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Winter Orthopaedic Safety: Avoid Holiday Strains and Sprains

The holiday season is full of joy, gatherings, and festive traditions, but it can also be a time when orthopaedic injuries are more likely to occur. From lifting heavy decorations to preparing large meals, or even shoveling snow, everyday holiday activities can put stress on your muscles, joints, and bones.

At Orthopaedic Specialty Group, we want you to enjoy the holidays safely. Here are expert tips from our team to help prevent injuries and keep you moving comfortably throughout the season.

1. Protect Your Back While Lifting

Heavy lifting is common during the holidays, whether it involves moving boxes, gifts, or holiday decorations. Improper lifting can cause back strains and muscle injuries.

Tips:

• Bend at the knees, not the waist
• Keep the object close to your body
• Avoid twisting while lifting
• Ask for help with very heavy items

2. Stay Safe When Decorating

Climbing ladders or reaching for high places increases your risk of falls and shoulder injuries.

Tips:

• Use a sturdy, well-positioned ladder
• Keep your hands free when climbing
• Avoid overreaching—move the ladder instead
• Have someone nearby for support

3. Protect Hands and Wrists

Gift wrapping, cooking, and baking can put repetitive stress on your hands and wrists.

Tips:

• Take breaks every 20–30 minutes
• Stretch fingers, wrists, and forearms regularly
• Use ergonomic tools like tape dispensers or scissors
• Alternate tasks to avoid repetitive strain

4. Shovel Snow Safely

For those in Southern Connecticut, snow is part of the holiday season—but shoveling improperly can cause back, shoulder, and heart injuries.

Tips:

• Warm up before shoveling
• Push snow instead of lifting it whenever possible
• Use a small shovel and lift smaller amounts
• Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated

5. Stay Active—but Safely

Holiday activities often replace regular exercise routines, but it’s important to maintain movement to prevent stiffness and maintain strength.

Tips:

• Include light indoor exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga
• Avoid sudden or intense movements if your joints feel stiff
• Listen to your body and rest when needed

6. Plan for Emergency Care

Accidents happen despite the best precautions. OrthoFast at Orthopaedic Specialty Group provides walk-in orthopaedic care for sprains, fractures, and holiday-related injuries—no appointment needed.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Season with Orthopaedic Specialty Group

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but safety should always be the top priority. By following these simple tips, you can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy a healthy, active, and pain-free holiday season.

If you experience pain, injury, or discomfort, don’t wait. Contact Orthopaedic Specialty Group for expert orthopaedic care in Southern Connecticut. Schedule an appointment today and stay safe this holiday season!