Common Winter Sports Injuries

As the weather turns colder and winter sets in, sports move inside and people cheer in gyms instead of stadiums. For athletes, winter sports presents a new opportunity for competition in a whole new arena. But, with new sports comes the potential for new injuries. NARA wants athletes to have as much knowledge as possible to protect themselves, so brush up on these common injuries associated with various winter sports. Common Basketball Injuries Basketball is a game that requires aerobic endurance as well as the ability to make explosive movements against other competitors. Because there are so many different types of movements in basketball, it is a sport where injuries can occur from head to toe. Among the most common injuries for basketball players are ankle sprains and knee injuries, but athletes can also injure their wrist due to shooting, or jam their fingers on the ball. Common Wrestling Injuries Wrestling is a unique sport because it is one of the few sports that features one-on-one competition. But, fewer athletes on the mat doesn’t mean athletes still aren’t at risk for injury. Aside from the risk for scrapes and bruises that come with one-on-one wrestling, wrestlers are also at risk for knee and shoulder injuries that come with the twists and turns of the sport, as well as concussions. Common Outdoor Winter Sports Injuries Whether you’re taking to the slopes for skiing and snowboarding or you’re just going sledding on a local hill with your friends, there are still injuries that can occur. Skiing and snowboarding put a lot of work on your legs, so knee injuries are not uncommon. Skiers and snowboarders can also sustain injuries to their back and tailbone form falls. Falls can also lead to sprains and broken bones in the wrist, hand and fingers as snowboarders, skiers and people on sleds brace themselves during a fall. While there is always a risk for injuries during winter sports season, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t participate. NARA is here to support and educate physical therapy and rehabilitation providers as they serve their patients during winter and beyond. See what we’re about by checking out our website today.