How Do You Prevent Winter Sports Injuries? The Pros at Danbury Orthopedics Give Tips
Winter is the time that some sports enthusiasts look forward to, when they can enjoy skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and more. However, winter is also the time when orthopedists see many injuries related to those very sports.
According to Dr. Angelo Ciminiello, a Sports Medicine Specialist at Danbury Orthopedics, the most common injuries he sees this time of year are torn ACLs from skiers, broken or fractured wrists from snowboarders and skaters, and many concussions.
Proper Gear Can Prevent Common Injuries
He recommends always wearing a helmet for any of these winter sports, since this simple step can prevent a serious concussion. To prevent against broken wrists, he suggests using a specialized glove with a wrist guard built-in, which can help prevent a fracture. Wearing mouth guards and other protective equipment when playing hockey is also a must.
For skiers, be sure the bindings are appropriate for your weight and height so they will disengage when needed. A torn ACL occurs when the foot is planted and the knee is turned. If the bindings release your foot after a fall, you are less likely to tear the ACL.
How to Determine if the Injury is Serious?
How do you know if you’ve torn your ACL? “You usually hear a pop in the knee, followed by swelling and pain when putting weight on the knee. If that happens see an orthopedist immediately,” Dr. Ciminiello advises. The same holds true for a broken wrist. If you have swelling after a fall and are unable to use the hand properly, see an orthopedist. “Do not take a wait and see attitude, since immediate treatment will result in a much more successful recovery,” he adds.
Stretching Really is Important for Injury Prevention
Danbury Orthopedics treats more than 2,000 sports injury cases each year --- from ACL and rotator cuff surgeries to complicated multi-ligament injuries to tendonitis. They are also at the forefront of concussion management.
With offices in Danbury, Ridgefield and Southbury, Danbury Orthopedics is the area’s premier multi-specialty orthopedic practice. The Sports Medicine Center at Danbury Orthopedics is dedicated to the complete care of the athlete -- from professional, collegiate and high school athletes to recreational, youth players and weekend warriors. The Sports Medicine Center specializes in sports injury treatment and rehabilitation through both surgical and non-surgical techniques. The team of four fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Specialty Physicians include: Dr. Michael G. Brand, Dr. Angelo Ciminiello, Dr. J. Albert Diaz and Dr. Ross Henshaw. Walk-in orthopedic urgent care services for injuries are also available at the group’s OrthoCare Express location at 226 White Street in Danbury, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.