Common January Injuries

Winter in Ottawa brings beautiful scenery but it also places extra stress on the body. Cold temperatures, icy conditions, snow shovelling, winter sports, and sudden changes in activity levels can all increase the risk of injury. From everyday slips and falls to sport-related strains, winter is a common time for aches, pains, and flare-ups to appear or worsen.

Cold-Related Injuries

The colder temperatures lead to the overuse and stiffening of muscles. In return, this can result in injuries such as:

Exacerbation of arthritic pain
Muscle strains (due to reduced tissue elasticity in cold)
Tendon stiffness and flare-ups

Slip, Fall, & Road Injuries

The snow and ice during Ottawa winter make it difficult for anyone to safely navigate roads, sidewalks, driveways, outdoor stairs, and parking lots, especially for those with pre-existing conditions that affect their balance.

Ankle sprains
Wrist fractures (from falling on an outstretched hand)
Knee Injuries (ex: MCL sprains, meniscus injuries)
Hip fractures (especially in older adults)
Whiplash-associated disorder and concussions (from falls or motor vehicle accidents)

Snow Shovelling Injuries

Back injuries (ex: low back strains, disc herniations)
Rotator cuff strains
Elbow tendinopathies
Side strains (ex: rib muscles)

Winter Sport- Skiing & Snowboarding Injuries

Knee injuries (ex: ACL or MCL sprains)
Shoulder injuries (ex: dislocations)
Wrist/hand/thumb sprains
Concussions

Hockey Season Injuries

Hip/Groin strains
Knee injuries
Shoulder injuries (ex: strains, separation)
Concussions

"New Year, New Me" Injuries

A sudden change in activity without gradual progression or proper form can lead to new pains or injuries. New exercises at the gym or increased training loads that the body is not familiar with can lead to injuries including:

Low back strains
Shoulder impingements
Tendinopathies (ex: elbow, knee, heel)
Muscle strains/tears

Do any of these injuries sound familiar? Book a physiotherapy appointment today at Premier Physiotherapy Clinic. A physiotherapist can work with you to:

Manage pain and discomfort
Build mobility and strength for function and performance
Treat symptoms to improve activity tolerance
Establish self-management strategies and prevent future recurrence
Maintain your "New Year Goals" with reasonable expectations and modifications, as needed