Posted on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in General Health News
As the year winds down, winter is just beginning and has a unique way of presenting us with a new set of chores and hazards that, even with planning, can leave you needing to see your Signature Medical Group doctor.
Never mind marathon running or outdoor strolls, because slipping on ice can happen to anyone anytime. That's why some of the most common injuries that orthopedic surgeons see in the winter are to our wrists and backs from a variety of snow-and ice-related accidents.
Our orthopedic specialists at Signature Medical Group are available to treat all kinds of mishaps, but we'd like to give you three tips to beat the season:
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.
- Keep up a winter regimen of exercise, including daily stretching. Consult a personal trainer for exercise tips including exercises that isolate your core muscles.
- Make sure to seek care for any winter-related injuries. When your back has been sore for a prolonged period, it may not just be soreness. You could be seriously injured.
If you're one of the more adventurous winter enthusiasts, keep these 5 tips for winter athletes in mind:
- Never participate alone. Don't ski alone or walk the trail alone.
- Warm up thoroughly. Cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. If you do get injured, make sure to seek treatment even if it is after hours.
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.
- Check that equipment is working properly before use.
- Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.
If you experience pain after a winter accident, it is important to be evaluated by someone with experience with these types of injuries. Prompt identification and treatment is important to prevent problems later. Our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists can get you back on the slopes or back to enjoying the wintry weather. Set up an appointment with one of our board- certified orthopedic doctors today by calling or requesting an appointment online.
Tags
- accident
- athletes
- kansas city
- orthopedics
- st. louis
- tips