Ask the Expert: Winter Hand, Wrist & Shoulder Injuries - What to Do After a Fall or Sports Injury

Winter in Maryland means snow days, icy sidewalks, and seasonal sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding. Unfortunately, it also means an increase in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries—especially from slips, falls, and high-impact winter activities.

To help patients stay safe and recover faster, Dr. Kristin Nesbitt, MD, FACS, discusses when to seek treatment, and how to prevent problems before they start.

Why are hand and wrist injuries more common in the winter?

Winter conditions create a perfect storm for injury. Ice increases the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, and cold temperatures can make joints and muscles feel stiff. When people fall, they often reach out instinctively to catch themselves—leading to injuries like wrist fractures, sprains, and ligament damage.

Common winter injury causes include:

• Slipping on ice or snow
• Falling while skiing or snowboarding
• Ice skating falls
• Sledding accidents
• Overuse from snow shoveling or heavy lifting

What are the most common winter injuries you treat?

Some of the most common winter injuries I see involve the wrist, hand, and thumb, but shoulder injuries are also common—especially after a fall.

Common winter hand & upper extremity injuries include:

• Wrist fractures (often from a fall on an outstretched hand)
• Hand and finger fractures
• Wrist sprains and ligament injuries
• Skier’s thumb (thumb ligament injury)
• Shoulder injuries from falls or awkward landings
• Tendonitis from repetitive activity
• Nerve irritation (numbness and tingling that worsens in cold weather)

If pain, swelling, or limited motion lasts more than a day or two, it’s important to get evaluated to rule out fractures or ligament damage.

Which winter sports and activities cause the most injuries?

Skiing and snowboarding are major causes of wrist and thumb injuries because falls are common and the hands take the impact.  Even everyday winter tasks—like shoveling snow or scraping ice off a windshield—can trigger strain and inflammation.

Activities that commonly cause winter injuries:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Ice skating
• Sledding
• Snow shoveling
• Carrying salt bags or heavy winter gear
• Slips on icy steps, sidewalks, and parking lots

What is skier’s thumb (and how do you know if you have it)?

Skier’s thumb is a common winter injury involving the ligament at the base of the thumb. It often happens during a fall when the thumb is forced outward—sometimes while holding a ski pole.

Signs and symptoms of skier’s thumb:

• Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb
• Weak pinch grip (trouble holding a key or opening a jar)
• Pain with gripping, twisting, or texting
• Thumb instability or looseness

Skier’s thumb can sometimes be treated with a brace, but more severe cases may require surgery. Early diagnosis makes a big difference.

What should you do right after a winter fall or injury?

Don’t ignore it—especially if there’s swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving the hand or wrist. Even a minor fall can cause a fracture or ligament injury.

Immediate steps after a winter hand or wrist injury:

• Rest the injured area
• Ice to reduce swelling (short intervals)
• Compression if comfortable
• Elevation to limit inflammation
• Avoid repeatedly “testing” the injury

If pain is severe, there is visible deformity, or you feel numbness or tingling, seek medical attention promptly.

When should you see a hand and upper extremity specialist?

A lot of patients try to wait it out, but winter injuries can worsen if they aren’t treated early.  If symptoms are limiting your daily activity, it’s time to get checked.

Signs you should be evaluated quickly:

• Pain that does not improve in 24–48 hours
• Significant swelling or bruising
• Pain with gripping or lifting
• Reduced range of motion
• Numbness or tingling
• A popping sensation at the time of injury
• Weakness or difficulty holding objects

Fractures and ligament injuries can be missed initially. Early treatment helps reduce long-term stiffness and improves recovery.

Can snow shoveling cause shoulder or elbow injuries?

Absolutely. Snow shoveling is one of the most common causes of winter overuse injuries. It involves repetitive lifting and twisting, often when the body isn’t warmed up.

Common snow shoveling injuries include:

• Shoulder strain or rotator cuff irritation
• Elbow pain from repetitive motion
• Wrist tendonitis
• Hand soreness or swelling

Tips to reduce shoveling injuries:

• Take breaks every 10–15 minutes
• Avoid twisting while lifting
• Push snow when possible instead of lifting
• Use a shovel that fits your height

How can you prevent winter hand and wrist injuries?

Prevention is about reducing fall risk and protecting the joints.

Winter injury prevention tips:

• Wear shoes with good traction on icy surfaces
• Use handrails on steps and walkways
• Wear gloves for warmth and grip
• Consider wrist guards for snowboarding or skating
• Warm up before sports or strenuous activity
• Don’t push through sharp pain or instability

Being proactive can prevent injuries that lead to weeks of pain—or even surgery.

What’s the biggest mistake patients make with winter injuries?

The biggest mistake is waiting too long. Patients often assume it’s a sprain, but fractures and ligament injuries need early treatment. The sooner we diagnose the problem, the sooner we can get you back to normal activity safely.

Don’t wait, schedule an appointment for the relief you deserve.

301-694-8311
Same-day and urgent evaluations are often available for injuries, slips, and sports accidents