Winter is a beautiful season, but it also brings icy sidewalks, slippery driveways, and the increased risk of injuries. Slips and falls are among the most common accidents during the winter, but they’re not the only hazards. Strains, sprains, dislocations, and even fractures can occur when precautions are not taken. In this blog, we’ll provide some essential tips to help you stay safe and avoid winter-related injuries.

For same-day injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our medical team can evaluate your condition, diagnose your injury, and plan treatment with no appointment necessary. Just walk in!

Common Winter Injuries

1. Dislocation

Dislocations are very common during the winter months and it can happen due to slip and falls. During the winter, snow begins to pile on the ground and a single misstep can lead to a person dislocating their ankles, shoulders, or fingers. This injury is especially common during winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding.

2. Frostbite

Frostbite is another common winter condition which should be avoided. It can cause sores and blisters to quickly form all over the skin when it has been exposed to very low temperatures for a prolonged period of time.

3. Muscle Strain

It's very easy to experience muscle strain while engaging in physical activities such as running, shoveling, or moving heavy loads during winter. The cold weather also doesn't help this as it causes muscles to feel stiff and joint pain to worsen.

4. Head Injuries

Falls and slips in very mild situations can lead to a few bruises, and in more dangerous situations it can result in head injuries. The brain is a very fragile part of our body and injuries to the head can lead to permanent brain damage, concussion, and loss of consciousness.

5. Broken Arms and Legs

Another consequence of falling is that it can lead to broken arms and legs. It's much easier to slip in winter due to the ice. Ice is a hard surface, and falling on it without snow to cushion your fall is highly likely to cause a fracture. Some other winter injuries may also include bruises, back injuries, and ankle sprains.

Tips For Preventing These Injuries

• Keep Yourself Warm: One way to fight off the dangers of winter is the most important aspect, and that is keeping yourself warm. Following this advice will protect you from frostbite and hypothermia. Make sure to wear thick clothing to cover your body and gloves to protect your hands.

• Wear The Appropriate Footwear: The appropriate footwear for winter is preferably ones that provide traction on ice and snow. These types of shoes allow you to easily stay on the surface, prevent slips, and allow forward movement to be easier. If you're looking for shoes that do just that, check out rubber boots or shoes with rubber soles that have grip and texture that give you traction on snow and ice.

• Make Sure Your Extremities Are Properly Covered: To prevent winter injuries, make sure your hands, feet, and every part of your skin are covered, especially in harsh conditions. Frostbite is one of the more severe winter injuries, so you must take this precaution seriously.

• Walk Slowly and Plan Your Movement: In the winter, there's no need to rush while moving outside. The slippery ground and deceptive snow mandates that you walk slowly using small short steps and plan these steps ahead. When walking in thick snow, remember to not overcome and instead judge the depth of where you are stepping on to avoid falling.

• Watch Out For Slippery Surfaces and Black Ice: If you plan on going out during poor winter conditions, you should always be looking out for slippery surfaces wherever you are. It's common for people to slip in front of their houses or on stairs because it doesn't occur to them that those places could also be slippery due to ice.

Get Walk-In Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove

Winter injuries are preventable with the right precautions. By staying alert, wearing proper gear, and keeping your environment safe, you can enjoy the season without unnecessary risks. If you do experience an injury, the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove is here to help you recover quickly and safely. We can provide further guidance on how you can minimize the risk of injury throughout the year. Don’t ignore your injury– your health matters! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our office directly at (973) 239-2300.