As we move forward into the midst of winter, more people across the country participate in potentially dangerous winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. While in Texas, we may only get a chance to partake in winter sports during a vacation to a snowier region, it’s still best to be prepared for what harsh winter conditions may bring. The month of January is a national awareness month for the dangers of winter sports, including the risk of potential traumatic brain injuries. The risks associated with winter sports can be higher for those who only participate in winter activities once or twice a year. To provide more information regarding injury prevention and other statistics, we’re listing the top for most dangerous winter sports.
Skiing
Nearly 200,000 people were treated for winter sports-related injuries in 2018 in the United States alone. Out of all the most dangerous winter sports, injuries from skiing took the top spot, with an estimated total of 76,000 injuries. There are various types of ski injuries that land people in the hospital. Common injuries range from knee and joint issues to fractured extremities and even traumatic brain injuries. Many of these ski accidents can be attributed to the infrequency in which the sport is practiced. If you are only skiing once a year on vacation, it’s a good idea to prepare for the ski season with a general preseason conditioning program, in addition to double-checking the quality of your equipment and easing into the sports. Just because you may have ended last season on a double black diamond doesn’t mean that you should start your ski season where you left off.
Snowboarding
While skiing may have the most injuries, snowboarding is not too far behind. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there was a reported 53,000 injuries from snowboarding in 2018. Improper warm-up, falls, a lack of proper equipment and other reckless behavior on the slopes plays a significant role in what makes snowboarding one of the most dangerous winter sports. Even with practice and skill, accidents are always possible, which is why wearing a helmet is one of the top recommendations made by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. While it is advised that all skiers and snowboarders wear a helmet, it may be even more important for the men who practice these sports. Reports have shown that male skiers are twice as likely to end up in the emergency room as female skiers, and male snowboarders are four times more likely to visit the ER than female snowboarders.
Ice Skating
Ice skating may not immediately seem like a high-intensity sport, but when you consider the speed associated with sports like hockey, it becomes a little more clear as to what it is regarded as one of the most dangerous winter sports. Like most winter sports, both hockey and ice skating require special equipment that, depending on the fit and quality, can either promote or detract from the safety of the activity. With the proper training and equipment, injuries are not as common as in other sports, but when you only ice skate a few times a year and don’t have access to well-fitting or functioning equipment, accidents can occur.
Sledding
Sledding may seem safe and easy fun, but the lack of control inherent in this activity can lead to collisions and injuries. Most sledding injuries occur in children aged 14 and younger, so it’s especially important to ensure that kids are supervised on the sledding hill. Because there aren’t any requirements when it comes to sledding equipment, taking time to monitor weather and snow conditions is an essential part of keeping children safe this winter.
In Case of Emergency
If accidents occur while participating in any of the listed dangerous winter sports, seek diagnosis and treatment from a sports medicine physician or an orthopedic doctor for any musculoskeletal injuries. For potential traumatic brain injuries, seek immediate treatment at the closest emergency room.
Consult an Orthopedic Specialist
The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about sports-related orthopedic injuries, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.
