Being active is not only important to your physical health, but it also helps you to maintain a positive outlook on life, boosts your self-confidence and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Living in Colorado Springs means that if you want to remain active all year long, you will be going outside when the sidewalks and streets may be icy and snowy. These tips can help you to avoid winter sports injuries.
Conditioning
Get your body ready for the winter weather. Your specialist in sports medicine in Colorado Springs can help you to get your muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints prepared for the cold and common issues like falls due to slippery surfaces. Conditioning might include some stretching exercises along with practicing proper techniques for your preferred winter sport.
Easing Into Your Favorite Sport
Even if you are an elite athlete, if it has been six months since you last skied on the snowy slopes, take it easy on your first run out. Some common injuries such as torn ACLs, MCLs and ankle sprains occur as a result of trying to do too much activity for too long of a time. Rather than spending a full 10 hour day out on the slopes on your first visit of the year, ease into it with an hour or two of activity, followed by an equal period of rest or light activity such as walking. Alternating sports such as skiing one day and going on a winter hike the next day also helps to avoid torn ligaments and swollen joints that occur due to overuse.
Wear Suitable Gear
Make sure that the gear you used last year is still in excellent condition. If your helmet has passed its expiration date, purchase a new one. Thinned gloves and torn boots should also be replaced. Your feet may even have changed sizes in the past year. Your sports medicine physician can help you to choose the right gear if you suffer from any issues like osteoarthritis in your knees or hips. Selecting the right gear helps to minimize your pain and lessens your risk of experiencing an injury from winter sports.
In the event that you do sustain an injury, it is important to have it diagnosed and treated right away. This allows your body to heal correctly, which can reduce the chances of further injury or deformities due to improper healing. The moment you believe you’ve sustained an injury, do not delay visiting a sports medicine facility in Colorado Springs, such as Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence.
Sources:
(Winter Sports Injuries – Facts and Figures, intermountainhealthcare.org)
(Avoid 6 Common Winter Sports Injuries, menshealth.com)
Colorado Center for Orthopaedic Excellence 