In Indiana, you never know what the weather will be like. This year, we’ve already experienced the constant changing temperatures, snow accumulations and icy conditions. Unfortunately, winter isn’t going anywhere and in February we can definitely expect some nasty winter weather.
Fortunately, we provide immediate care in Indianapolis at OrthoIndy Urgent Care. Some of the most common injuries we treat in the winter months are from falls on the ice. Mike Harvey, a physician assistant and director of OrthoIndy Urgent Care provides information about winter injuries and what you can do to avoid these injuries.
What are the most common sources of winter injuries you see in the urgent care?
We typically see ankle and wrist injuries that resulted from falling on the ice. We also see a number of shoulder, typically rotator cuff tendinitis, and wrist injuries from overuse due to a non-normal activity like shoveling snow. Also common this time of year are sledding injuries among children and ligament injuries from skiing accidents.
When should someone seek immediate care for a winter injury?
You should visit an OrthoIndy Urgent Care Clinic when you experience the following:
- Rapid onset of swelling or bruising after an injury
- Inability to bear weight through the extremity
- Pain that doesn’t improve within 24 to 48 hours
Which age groups are most affected by winter injuries?
Winter injuries do not discriminate… we see all ages of people who are affected by winter injuries.
What are some helpful tips to follow this winter to avoid orthopedic injuries?
- If you are new to a winter sport—take a lesson and wear protective equipment.
- Avoid fatigue. Many winter sports injuries occur when an individual is tired from working outside all day, like skiing or shoveling.
- Make sure any equipment you are using is in good working condition.
- Know your environment-Avoid sledding or skiing around obstacles.
When an injury can’t be avoided this winter, visit one our Indianapolis urgent care locations. Locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday hours are available at our Northwest and Westfield offices from noon to 4 p.m.
Schedule an appointment
Your well-being is important to us. Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
