Common Wintertime Injuries and Easy Ways To Avoid Them
Dec 09, 2024
News
Most people are less active during the winter and it only adds to the risk of injury when you suddenly do highly active things like shoveling snow
Frigid temperatures are here and along with it come potential hazards for your health. According to experts, wintertime is the prime season for injuries, some of which can also become a life-long issue. Most surfaces in cold weather are either extremely dry, wet, or packed with snow and ice, so it is important to not slip or fall, as these injuries can be extremely high-risk in the long run.
Since most people are less active during the winter months, it only adds to the risk of injury when you suddenly do highly active things like shovelling snow, going for a hike, snowboarding or even running.
Listed below are a few common wintertime injuries and easy ways to prevent and avoid them.
Falls
You must be very careful while walking or running in the winter season, especially when you live in areas packed with ice or snow as the subsequent slushing can create dangerous and risky walking situations. Many times, you may not be able to see ahead or just slip and take a fall.
According to doctors, this untoward incident can lead you to break your wrist or hip, hit your head, which can cause brain injury, or even pass out. And while it may not be superficially serious, doctors say a fall can have unsafe repercussions.
So, it is always a good idea to be aware of your footwear when you go out in the winter to lower your risk. Also, make sure to be attentive when you walk as well, given that icy conditions are not always obvious. Spread sand and salt outside of your home when there are icy conditions to create a more stable footing.
Back injuries
Lifting heavy things or shovelling snow in winter is an extremely important task but if not taken care of, posture can be perilous for your back. And so, according to doctors, always make sure to do a good stretch or warm up before going outside, especially if you are not used to regularly lifting heavy things.
Avoid bending your lower back when clearing the snow. You can simply push snow as an option to avoid stressing your back.
Frostbite
Frostbite is a very severe body that happens due to freezing, which stops the blood flow to your fingers or toes, cheeks, ears, nose, or chin. According to doctors, frostbite can cause permanent damage and, in rare and severe cases, would also need amputation.
Your skin, which becomes frostbitten, would appear white or grayish-yellow and may also feel firm or waxy when touched. If you have frostbite, use body heat or warm to slowly warm up extremities.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia or low body temperature, happens with prolonged exposure to severe cold. The condition occurs when your body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) and causes a medical emergency.
Doctors say if you leave it untreated, hypothermia can cause cardiac arrest and even death.
So, if you are going out in extreme weather conditions, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather—wearing multiple layers.
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