Three tips to avoid falling on the ice

Caution: icy conditions ahead!

As you know, with winter comes ice, and with ice comes the chance to slip and fall. Falling on the ice can increase your risk of injuries to, well, your entire body: your head, arms (elbows, shoulders and wrists), back, tailbone, hip, legs, ankles – you name it.

You can minimize your risk of falling on the ice by walking much like how a penguin walks:

• Keep your arms out by your side to help you balance
• Keep your knees slightly bent
• Keep your weight forward and take short shuffling steps

Other tips when walking around this winter include:

• Wear footwear that provides traction
• Step down, not out from curbs
• Walk on snow or grass if possible

Now, if you’ve experienced injuries from falling on ice, it's important that you discuss those issues with a provider. Often, your fist stop can be at the CCMG Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming. The Walk-in Clinic is open every day and offers close, convenient parking. You can save you place in line at www.cchwyo.org/wic, so you can get in and get back to your life!

A physical therapist can help you after an injury from a fall. Our therapists can help with the correct application of ice, heat, ultrasound and electrical stimulation to the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling. Our therapists can also help with exercises that include core stabilization to decrease the symptoms of low back pain caused by a fall. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/rehab.

If your injuries are more severe, receiving quality orthopedic care is the best way to ensure a full recovery. The physician specialists at Wyoming Orthopedics and Spine can offer you the most effective and attentive care of orthopedic issues related to falls on the ice. For a consultation, call 307.686.1413 or visit www.wyomingorthospine.com.

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