Three Key Wintertime Risks of Damage to the Shoulder Joint

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute offers elite-quality care for shoulder joint injuries.

Everyone knows that high-impact activities, ranging from athletics to heavy lifting, can result in a shoulder injury. Few people, however, associate damage to the shoulder joint with wintertime activity. The unfortunate reality is that shoulder injuries are a year-round risk. Orthopaedic injuries to the shoulder are a common occurrence during the winter season; in fact, a number of factors actually serve to increase the risk of orthopaedic injuries.

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we specialize in treating orthopaedic injuries, including damage to the shoulder joint. No matter the season, we offer patients the best, most effective orthopaedic care available. Our extensive experience treating patients has familiarized us with the trends of seasonal injuries and has enabled us to better understand top risk factors.

Types of Damage to the Shoulder Joint & Their Causes

There are numerous causes and types of shoulder injuries that one might suffer. Some of the most common types of shoulder injuries include the following:

• Sprains

• Strains

• Dislocation

• Impingement

• Rotator cuff tears

• Separations

• Fractures

• Tendonitis

• Bursitis

Some of these injuries, such as tendonitis and bursitis, occur as the result of repetitive stress and wear; as such, they usually affect people whose work or athletic activity involves repeated shoulder motions and extensions. Other injuries, such as sprains and strains, are traumatic in nature and will occur as the result of a forceful impact or accident. Shoulder injuries symptoms will vary depending upon the type of injury; typical symptoms include pain, immobility, and inflammation.

Top Winter Risks for Shoulder Injuries

Below is an overview of three of the top wintertime risks for damage to the shoulder joint. Each of these activities poses a serious risk of shoulder injury and should be approached with caution in order to prevent traumatic injury.

1. Winter Sports
   Winter sports are frequently to blame for damage to the shoulder joint. In terms of athletic activities, skiing is responsible for the highest number of orthopaedic shoulder injuries during the winter season, especially fractures, dislocations and rotator cuff injuries. These injuries are usually caused by athletes attempting to break falls with their arms. While skiing represents the highest source of winter sport shoulder injuries, any activity that involves risk of falling, such as ice skating or snowboarding, poses a serious threat.

2. Shoveling
   Have you experienced a persistent or escalating shoulder pain while shoveling snow? This otherwise mundane activity regularly causes serious symptoms of pain in the shoulder, which may be indicative of more serious underlying chronic injury. Repetitive shoveling activity may cause tendonitis, which produces painful inflammation and reduces mobility. Rotator cuff injuries are similarly prevalent. If significant pain is experienced during shoveling, stop. Continued stress may result in a rotator cuff tear or damage to shoulder muscles and tendons.

3. Slips, Trips, and Falls on Ice
   Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and tendon tears can occur as a result of falling. And with ice and snow on walkways, there are ample opportunities for slips, trips, and falls during the winter season. Blunt impact to the shoulder can cause orthopaedic damage, so be sure to shovel and salt walkways often.

Prevention of damage to the shoulder joint is always preferable to post-injury treatment. The unfortunate reality, however, is that not all injuries can be prevented. As top orthopaedic specialists, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is proud to offer the best care and treatment solutions when shoulder injuries do occur. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.