Merry Christmas friends!

Navigating the Christmas season brings about a surge in physical activity; decorating, cooking meals, planning activities and traveling, all which consequently, produce an increased risk of injuries. Dr. Jeff Hall and Chattanooga Non-surgical Orthopedics recognizes the potential hazards associated with the busyness of the holidays and we see a lot of orthopedic issues this time of year. The colder weather actually compounds the problem and we see athletes and non-athletes alike suffering acute and chronic problems throughout the winter in the Chattanooga area.

Here are some of most prevalent orthopedic injuries we see during the holiday season so you are aware of potential pitfalls and can take preventative action where you can:

Falls:

• Engaging in activities such as household repairs, assembling and disassembling the Christmas tree, and other holiday tasks often involves using a ladder. Falling from a ladder stands out as a primary cause of orthopedic injuries during the holidays. Falls can also occur when slipping on icy pavement or engaging in winter sports. In such instances, you might easily lose your footing, resulting in hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, arm, or wrist injuries.

Slips:

• Chattanooga area winters bring synonymous activities like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding — high-risk endeavors with a significant potential for injury. Slipping on ice can lead to foot or ankle fractures, sprains, or strains. Skiing presents risks of hand, wrist, and finger injuries, with the skier’s thumb being a common skiing-related ligament tear. 

Overuse Injuries:

• Though not always prevalent in the south, the occasional need of shoveling snow can result in various orthopedic problems. It’s no wonder many opt to have others handle the task. Shoveling snow, especially for extended periods, can lead to overuse injuries. Rotator cuff injuries and back strains are common after snow shoveling. Improper body mechanics, such as forgetting to bend your knees while shoveling and lifting, can exert pressure on your lower back and arms.

Preventing common orthopedic injuries during the holidays is highly possible, but even with preventative steps, injuries still happen. If you have pain from an overuse injury or other low back, neck or joint pain, consult us at Chattanooga Non-surgical Orthopedics right away and get an appointment at 423-499-0003. We can help you get immediate pain relief and avoid further damage.

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