The colder climes are beckoning many Mississippians with their bounty of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding. However, it’s not always fun and games in the snow.

Many winter sports, by their very nature, are potentially more punishing on your body than warmer weather pursuits. Winter sports all carry risks of sprains, strains, and fractures.

That’s why it’s so important to understand how to tackle your chosen winter sport safely -- and what to do if, despite your best efforts at preventing winter sports injuries, you need medical attention.

Preparing for Winter Sports

Seeing your doctor or specialist for a checkup and clearance should be at the top of your winter sports preparation list. If you have any cardio concerns, make sure to consult with your physician. And if you’ve had previous injuries or surgeries related to bones, joints or tendons, double-check with your orthopedic specialist.

Just as importantly, make sure to get the right gear for the right activity. A good outfitter or ski rental associate is invaluable to ensure you have the right helmet, goggles, padding and other equipment needed for your activity. These should work for your particular body measurements and level of experience.

Your outerwear is also important. Jackets, pants and gloves shouldn’t be so snug that you don’t have full range of motion, but not so loose that you get tripped up.

Conditioning Your Body for Winter Sports

As much as the snowy hills and frozen lake may be calling you, it’s important not to go bounding out into the great outdoors without getting your body ready for the vigorous workout you’re about to give it.

Strengthen Key Muscle Groups

Take steps to keep from straining your core, back or legs during winter sports. Build your muscle groups through moves like lunges, planks and squats.

Improve Flexibility and Balance

Before you hit the slopes, consider learning some simple yoga or basic dynamic stretching moves that will help with both balance and flexibility. Good examples of the latter include hamstring and hip flexor stretches. Include shoulder and arm stretches for sports like ice hockey and snowboarding that work the upper body.

Warm Up and Stretch

Don’t step right out of your car and into your skates or skis. Instead, spend several minutes stretching, then do a little light jogging or jumping in place to warm up cold muscles.

What to Do in Case of Sports Injury

If you suffer an injury while you’re skiing or skating, it’s not always obvious whether it needs professional medical attention. Remember: “When in doubt, check it out.”

But whether you’re planning to recover at home or head to urgent care, there are a few things you can do to speed healing. Obviously, bleeding wounds require disinfectant and bandaging. For fractures and sprains, get ice to the area as quickly as possible, and elevate the limb whenever possible. Immobilizing it with some kind of sling or brace is also helpful.

For back injuries, twisted ankles and other sprains and strains, over-the-counter painkillers are invaluable. The types with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ibuprofen, additionally help reduce swelling.

It’s often better to let a medical professional evaluate the seriousness of your injury. A fall in which you’ve hit your head can be much more serious than it initially seems. Danger signs from head injuries include loss of consciousness, slurred speech, blurry or double vision, nausea and vomiting, and headaches. But even without these worrisome symptoms, head trauma needs to be taken seriously.

Injuries like head trauma or a dislocated shoulder obviously call for immediate medical care. But with other injuries, many people mistakenly assume that the traditional RICE (rest, icing, compression, elevation) methods may be all they have to do in the hours and days after a moderate injury.

In reality, however, many people could benefit from immediate medical attention after a winter sports injury. And certainly, aftercare and rehabilitation can shave precious weeks or months from your healing journey.

When you’re searching for “sports medicine doctors near me,” keep in mind that Mississippi Sports Medicine offers a range of services relating to winter sports injuries. From an urgent care facility, to a variety of imaging testing and rehab services, we can make sure you’re not dealing with the aftermath of that injury alone.

It’s definitely good for your mental and physical health to avoid hibernating in the colder months. Winter sports represent some of the most fun ways to stay active. Don’t be so intimidated by the risk of injury that you miss out on those benefits, but do take steps to minimize those risks. Prepare your body by doing conditioning exercises, and prep for your sport by getting the right protective gear. Most importantly, especially when you’re starting out, know your limits!

If you’re concerned that your body isn’t quite “winter sport ready” yet, give Mississippi Sports Medicine a call to discuss various options to help you get into the best shape. And, if you do suffer an injury on your great adventure, we’ll be here to make the road to recovery as smooth as possible.

So whether you’re planning that winter getaway, or have come back from one a little worse for wear, contact Mississippi Sports Medicine for expert advice and care.