Winter Sports Injuries

Hackettstown, NJ – The recent snow accumulations have been great news for those who enjoy outdoor winter sports. However, one should also be aware that snow and ice are hazardous and can be the cause of many injuries to the hand and wrist during the winter months. This is not surprising, as the natural tendency when we begin to fall is to place our hands out in front of us to protect ourselves. A simple slip and fall while walking can cause significant injury in this way. When travelling much faster, such as when skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, injuries can be more severe. The most common hand injury while skiing is the tear of a thumb ligament. It is so common that this injury has come to be known as “Skier’s Thumb.” Snowboarders are actually twice as likely as skiers to injure their hand or wrist. A fall onto an outstretched hand while snowboarding will typically result in a fracture involving the forearm or one of the small bones of the wrist. In addition to falls, a collision with another skater while ice-skating can also lead to serious injury. Special poles for skiing and wrist guards for snowboarding are available and can reduce the risk of injury. Taking lessons to learn how to fall safely are also effective. If you do experience pain after a fall while enjoying one of these winter activities, it is very important to be evaluated by someone with experience with these injuries. Prompt identification and treatment is important to prevent problems later. The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey can provide you with the care you need to return to the slopes as soon as possible. The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey is a thriving Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine practice established in 2006. The medical staff specializes in sports-related injuries and disorders, with an emphasis on those involving the shoulder, knee, spine, foot, ankle, hand and upper extremity, as well as pain management. The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey serves Warren, Sussex, and Morris counties and Eastern Pennsylvania with 14 office locations. For more information about these award winning doctors or to learn more about The Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey, please visit www.ORTHOPEDICNJ.com.