Tips on Preventing Winter Sports Injury from a Sports Medicine Physician

As the snow begins to fall and the temperature starts to drop, many people begin to plan their winter sports activities. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow, it’s important to be aware of the risks of winter sports injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 250,000 people are treated for winter sports injuries each year.

Let’s talk about some simple tips you can follow to help prevent yourself from becoming a statistic and where you can go in St. Peters, MO, for effective pain management.

Warm Up Before You Play

One of the most important things you can do to prevent injury is to warm up before participating in winter sports. To warm up properly, gradually increase your heart rate with light aerobic activity such as jogging or jumping rope. Then, perform some dynamic stretches such as leg swings or arm circles. Once your muscles are warm, you’ll be less likely to pull or strain them during your chosen activity.

Dress for Success

Another key factor in preventing winter sports injuries is dressing appropriately for the conditions. Wear layers of clothing that will keep you warm without making you too hot and sweaty. Make sure your clothing is loose enough to allow for a full range of motion but not so loose that it will get caught on something and cause you to fall. In addition, wear gloves or mittens and a hat to help keep your extremities warm. And finally, don’t forget about sunglasses or goggles – the sun’s reflection on the snow can damage your eyes just like it does in the summertime.

Use the Right Equipment

Using the proper equipment is also important in preventing winter sports injuries. Make sure that your skis or snowboard are properly tuned and that your bindings fit snugly but not too tightly. Wear a helmet when participating in any activity with a risk of head injuries, such as skiing or sledding. And finally, use knee pads and elbow pads if you are going to be doing any floor work, such as shoveling snow.

Take Breaks and Listen to Your Body

If you start to feel fatigued, take a break so you can rest and recover. Pushing yourself too hard is one of the most common ways of getting injuries like tendonitis. Luckily, your body is designed to alarm you before a serious injury occurs. If something doesn’t feel right or you are having pain in some part of your body, stop what you’re doing. Rest and seek medical attention if necessary.

Get Pre-evaluation from a Sports Medicine Specialist

If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, getting a pre-evaluation from a sports medicine specialist is a good idea. They can help identify any areas at risk for injury and take steps to prevent pain or other problems. A sports medicine specialist can also guide proper technique and equipment use. And if you experience an injury, they can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you recover quickly and safely. By getting a pre-evaluation from a sports medicine specialist, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy winter sports without putting your health at risk.

Sports Medicine Physician in St. Peters, MO

If you are looking for relief from sports injuries, look no further. At Advanced Bone & Joint, our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians frequently help patients deal with chronic pain stemming from musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. We offer many advanced treatments to avoid dependence on strong pain medications and unnecessary surgeries.

If you want to know how the sports medicine physician in St. Peters can help you, call us today at (636) 229-4222, or schedule an appointment with us by using our convenient online appointment request form.