Doctors see increase in winter sports injuries among children

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Winter weather means kids are spending more time sledding, skiing, and playing outside, but doctors say some injuries they’re seeing this season didn’t have to happen.

Winter activities are meant to be fun, but they don’t always go as planned.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase related to outside activities,” says Dr. Nicolas Kuehnel, a pediatric ER physician with UW Health Kids.

Skiing, snowboarding, and downhill sledding are among the activities doctors say lead to some of the most common injuries among kids.

“The type of injuries we typically see for that tend to be related to head injuries, broken bones, cuts or lacerations,” says Dr. Kuehnel.

For doctors, the focus isn’t just treatment, it’s prevention.

One of the biggest factors is how kids are protected before they head out.

Staff at Play It Again Sports in Green Bay say helmets only work when they fit properly.

“You’re looking for it to come to the back of the shell of your head there, that’s going to be the big point of where you’re falling. And then you’re looking for it to come past your eyebrow line there, not restricting the view at all,” says Austin Martins, a Play It Again Sports employee.

The cold is another risk that can show up quickly, especially for younger kids who aren’t moving as much.

Wearing layers and taking breaks to warm up can help.

“The exposed skin, especially on the face and neck, are the areas we most commonly see exposed and at-risk for cold-related injuries,” says Dr. Kuehnel.

In the end, doctors say a little prep goes a long way.

“Making sure you’re going over some of those practices, that they’re keeping themselves safe, will allow you to have fun for many, many times to come,” says Dr. Kuehnel.

Doctors also say checking gear fit and paying attention to weather conditions can help keep a day outside from turning into a trip to the ER.