Winter is an exciting time for those in sports like skiing and snowboarding, but that doesn’t keep them from getting injured. There are some injuries that are more common than others during this time, so we’re going to go through a handful of those and provide some explanation on them. If you or someone you know participates in winter sports, this article is for you! If you know someone in winter sports, share the article with them!
Concussions
Concussions are a common injury in a myriad of sports, and winter sports are no different. There are 23,500+ concussions that occur every year because of winter sports, a third being among children. And concussions are the leading cause of death and disability among skiers and snowboarders, so it’s important to be on the lookout for symptoms if you hit your head or take a hard fall. Symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- vomiting
Meniscus Injuries
The meniscus is made up of cartilage. It’s a disk in your knee that allows for smooth motion. When motions like sudden or certain twisting occur, the meniscus can tear. However, these tears usually only require minor care like physical therapy and steroids.
Dislocated Shoulder
Taking hard falls can put you at great risk of dislocating your shoulder. The joint is more mobile than others which makes it more susceptible to dislocation. Skiers, hockey players, figure skaters, and snowboarders are all at risk of dislocation because hard falls can occur in any of the sports. Seek immediate medical attention if you or a fellow athlete experience a hard fall because dislocation can be very painful and putting off care could lead to a frozen or totally immobile shoulder.
Whiplash
Depending on how you take a fall in your sport, you could experience whiplash. Whiplash is the sudden strain on your neck from your head falling vigorously. Scientifically, it’s a hyperextension. It can cause soreness in your neck and you could be at risk for a concussion as well. The effects might not come on immediately, so be on the lookout for the next couple of days for symptoms. Depending on the extent of the injury, conservative treatments and physical therapy can help you heal faster.
If you play a winter sport and have experienced any of the above injuries recently, contact Tieperman Health and Wellness! You should consult with an expert as soon as possible, and our experts want to help you figure out a treatment plan to heal quickly. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 6 pm, so call our office today!