Brace for winter injuries

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — Colorado is known for its snowy fun, hosting roughly 40% of U.S. skiing and snowboarding visits annually. However, a fall on the slopes can quickly put an end to a great winter. While knee injuries make up 50% of all slope-side injuries, upper-extremity injuries account for another 18% of skiing injuries and 26% of snowboarding injuries.

“With snowboarding, wrists tend to be more exposed, making them more susceptible to injuries, whereas with skiing, many skiers use poles, so the equipment lends to different upper-extremity injuries,” says Rajshri Bolson, MD, a board-certified orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon who specializes in upper-extremity musculoskeletal issues at AdventHealth Castle Rock.

How to Prevent Falls on the Slopes

“When it comes to prevention — and the magnitude of the injury — it really depends on three key factors: the person, the conditions and the energy of the fall,” Dr. Bolson says.

• Person: Age, reaction time, bone health, and equipment can all impact an injury and its prognosis. Avoid skiing or snowboarding if you’re too tired or inebriated. Equipment should fit properly. To improve upper-body bone health, lift weights and maintain a balanced diet.
• Conditions: Icy or slushy snow greatly impact injury risk. Visibility is also important to avoid obstacles and ensure a safe landing when falling.
• Energy of the fall: “The faster you are going when you fall, the higher probability that your injury will be more severe,” Dr. Bolson says. Consider your skill level when choosing a speed on the slopes.

Upper-body extremity injuries with extreme pain or an obvious deformity warrant a visit to the emergency room for evaluation, treatment, or stabilization until you can be seen by an orthopedic surgeon.

“My patients and I work together to determine the best method of treatment to achieve the outcomes they desire,” Dr. Bolson says. “We also see plenty of ‘tweener’ injuries, which means perhaps we could operate but perhaps there are other options as well, like hand therapy and casting or immobilization.”

You don’t have to hit the slopes to be injured. Falls on ice are one of the biggest hazards of winter. Here are three tips to avoid winter wipeouts:

• Walk in well-lit areas and go around ice
• Wear shoes with good traction or use Yaktrax or microspikes
• Keep your dog on a short leash to reduce pulling leverage
• Walk like a penguin, taking short, shuffling steps with flat feet
• Be extra cautious getting in or out of your car, as these are common places for ice

Schedule your personalized appointment today at Call720-455-8024