ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and tobogganing are a few fun activities to help keep you active during the cold and snowy season. But, before you consider hitting the slopes, think about safety techniques to avoid common injuries, such as ankle or muscle strains and broken bones.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2017, emergency departments, doctors' offices and clinics treated:
The AAOS offers the following tips for winter sports safety:
For a guide to winter sports injury prevention visit, OrthoInfo.org.
Visit AAOS, at:Newsroom.aaos.org for bone and joint health news, stats, facts, images and interview requests.ANationinMotion.org for inspirational patient stories, and orthopaedic surgeon tips on maintaining bone and joint health, avoiding injuries, treating musculoskeletal conditions and navigating recovery.Orthoinfo.org for patient information on hundreds of orthopaedic diseases and conditions.Facebook.org/AAOS1 Twitter.com/AAOS1 Instagram.com/AAOS_1
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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2017, emergency departments, doctors' offices and clinics treated:
- 68,809 people for snow skiing-related injuries.
- 54,349 people for snowboard-related injuries; and
- 52,308 people for ice skating-related injuries; and
- 4,499 people for toboggan-related injuries.
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The AAOS offers the following tips for winter sports safety:
- Keep in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities.
- Warm up thoroughly before playing or participating. Cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are more vulnerable to injury.
- Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.
- Check that equipment is working properly prior to use.
- Wear several layers of light, loose and water-and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.
- Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
- Avoid participating alone in a winter sport.
- Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature.
- Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you, or anyone with you is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.
For a guide to winter sports injury prevention visit, OrthoInfo.org.
Visit AAOS, at:Newsroom.aaos.org for bone and joint health news, stats, facts, images and interview requests.ANationinMotion.org for inspirational patient stories, and orthopaedic surgeon tips on maintaining bone and joint health, avoiding injuries, treating musculoskeletal conditions and navigating recovery.Orthoinfo.org for patient information on hundreds of orthopaedic diseases and conditions.Facebook.org/AAOS1 Twitter.com/AAOS1 Instagram.com/AAOS_1
View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enjoy-the-icy-slopes-and-sidestep-injuries-300765295.html
SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons