Winter sports provide children with an exciting way to stay active during the colder months, offering both physical and mental benefits. However, they also come with certain risks, especially when it comes to pediatric spine and ankle injuries. Winter sports, from sledding to skiing and snowboarding, can put a strain on growing children’s bodies, sometimes resulting in injuries that require medical attention. This article explores the types of pediatric spine and ankle injuries that are common in winter sports, the risks involved, and ways to prevent such injuries.
Popular Winter Sports that Cause Spine and Ankle Injuries
Many of the most popular winter sports involve high-speed activities or challenging movements, which increase the risk of injury, particularly to the spine and ankles. While these sports offer thrilling experiences, parents should be aware of the specific injury risks associated with each.
Sledding
Sledding may seem like a harmless winter activity, but it can cause significant spine and ankle injuries, especially when kids are riding at high speeds or engaging in stunts. When sledders lose control, they may collide with trees, rocks, or other obstacles, leading to traumatic injuries such as spine fractures, concussions, or sprained ankles. High-speed sledding increases the likelihood of head injuries and spine trauma, particularly if the sledder is not properly positioned on the sled. Additionally, landing incorrectly can cause twisted ankles or fractures, especially when the sledder’s feet hit the ground first.
To prevent injuries during sledding, it’s essential for children to wear protective equipment, including a helmet and knee and elbow pads. Parents should also supervise children closely, ensuring they sled on safe hills free from obstacles, and encourage slower speeds for beginners.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter sports, but they also come with a greater risk of injury. Both sports involve high-speed descents, sharp turns, and jumps, all of which can put immense stress on the spine and ankles. Skiing injuries, such as sprained ankles, ligament tears, and fractures, are common, particularly among children who are still developing strength and coordination. Snowboarder injuries, including wrist fractures and shoulder dislocations, are also frequent, with a significant number involving the lower extremities.
The risk of spine injuries increases in skiing and snowboarding due to the sudden stops, crashes, or falls that can occur. Children who fall incorrectly, particularly those who land on their back or head, may sustain traumatic spine injuries. These injuries can vary from mild strains to more serious fractures or nerve damage.
For prevention, proper training is critical. Ensure children are familiar with how to fall safely and that they wear appropriate protective equipment, such as wrist guards, helmets, and knee pads. Equipment that fits correctly is also vital in minimizing injury risk.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is another popular winter activity that, while less extreme than skiing or snowboarding, still carries significant injury risks. Common injuries in ice skating include sprained ankles, which occur when a skater loses balance or falls awkwardly. Spine injuries, although less common, can happen if a skater falls backward, landing on their back or neck. These types of falls can result in muscle strains, sprains, or even vertebrae fractures if the impact is severe enough.
The risk of ankle injuries in ice skating is particularly high, as the ankles are under constant strain from the balancing act of skating. Kids who are still developing coordination may be more prone to twisting or overextending their ankles while skating. To prevent injuries, skaters should always wear well-fitting skates and ensure the ice surface is smooth and free from cracks.
Other Common Pediatric Injuries from Winter Sports
In addition to spine and ankle injuries, winter sports can cause a variety of other common injuries. Head injuries, such as concussions, are particularly concerning in sports like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. These injuries can occur when children fall and hit their head against hard surfaces like ice, trees, or the ground. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury.
Upper extremity injuries, including wrist fractures and shoulder dislocations, are also frequent in high-contact winter sports. For instance, when a skier or snowboarder falls, they may instinctively use their hands to break the fall, leading to wrist sprains or fractures. Ski poles can also cause injury if they get caught in the snow during a fall.
In addition, overuse injuries such as stress fractures or tendonitis may develop in children who participate in winter sports regularly. It’s important to monitor children for signs of fatigue or pain, and ensure they have adequate rest between practices or competitions.
What is the Regular Impact of Winter Sports on the Body?
While winter sports offer a fantastic way to stay active, they can also have a regular impact on a child’s body. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating place significant strain on the spine, muscles, and joints. The repetitive motions involved in skiing or ice skating, for example, can lead to muscle fatigue, strains, and sprains if proper technique is not maintained. Similarly, the high-impact nature of these sports can result in overuse injuries, especially in growing children whose bodies are still developing.
If not managed properly, these repetitive or high-impact motions can lead to long-term injury patterns. For example, children who develop poor posture or improper form while skiing may be more susceptible to back pain or even spinal misalignment. It’s essential for parents to be aware of these impacts and ensure that their children are using proper techniques, taking breaks, and stretching to avoid muscle overuse.
How to Prevent Common Sports Injuries
Preventing winter sports injuries begins with proper preparation and awareness. First, ensuring that children are physically fit for the demands of the sport is key. Warm-up exercises that stretch muscles and increase flexibility can help prevent strains and sprains. Children should also learn the proper techniques for each sport, whether it’s how to fall safely or how to position their body to reduce stress on the spine and ankles.
Wearing protective equipment is another essential step in injury prevention. Helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and proper footwear can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic injuries. Additionally, it’s crucial to make sure that equipment fits properly and that kids are using gear suited for their skill level.
Parents should also encourage regular breaks and proper rest. Overuse injuries are a common issue in winter sports, especially if children are participating in multiple activities or training without sufficient recovery time. Hydration and nutrition also play a role in injury prevention, as they support muscle recovery and overall physical well-being.
About Dr. David Y. Lin
Dr. David Y. Lin is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in pediatric and adolescent trauma, sports injuries, and limb deformities, such as clubfeet. With years of expertise and advanced training, Dr. Lin has established himself as a trusted professional in treating pediatric spine and ankle injuries, among other orthopedic concerns.
Dr. Lin earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, where he also completed his surgical internship. Following his orthopedic surgical training at Saint Vincent/Catholic Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Lin spent an additional year as chief resident, training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons.
After completing a pediatric orthopedic fellowship at the renowned Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN, Dr. Lin returned to New Jersey in 2002, where he joined Dr. Mark Rieger at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center in Cedar Knolls. Since 2004, he has been a senior physician partner, providing expert care at the Cedar Knolls and Wayne campuses.
Dr. Lin’s expertise includes managing pediatric fractures, treating overuse injuries, and handling complex cases such as meniscal injuries, labral tears, and ACL reconstructions in children and adolescents. His background in electrical engineering from Cornell University allows him to incorporate advanced technology to improve musculoskeletal care, healing, and recovery.
As a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and an active member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), Dr. Lin is a passionate advocate for orthopedic education. He regularly teaches physicians, residents, trainers, and physical therapists throughout the region.
Request an Appointment
If your child has suffered a winter sports-related injury, such as a pediatric spine or ankle injury, or if you’re concerned about any musculoskeletal issues, Dr. David Lin and the expert team at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center are here to help. We are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care for growing children and adolescents with orthopedic concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to guide you through diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery plans to ensure your child receives the best possible care.