Winter is the perfect time to stay indoors, sit in front of the fireplace, and sip on hot chocolate or tea. However, for many people, it is also a time to unleash their adventurous side and engage in various winter sports activities.
Like any other sport, these activities can cause injuries. While some injuries are mild, many can lead to severe issues that need the attention of a medical expert. That brings us to the question: “When exactly do you need to see a chiro practitioner?”
1. When you suffer a bad fall.
Ice can be unstable and unsafe, so it is easy to miss a step and fall. Do not hesitate to seek treatment for any pain or discomfort after a sports mishap. If you were engaging in activities without protective gear, have your head checked as well for a possible concussion. Signs of concussion you must watch out for are:
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Headache
- Nausea
There is also a risk of the bones in your spine becoming misaligned, which can happen after a concussion. A chiro practitioner will check your injury and make adjustments accordingly. A misaligned spine can cause various problems: your blood flow can suffer, and there’s a risk of damage to your nervous system. Apart from alignment, your chiro practitioner can also check for other conditions that follow a concussion.
Knee injuries are also common after a bad fall. Winter sports, like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding, involve knee movements, making the knees one of the most easily injured areas when engaging in these types of activities. Fortunately, with correct chiropractic techniques and prompt response, knee injuries may be treated non-surgically.
2. When your foot or ankle is swelling.
Things can get pretty exciting during winter sports, and you may not notice you have overstrained yourself. If you feel any discomfort or swelling in your foot or ankle, you might want to have it checked by a chiro practitioner. Ankle strains and sprains are common injuries when engaging in winter sports. Seeking professional care can minimize your recovery period and get you back to enjoying your activities in no time. Chiropractitioners, in particular, can also provide stretches and exercises to speed up your healing.
3. When you are experiencing sharp pain.
Experiencing pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Whenever you feel sharp pain, you should consult a chiro practitioner immediately. Sharp pains are usually associated with fractures, shin splints, or other injuries, so it’s best to have them looked at soon.
Patients may need weeks of immobilization and treatment depending on their condition. In more severe cases, patients will have to undergo corrective surgery. To avoid fractures, make sure to wear the appropriate protective gear when doing winter sports.
4. When you suddenly cannot move your hand or wrist properly.
Wrist injuries are another problem associated with winter sports. Wrist injuries range from mild, like a sprain, to more serious ones, like a broken bone.
Never make light of your injuries. What might seem minor could be a severe problem or lead to one. Whenever you can, have your injuries checked by an expert, especially upon noticing early signs like:
- Deformity
- Discoloration or redness
- Limited wrist and finger movement
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Wrist or hand pain
When you see one of these symptoms, have your chiro practitioner assess your injury. It is always better to have it diagnosed early to avoid developing more severe problems later.
Chiropractitioner In Dallas, TX
Winter is a great time to either stay at home or get out for fun winter activities. However, these activities can lead to injuries if you are not careful. To minimize these risks, make sure to use the proper protective gear and do not overexert yourself.
If you feel pain, it is crucial to get yourself examined as soon as possible. Getting yourself assessed before anything gets worse is a good way of preventing more severe injury. Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine provides one of the best chiropractic care in Dallas. Our licensed chiro practitioner provides accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment to our patients. We take pride in our quality equipment and technique.
To know more about our chiropractic care services, you may contact our staff at (972) 503-7272. You may also conveniently book an appointment through our online request form. Whether it be winter, spring, summer, or fall, we’re always ready to keep your health on track!
