Preventing Common Winter Sports Accidents

Winter is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some of your favorite winter sports activities. However, with almost 200,000 people being treated for winter sports injuries last winter, we must talk about proper safety measures.

Whether you are an active skier, ice skater, or snowmobiler, safety should always be considered. To ensure your winter isn’t ruined by a sports accident, here are a few friendly reminders to follow for an injury-free season:

Make it a Group Event

When participating in a winter sport, you’ll never want to do it alone. Doing so can make sure that if any injury occurs, no matter how minor, there will be somewhere there to help you. The last thing you want is to twist your ankle skiing and be left out on the slope alone. Participating in groups will ensure everyone can help each other out.

Check Your Winter Gear

Before each use, make sure your gear and equipment are working correctly and not damaged. Make sure you have proper footwear for the event you're participating in, and that you have padding and layers to keep you warm. For instance, if you are planning on riding your snowmobile, make sure your helmet is fitted correctly to prevent injury. If it’s your first time participating in a winter sport, lessons might be an excellent option to consider.

Don’t Forget to Stretch

From sprains and fractures to knee impairments, many orthopedic or sports injuries occur. For instance, your knees are like the shock absorbers, so when they aren’t prepared for the physical activity ahead, you could wind up with an injury. Listen to your body, and avoid participating if you are in pain or overly exhausted. Most importantly, don’t forget to stay hydrated before, during, and after activity.

If a winter injury has you stuck on the couch this winter, Wyoming Orthopedics & Spine (WYOS) is here to help in Gillette, Wyoming. We can evaluate your options so you can rest assured that you get the best possible outcome and are back to a happy and active life in no time.

Call WYOS at 307.686.1413 or visit www.wyomingorthospine.com to learn more.