5 Common Winter Hand & Wrist Injuries (And How to Avoid Them)

When temperatures drop, your hands and wrists face risks beyond dryness and stiffness. Winter weather brings slippery sidewalks, icy windshields, and seasonal sports, all of which can increase your chances of an injury. 

At Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, Dr. Jonathan Liu and Dr. Huey Yuan Tien see a rise in cold-weather injuries every year, many of which you can prevent with a few simple precautions.

Read on as we share the five most common winter hand and wrist injuries and how to avoid them.

1. Slips and falls 

When you slip on ice, your instinct is to catch yourself with your hands. Unfortunately, that sudden impact often leads to wrist fractures, especially of the radius (the larger bone in your forearm).

How to prevent slips 

While the Central Valley cities tend to have mild winters, you may encounter ice and snow when you travel — say, on a ski trip to China Peak Mountain Resort in the Sierra Nevada. 

Regardless of current conditions, if you’re in an icy climate, stay alert and take extra precautions to avoid slipping. Wear shoes or boots with good traction, and if you do fall, try to bend your elbows and roll rather than landing on outstretched hands.

2. Skier’s thumb

Even if you’re not a skier, this injury can happen any time your thumb is bent backward with force. In skiing, it often occurs when the pole strap yanks your thumb outward during a fall and causes a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

It’s the second-most common skiing injury, second only to knee injuries.

How to prevent skier’s thumb

When skiing, avoid using tight ski pole straps, learn to fall safely, and release your poles before impact.  

Think about your gloves, too. Wear protective gloves that support your thumbs.

If you notice pain, bruising, or instability in your thumb, see us. Early care can often prevent the need for surgery.

3. Frostbite

Your hands are especially vulnerable to the cold. Frostbite and cold-induced nerve irritation can cause pain, numbness, or even tissue damage if your hands are exposed for too long.

How to prevent frostbite

To reduce your risk of frostbite:

• Wear insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens
• Keep your hands dry and warm at all times
• Take frequent breaks indoors when outside for extended periods

If your fingers turn pale or lose sensation, rewarm them slowly and seek medical care if symptoms persist. Resist the temptation to dunk cold hands in hot water or place them too close to the fire. You can accidentally burn your skin and not realize it (since your hands may be numb from the cold).

4. Overuse injuries

Even though winters in the Central Valley are mild, trips to colder areas or even extra winter chores like cleaning the car or doing yardwork can still strain your wrists and hands. 

Repetitive motions, such as shoveling snow on a mountain trip or scraping ice off your windshield, can lead to tendonitis or carpal tunnel flare-ups, especially if your wrists are already sensitive.

How to present overuse injuries

You can avoid overuse injuries by taking frequent breaks when you’re engaged in a repetitive activity. You might also use ergonomic tools to reduce wrist strain.

If you’re lifting or pushing items, keep your wrists in a neutral position. 

If you notice tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or wrists, it could be a sign of inflammation or nerve compression. 

5. Sports-related fracture

Research shows that participating in snow sports (snowboarding, skiing, etc.) results in roughly 3.5 injuries per 1,000 days on the slopes. This statistic serves as a reminder to stay cautious, especially when you’re hitting the mountains this winter.

These winter sports put extra stress on your wrists and hands. Falls, collisions, or hard landings can lead to sprains, fractures, or dislocations.

How to prevent sports-related fractures and sprains

You can reduce your risk of winter sports injuries if you:

• Warm up before any activity 
• Wear wrist guards or braces when needed
• Strengthen your grip and forearm muscles to support your wrists

Even if you can push through the discomfort, don’t. Playing (or skiing) through an injury can make it worse.

When to see a specialist about hand or wrist injuries

If you have persistent pain, swelling, numbness, or trouble moving your hand or wrist after an injury, it’s time to visit us in Porterville, Reedley, Visalia, or Tulare, California. 

At Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, our team offers advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to help you recover quickly and safely.

Give us a call or click here to schedule an appointment.