Common winter orthopaedic injuries

Winter can be a beautiful time of the year, but it can also be risky for our bodies if we don't take the right precautions. Sports like skiing or even activities like shoveling snow can lead to orthopaedic injuries such as tears, fractures or sprains, even in the most athletic among us.

By being aware of the dangers and taking proper precautions, we can stay safe and have a fun winter season.

Torn ligaments in knees can happen to Olympic athletes too

If the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics have inspired you to take up a winter sport, you may want to pause before going all in. Just a week before the Olympics' opening ceremony, downhill skier Lindsey Vonn ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Despite this injury, Vonn planned to represent Team USA and compete for a gold medal.

Unfortunately, during her downhill Olympic race on February 8, Vonn lost control causing her to crash and required surgery for a leg fracture. It's not yet clear whether her torn ACL contributed to the crash.

Staying active with an ACL rupture (tear) should not be taken lightly by anyone, not even world class athletes. According to Christopher R. Kester, DO, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine surgeon at Main Line Health, "ACL tears can be debilitating by causing persistent pain, instability and swelling. And, if not treated properly, a torn ACL can lead to osteoarthritis."

Treatment for a torn ACL

ACL, short for anterior cruciate ligament, controls knee rotation and the forward motion of the shin bone, both of which are key to successful skiing. A torn ACL is one of the most common ligament and knee injuries with approximately 400,000 surgeries performed in the U.S. every year to repair them. "The best treatment for an athlete with a torn ACL is surgery to reconstruct the ligament using your own tissue or that of a donor," explains Dr. Kester.

Even though ACL surgery is very common, returning to a high-impact sport like skiing is still an uphill battle. After surgery, full recovery from an ACL tear requires an extensive rehabilitation period. "An athlete would need nine to 12 months of physical therapy (PT) before they can return to their sport," explained Dr. Kester.

Preventing tears in ACLs and other ligaments during the winter

Preparation can be key to keeping your ligaments intact when you hit the slopes. "To avoid injuries like sprains and tears, make sure to properly fit your equipment before hitting the slopes," says Blair S. Ashley, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at Main Line Health.

Joint injuries in knees and hips from winter activities

As mentioned previously, skiing and snowboarding are great winter activities, but they can also put a lot of strain on the joints in your knees and hips.

Slippery conditions can lead to falls, and you'll want to watch for hip fractures. If you're an active skier or snowboarder in the winter and have had joint replacement surgery, you may also be at risk of a periprosthetic fracture or dislocation.

"Periprosthetic fractures occur when a fracture happens around the joint replacement implant," says Dr. Ashley, "while a periprosthetic dislocation occurs when the joint is displaced from its normal position."

Symptoms of fractures to watch for include:

• Pain
• Inability to bear weight
• Swelling or bruising
• Instability
• Numbness or tingling

If you experience any pain or discomfort in your knees or hips, take it seriously. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E) can help manage minor injuries, but persistent pain may require medical attention.

Shoulder injuries from slips, falls and winter sports

With snowy, picturesque landscapes often come icy surfaces - snow and ice can lead to increased risk of falls and injuries like dislocated shoulders or rotator cuff tears.

"You have to be cautious at this time of the year," says David L Rubenstein, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder surgery. "I've seen an uptake in shoulder injuries during the winter season over the years."

Be aware of slippery, icy surfaces and be extra cautious when carrying heavy loads. Wearing proper footwear with enough traction can help minimize your chance of slipping.

Shoveling is one of the leading causes of shoulder pain or injury in the winter. Cold weather on its own leads to tense muscles. So, when you shovel in these conditions, you're putting extreme stress on your rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.

"Sometimes, people are unaware of the signs of injury until after they're done shoveling," says Dr. Rubenstein. "The numbness and cold can hide initial rotator cuff symptoms. Always be cautious when shoveling, as well as when scraping ice and snow off your car."

Make sure you see your doctor if you have ongoing pain after a fall, pain after participating in winter sports or pain after shoveling. This can help you avoid further injury.

Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Rubenstein

Hand and wrist injuries due to cold weather activities

During winter, activities like ice skating and shoveling snow can easily cause injuries to our hands and wrists. Falls from these activities can lead to sprains or fractures, while gripping tools tightly can strain our wrists even more.

To keep your hands and wrists safe during winter sports or outdoor tasks, make sure to use proper equipment and techniques. Wearing wrist supports can add stability and reduce the risk of injuries.

Using tools that are designed to reduce strain can be very helpful. For instance, snow shovels with adjustable handles can help you keep a good posture and reduce stress on your wrists. Wrist guards can also provide extra protection when participating in activities like ice skating.

Make sure to pay attention to your body and take breaks to prevent overuse injuries. "If you feel any pain or discomfort, don't ignore it. Take a break and evaluate how you're feeling," says Philip M. Petrucelli, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at Main Line Health.

Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Petrucelli

Back injuries caused by shoveling snow and slips

Shoveling snow can also lead to back injuries; seniors are particularly prone to back and spinal injuries during snow removal. To avoid strains and sprains, lift with your legs and push snow instead of lifting it. Remember to take breaks when you need them and stay hydrated.

Slipping on ice poses another risk for back injuries. To prevent this, remember to wear shoes with good grip and use traction cleats. Be careful and move slowly when walking on slippery surfaces to avoid falling, and use ice melt in high traffic areas around your home.

"Whenever you go out to shovel, you might want to take a few moments for gentle stretches," says Scott A. Rushton, MD, a spine surgeon at Main Line Health, "which can help prepare your back muscles for shoveling."

If you feel any pain or discomfort, remember that you shouldn't ignore it. Head indoors as needed and remember that applying ice and doing gentle stretches can help. If the pain persists, it's best to seek medical attention to prevent further issues.

Pay attention to pain and take a break before it gets worse

Do not push through if you feel something off during your winter activities. Taking these precautions can help you stay active and enjoy winter activities while keeping your joints healthy and injury-free.

Next steps

Make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist

Learn about orthopaedic care at Main Line Health

If you're an athlete or physically active, learn about Main Line Health's sports medicine program.

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