Seacoast doctors see ice and snow injuries all the time. They share how to avoid them.
DOVER — With the Seacoast seeing what has been rare snowfall to start this week, experts are offering timely reminders about ways to work and play safely when conditions turn icy.
Injuries due to falls can be serious but taking simple steps can make all the difference when walking, driving or taking part in winter sports.
"Icy conditions can come up very quickly," said Dr. Lukas Kolm, medical director of the emergency department at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover. "People driving can have a false sense of security because ice, black ice, is not always easily identifiable. Temperatures change so rapidly that slush can turn to ice quickly. Accidents will happen without taking care."
The same applies to people walking. Kolm said they might not notice that ice patch when other conditions on sidewalks or trails are not icy. One patch is all it takes, he said.
"Certain synthetic decking can get very treacherous," said Kolm. "With this weather, we seem to see 50 degrees one minute and 27 degrees the next. We do not anticipate the sudden changes, and accidents happen."
Kolm said fractures are common with one known by the abbreviation "foosh" (fall on outstretched hand) being one of the most common.
"People put out their hand to try and stop a fall," said Kolm. "They break."
Other common ice-related fractures occur in the ankle. Kolm said, adding head injuries are not uncommon.
Because of the mild winter, Kolm said he has not seen a lot of ice injuries this season.
"But we have the weekend warriors," he said. "People are skateboarding, sometimes with a helmet. I tell people to wear wrist guards and save themselves a world of hurt."
We all love our pets. Kolm said icy conditions and pets are a recipe for injury that can be avoided. An animal lover, Kolm said people need to be careful. He said if you are walking a dog at night, when there might be ice, care must be taken.
"Walking in the woods, or on the street and if you fall, most people try to hold on to the leash," he said. "You need to be able to let go or risk more serious injury. Spare yourself. Many people wrap the leash around their hand or wrist. If you fall, tethered to that leash, there is going to be damage."
Pre-Christmas storm:Hurricane force winds off Seacoast, followed by 'flash freeze'
Erin Gingras, director of rehabilitation and wellness at York Hospital, said the most common physical therapy injuries related to ice are fractured shoulders or humerus bone. She said they see neck, back, elbow, wrist and hand injuries.
"If symptoms of any of those injuries are painful, are not resolving on their own, seek medical attention," she said. "Often we see people in March, who fell over the winter and thought they'd get better. Do not wait and suffer. We can help."
Prevention goes a long way.
"Be aware of the conditions before you go out," said Gingras "Use the proper footwear, Yaktrax, boots with heavy rubber, make it less likely you are going to wipe out."
Gingras said walking techniques can keep a person safer.
"Don't walk the way you usually do," she said. "Walk cautiously. Take smaller steps. Keep your hands out of your pockets to help with balance. Use common sense. If you know an area is icy, use short shuffling, flat steps. Spread your feet out."
Gingras said many injuries occur when people are getting in and out of their car, when they are not aware of the conditions where they parked.
"Remove snow as soon as you can, before it turns to ice," said Gingras. "Throw ice melt where needed and in front where you will be walking."
"A little caution goes a long way in assuring winter fun does not end in injury," said Kolm.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Seacoast doctors offer advice on staying safe in icy winter conditions
