clinic. If you have questions about our urgent care services, call Urgent Care Now at (267) 202-6433.
