9 Common Winter Injuries and How To Avoid Them

  • Edited By: Waqar Ali (Industrial Hygienist, ASP)

Winter brings with it a variety of outdoor activities and sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, that people look forward to every year. However, along with these winter activities come several injuries that can occur due to cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, and other hazards. In this article, we will explore nine common winter injuries that people may experience, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and fractures, and provide tips on how to avoid them. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy all that winter offers while minimizing your risk of injury.

Importance Of Being Aware Of Winter Injuries

Winter injuries are physical damages or health issues due to exposure to cold temperatures, icy conditions, and other winter-related hazards. These injuries can range from mild to severe and affect people of all ages and fitness levels. It is important to be aware of winter injuries to prevent them from occurring, ensure prompt treatment, and promote overall safety during the cold months.

Common winter injuries include frostbite, hypothermia, falls on ice, and overexertion injuries, such as strains and sprains. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, while hypothermia results from a dangerous drop in body temperature. Falls on ice can lead to fractures, dislocations, or concussions, and overexertion injuries are often caused by engaging in physical activities without proper warm-up or overestimating one’s abilities.

Awareness of winter injuries is crucial for several reasons:

  • Prevention: Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of winter injuries. This includes dressing appropriately for the weather, using proper footwear, and being cautious when walking on slippery surfaces.
  • Early detection: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of winter injuries can help ensure timely medical intervention, preventing further complications or permanent damage.
  • Education: Educating others about the risks and prevention strategies can create a safer environment for everyone during the winter.
  • Adaptation: Awareness of winter injuries enables individuals to adapt their activities and routines to minimize risks, such as avoiding outdoor activities during extreme colds or ensuring adequate rest and nutrition.

Winter injuries can be serious and even life-threatening, so it is vital to be aware of them and take appropriate precautions. By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures, individuals can enjoy the winter season while staying safe and healthy.

Winter Injuries and How To Avoid Them

We will discuss nine common winter injuries that can occur during the colder months. Understanding these injuries, you can better prepare and take preventive measures to stay safe and healthy during winter. The most common winter injuries are:

  1. Head injuries
  2. Shoulder injuries
  3. Back injuries
  4. Neck pain and tension
  5. Knee joint pain and soreness
  6. Wrist sprains
  7. Elbow fractures and dislocation
  8. Ankle sprains and strains
  9. Hip fracture and soreness

1. Head Injuries

Head injuries occur during the winter due to any number of incidents. Most commonly, falling on ice and hitting your head on the pavement can lead to a potentially serious brain injury. If this occurs, it will need immediate treatment by a physician. A brain injury can be difficult to treat, and often the symptoms won’t be noticed until long after the injury has occurred.

Head injuries can occur during winter activities like tobogganing, snowboarding, and skiing, or one can also occur as a result of a motor vehicle collision, which has the potential to lead to serious long-term health consequences.

How To Avoid Head Injuries?

Head injuries are a common concern during the winter months due to slippery and icy conditions that can cause slips and falls. Here are some tips on how to avoid head injuries during winter:

  • Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes or boots with good traction to prevent slipping on icy or slippery surfaces.
  • Use handrails: When walking up or down stairs, use the handrail for support and stability.
  • Wear a helmet: If you are participating in winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding, be sure to wear a helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for ice patches, uneven surfaces, and other hazards that can cause slips and falls.
  • Slow down: Be cautious when walking on icy or snowy surfaces to avoid losing footing.

Following these tips can reduce your risk of head injuries during the winter season. Remember to always take precautions and stay alert to avoid accidents and injuries.

2. Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries commonly occur when you fall on icy pavement. Dislocation can occur when your shoulder meets the hard ice-covered pavement. This damage to the shoulder joint can be severe and leave you suffering from soreness and bruising for a long time.

A torn rotator cuff can happen due to repetitive overhead motions from winter sports or shovelling snow. This muscle tear can leave you feeling sore and stiff and may result in a chronic injury.

Winter Injuries

How To Avoid Shoulder Injuries?

Shoulder injuries can occur during winter due to slips and fall or while participating in winter sports such as skiing or ice skating. Here are some tips on how to avoid shoulder injuries during the winter season:

  • Warm-up before physical activity: Before participating in any winter sports or activities, it is important to warm up your muscles to prevent strains and sprains.
  • Wear appropriate gear: If you are participating in winter sports, wear protective gear such as shoulder pads or braces to protect your shoulders from impact.
  • Use correct technique: When participating in winter sports or activities, use proper technique to avoid straining your shoulders.
  • Avoid heavy loads: Carrying heavy loads, such as bags of snow or ice, can strain your shoulders. Avoid carrying heavy loads or use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.
  • Watch for icy conditions: Slippery and icy conditions can cause slips and falls, resulting in shoulder injuries. Be cautious when walking on icy or snowy surfaces.

Following these tips can reduce your risk of shoulder injuries during the winter season. Remember to always take precautions and stay alert to avoid accidents and injuries.

3. Back Injuries

Plenty of winter incidents and activities can cause a back injury. The most common injury associated with shovelling snow is to the back, specifically the lower back. Back injuries can also result from a serious fall on icy pavement or stairs. Falls during winter sports and activities can also result in a back injury.

Another common way to injure your back in winter is by scraping your car’s windshield to remove ice and snow. The bending and leaning motion your body performs while reaching across to scrape the ice can result in pulled and strained back muscles.

Depending on the severity level, treating a back injury with heat may help to relax sore muscles. An injury caused by a fall on ice may damage your spine, so treatment by a physician will be required.

How To Avoid Back Injuries?

There are several steps you can take to prevent back injuries during the winter months:

  • Use proper body mechanics: When lifting heavy objects such as bags of salt, firewood, or even groceries, use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your back muscles. Bend at the knees and keep your back straight while lifting.
  • Warm-up: Before engaging in any physical activity, take a few minutes to warm up your muscles to prevent injuries.
  • Wear appropriate footwear: Proper footwear with good traction can help prevent falls on slippery surfaces.
  • Use caution while driving: Make sure your car is cleared of all ice and snow before driving. This can help prevent sudden movements that may cause a back injury.
  • Take breaks: If you shovel snow, take frequent breaks to rest your muscles and avoid overexertion.
  • Stretch: After any physical activity, take a few minutes to stretch your muscles to prevent stiffness and soreness.

These simple precautions allow you to avoid winter-related back injuries and enjoy the season safely.

4. Neck Injuries

Like back and shoulder injuries, neck injuries can occur due to several winter incidents. The repetitive motion of shovelling snow can lead to stiffness and soreness in the neck muscles. Neck injuries can also happen when scraping snow and ice from your car’s windshield when your muscles become strained from leaning and reaching.

These injuries can usually be treated with a heating pad to relax tense neck muscles. If a neck injury is caused by a fall or a motor vehicle collision, it should be treated in the emergency room.

How To Avoid Neck Injuries?

There are several ways to prevent neck injuries during winter:

  • Proper posture: Maintain good posture while shovelling snow or scraping ice from your car’s windshield. Keep your back straight, and avoid bending or twisting your neck.
  • Warm-up: Do stretching exercises before starting any physical activity in the cold weather to prepare your body and avoid straining your neck muscles.
  • Use the right equipment: Use a snow shovel with a curved handle or an adjustable length to ensure that you are shovelling at the right height for your body. Also, use an ice scraper with a long handle to avoid reaching and leaning forward.
  • Take breaks: Take frequent breaks during physical activity in the cold weather to avoid overexertion and prevent neck injuries.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear warm and layered clothing to protect your body from the cold weather, including your neck. A scarf can also keep your neck warm and prevent stiffness.
  • Seek medical attention: If you experience neck pain or discomfort, seek medical attention to prevent further damage or complications.

5. Knee Pain And Strain

High-impact winter sports can be very damaging to your knees over a period of time. This type of injury usually occurs while performing activities and sports such as skiing and snowboarding, where your knees absorb the shock of hard landings. Running outdoors on pavement can also cause a similar injury to your knees. The best thing to do with a knee injury is to take it easy until it heals, avoiding high-impact activities.

Winter Injuries And How To Avoid Them

How To Avoid Knee Pain And Strain?

Here are some tips to avoid knee pain and strain:

  • Warm-up: Before any physical activity, it is important to warm up your muscles and joints to prevent injury. Take a few minutes to stretch and do some light exercises.
  • Wear proper footwear: Wear shoes that provide good support and cushioning to your feet and knees. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes that don’t fit properly.
  • Strengthen your leg muscles: Strengthening your leg muscles, particularly your quadriceps and hamstrings, can help support your knees and prevent injury. Exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses can help build strength.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on your knees, leading to pain and strain. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the stress on your knees.
  • Avoid high-impact activities: Activities that involve jumping or hard landings, like skiing, snowboarding, and running on pavement, can be hard on your knees. Consider low-impact activities like swimming or cycling instead.
  • Listen to your body: If you experience pain or discomfort in your knees, take a break from physical activity and rest. Pushing through the pain can lead to further injury.

Following these tips can help prevent knee pain and strain and keep your knees healthy and strong.

6. Wrist Fractures And Strains

A fall on icy pavement can cause wrist injuries such as fractures and strains. When you take a fall, your natural instinct is to extend your arms and brace your fall with your hands. The impact of the fall on your hands can cause a severe wrist strain or even fracture.

The result can be a serious injury if not treated properly. Your wrist may heal improperly, leading to chronic pain later in life.

How To Avoid Wrist Fractures And Strains?

During the winter, many activities can stress your wrists, such as shovelling snow, ice-skating, and skiing. Here are some tips to help you avoid wrist fractures and strains during the winter:

  • Warm up properly: Before you engage in any physical activity, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up your muscles. This will help to prevent strains and injuries.
  • Use proper technique: When shovelling snow or engaging in other winter activities, use proper technique. Use your legs, not your back, to lift heavy objects, and use a straight wrist when holding tools or equipment.
  • Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, such as wrist guards or gloves, when engaging in activities that stress your wrists. This will help to absorb shock and prevent injury.
  • Take breaks: Rest your wrists if you feel any pain or discomfort. Overuse can lead to strains and fractures.
  • Build up strength: Build strength in your wrists through exercises and training. This will help to prevent strains and injuries and improve overall performance.

Always listen to your body and take necessary precautions to prevent injuries. If you experience pain or discomfort in your wrists, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Elbow Injuries

Like wrist injuries, elbow injuries can also arise from a fall on icy pavement. When you extend your arms to brace your fall, your wrists take the impact, and your elbows do as well. Your elbow could become dislocated if the impact is so significant that it pops your bone out of position. Otherwise, a more potentially severe injury could be an elbow fracture. This can lead to long-term pain if not treated properly.

How To Avoid Elbow Injuries?

Elbow injuries are common in winter, especially if you’re participating in outdoor sports or activities. Here are some tips to help you avoid elbow injuries in winter:

  • Warm up properly: Warm up properly before engaging in any physical activity. This will help increase blood flow to your muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Wear appropriate gear: Make sure you wear appropriate gear for your activity. For example, wear elbow pads or guards to protect your elbows from impact when skiing or snowboarding.
  • Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks during physical activity to give your body a rest and prevent overuse injuries. Take breaks every hour or so to stretch and rest.
  • Strengthen your muscles: Strengthening the muscles around your elbow can help prevent injuries. Focus on exercises that target your biceps, triceps, and forearms.
  • Use proper technique: Make sure you use the proper technique when engaging in physical activity. This will help reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance.
  • Stay hydrated: Dehydration can increase your risk of injury, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity.
  • Listen to your body: If you experience any pain or discomfort in your elbow, stop the activity and rest. Ignoring pain can lead to more serious injuries.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of elbow injuries in winter and enjoy your favourite activities safely.

8. Ankle Strain

Falls on slippery, icy pavement can also cause ankle injuries. You can easily roll and twist your ankle when you struggle to recover your balance after slipping on ice. This may become a muscle injury whereby the tendon has been strained. Otherwise, a certain type of fracture in the ankle bone can result if more impact has been felt. This type of fracture can be caused not only by a fall on iced-over sidewalks but also due to winter sports injuries.

Common Winter Injuries and How to Prevent Them

How To Avoid Ankle Strain?

Ankle strains are common injuries that can occur during winter due to slippery and icy surfaces. Here are some tips to help you avoid ankle strain in winter:

  • Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with good traction and slip-resistant soles. If you’re walking on snow or ice, consider wearing snow boots with a deep tread.
  • Take it slow: Walk slowly and carefully on slippery surfaces. Avoid running or making sudden movements that could cause your ankle to twist.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings: Pay attention to the surface you’re walking on, and watch out for patches of ice or snow. Avoid walking in areas where the ground is uneven or slippery.
  • Warm up before exercising: If you’re doing any outdoor activities involving walking or running, warm up first. Stretch your ankles and legs to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Use walking aids: If you have difficulty walking or balance issues, consider using a cane or walker to provide support and stability.
  • Stay hydrated: Even in the winter, staying hydrated is important. Dehydration can cause fatigue and increase the risk of injury.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of ankle strain and enjoy a safe and healthy winter season.

9. Hip Fracture

Slips and falls on icy roads and sidewalks can result in many broken bones, fractures, and injuries. But one of the more severe injuries occurs when a fall is so hard and sudden that it fractures the hip bone. This can be a very difficult injury to repair and cause chronic, long-term pain. This injury especially affects seniors predisposed to osteoporosis or previous hip injuries. This injury should certainly be treated as an emergency by a physician.

How To Avoid Hip Fracture?

Hip fractures can be particularly dangerous for older adults, and there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of hip fractures during the winter months:

  • Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with good traction to avoid slipping on icy or wet surfaces.
  • Use assistive devices: Consider using a cane, walker or other assistive device to improve your stability and balance on slippery surfaces.
  • Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity to help maintain your strength, flexibility and balance.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings: Pay attention to your environment and be aware of hazards such as uneven surfaces, slippery spots and obstacles.
  • Make modifications to your home: Install handrails and grab bars in areas such as bathrooms and stairways to help prevent falls.
  • Be cautious when entering and exiting vehicles: Use a sturdy stool or step to help safely get in and out of vehicles.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your muscles and bones healthy.
  • Get regular check-ups: Talk to your doctor about any medications or medical conditions that could increase your risk of falls.

Following these tips can help reduce your risk of hip fractures during the winter months. If you have concerns about your risk for hip fractures or overall health and safety, speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Exposure to cold weather can cause a variety of injuries, including:

  • Frostbite: This occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, usually on the fingers, toes, nose, or ears.
  • Hypothermia: This occurs when your body temperature drops below the normal range. Symptoms can include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
  • Chilblains: This is a painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin that can occur when the skin is exposed to cold and damp conditions.
  • Trench foot: This is a condition that occurs when the feet are exposed to cold and wet conditions for an extended period of time. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, and a tingling or itching sensation.
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon: This is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict in response to cold temperatures, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.

It is important to dress appropriately for cold weather and to take steps to keep your body warm and dry to prevent these injuries from occurring.

Yes, injuries are more common in winter. This is because colder temperatures and adverse weather conditions can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Slip and fall accidents are more common in the winter due to icy sidewalks and roads, and people are more likely to engage in winter sports or activities that carry a higher risk of injury, such as skiing or snowboarding.

Ice and snow can increase the risk of several types of injuries, including:

  • Slip and fall injuries: These are among the most common injuries related to ice and snow. Slippery surfaces can cause people to lose their footing and fall, resulting in fractures, sprains, and other injuries.
  • Frostbite: Exposure to cold temperatures, especially in combination with wet conditions, can cause frostbite, which occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze.
  • Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can also lead to hypothermia, which occurs when the body temperature drops below the normal range.
  • Snow shoveling injuries: Shoveling snow can put a strain on the back and other muscles, increasing the risk of strains and sprains.
  • Skiing and snowboarding injuries: Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding can carry a higher risk of injury due to the speed and nature of these activities.

To prevent these injuries, it is important to take precautions such as wearing appropriate footwear with good traction, clearing sidewalks and driveways of snow and ice, avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, and using proper lifting techniques when shoveling snow. In addition, wearing appropriate protective gear and taking lessons before engaging in winter sports can also help reduce the risk of injury.

Slip and fall injuries are one of the most common types of injuries during winter months, especially when there is snow or ice on the ground. When people walk on icy or snowy surfaces, it can cause them to slip and fall, resulting in a variety of injuries such as sprains, fractures, and head injuries.

In fact, slip and fall injuries are a leading cause of emergency room visits during the winter months, particularly for older adults. The risk of slip and fall injuries can be reduced by wearing appropriate footwear with good traction, avoiding slippery surfaces, and using handrails when walking on stairs or inclines.

It is also important to clear sidewalks and driveways of snow and ice to prevent others from slipping and falling, and to use salt or other de-icing agents to melt the ice. By taking these precautions, individuals can help prevent slip and fall injuries and stay safe during the winter months.

The four types of cold injuries are:

  • Frostbite: This occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, usually on the fingers, toes, nose, or ears. Frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage and even lead to amputation if left untreated.
  • Hypothermia: This occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below the normal range. Symptoms can include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  • Trench Foot: This is a condition that occurs when the feet are exposed to cold and wet conditions for an extended period of time. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, and a tingling or itching sensation.
  • Chilblains: This is a painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin that can occur when the skin is exposed to cold and damp conditions. Symptoms can include redness, itching, and swelling.

These cold injuries can occur in various settings, including outdoor recreational activities, outdoor work, and prolonged exposure to cold indoor environments. It is important to take appropriate precautions to prevent these injuries, such as wearing warm and dry clothing, avoiding prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions, and seeking medical attention if symptoms of a cold injury develop.

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Author

Raja Umer

Umer is a safety professional with four years of experience across construction and general industries, with a focus on implementing safety measures to protect workers and customers.