With the winter in full swing, we want to provide you with some insights regarding the most common winter sports injuries that we at MidAmerica Orthopaedics have seen over our decades of being open for business in Chicagoland, and how you can best position yourself to avoid them and limit their effects if you happen to suffer one.

Common Winter Sports Injury #1: Knee Ligament Injuries

Torn or damaged knee ligaments are one of the main risks that come with sports such as skiing and snowboarding. These sports involve heavy pressure on the knees and ankles, however, due to the large boots that are typically worn while active, the ankle is more protected.

To prevent any kind of knee injury while on the slopes, avoid any runs that are beyond your skill level, take lessons if you are a beginner, and always stretch before hitting the hills.

Common Winter Sports Injury #2: Concussions

Regardless of how they occur, concussions are very serious injuries that are potentially life-threatening if severe enough or a result of repeated blows. Unfortunately, they are all-too-common in one of the most popular winter sports for young athletes, hockey.

The Canadian Journal of Surgery published a comprehensive, seven-year study that showed that even seemingly “minor” concussions suffered during sports such as hockey can have devastating long term effects.

The best methods of preventing concussions in hockey are relatively straightforward. Whether playing competitively or casually, you should always wear a helmet that fits snugly and properly and avoid hard collisions whenever possible.

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, we have a clinic fully dedicated to concussions, and can offer our patients the highest quality care possible. If you are unsure if you or your child have suffered a concussion but don’t want to take the risk of inaction? Make an appointment today through our portal.

Common Winter Sports Injury #3: Shoulder and Arm Injuries

During the winter months, we see many injuries in our Hand to Shoulder Clinic that result from slipping on ice – whether that is ice on the sidewalks, or from an ice rink. We naturally use our arms to break our falls when we slip, and so that can commonly result in wrist sprains or shoulder sprains, or in worse cases, dislocations and fractures.

The best way to prevent these kinds of injuries is to avoid traveling alone, wear proper footwear, and watch your step at all times.

As a reminder, don’t hesitate to contact MidAmerica Orthopaedics to set up an appointment to find out more about protecting your active teen or treating a possible injury. Our team of specialists is ready to help!