Winter is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some of your favorite
winter sports activities. However, with
almost 200,000 people being treated for winter sports injuries last winter, we must talk about
proper safety measures.
Whether you are an active skier, ice skater, or snowmobiler, safety should
always be considered. To ensure your winter isn’t ruined by a sports
accident, here are a few friendly reminders to follow for an injury-free season:
Make it a Group Event
When participating in a winter sport, you’ll never want to do it
alone. Doing so can make sure that if any injury occurs, no matter how
minor, there will be somewhere there to help you. The last thing you want
is to twist your ankle skiing and be left out on the slope alone. Participating
in groups will ensure everyone can help each other out.
Check Your Winter Gear
Before each use, make sure your gear and equipment are working correctly
and not damaged. Make sure you have proper footwear for the event you're
participating in, and that you have padding and layers to keep you warm.
For instance, if you are planning on riding your snowmobile, make sure
your helmet is fitted correctly to prevent injury. If it’s your
first time participating in a winter sport, lessons might be an excellent
option to consider.
Don’t Forget to Stretch
From sprains and fractures to knee impairments, many sports injuries occur.
For instance, your knees are like the shock absorbers, so when they aren’t
prepared for the physical activity ahead, you could wind up with an injury.
Listen to your body, and avoid participating if you are in pain or overly
exhausted. Most importantly, don’t forget to stay hydrated before,
during, and after activity.
If a winter injury has you stuck on the couch this winter,
Powder River Orthopedics & Spine (PROS) is here to help in Gillette, Wyoming. We can evaluate your options
so you can rest assured that you get the best possible outcome and are
back to a happy and active life in no time.
Call the PROS at 307.686.1413 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/PROS to learn more.