Protect Hands this Winter

It can be relaxing and peaceful to enjoy the snow, if a person is able to look at it from inside the warmth of one’s home. In most cases, though, people need to venture out at some point – and winter weather can be especially frigid in the Midwest.

Going out into wintery weather means cold hands and clearing paths to be able to walk and drive safely. However, too much time spent outside when it’s cold, or not taking proper safety measures when outside, can result in serious, even life-threatening, illness or injury to hands and upper extremities, which is why it is important to remain cautious when venturing outside in the winter months.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Rashid, an OSF HealthCare hand and upper extremity surgeon, says the injuries she most frequently sees during this time of year result in what are known as FOOSH (fall onto an outstretched hand) injuries.

“The most common are probably falls related to ice – especially from accumulation of ice on decks and porches that may be exposed to the cold. Even just a fall from standing height can result in hip fractures, and wrist and hand fractures are very common,” Dr. Rashid warned.

To avoid a fall this winter, it is important to wear shoes with proper gripping, apply salt to walking paths prior to a snowfall, and to pay close attention to potential black ice. Also, Dr. Rashid encouraged people to not  delay in seeking medical attention, if necessary.

“After a fall, if there’s any significant swelling, bruising, severe tenderness, numbness, or tingling in the hand or the wrist – a patient should seek medical attention to at least get an x-ray. If it’s a fall and one can’t bear weight on a lower extremity, absolutely seek medical attention,” advised Dr. Rashid.

In addition to falls, another hand-related injury Dr. Rashid sees during winter months occurs from snow blowers. In fact, the Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates 3,000 people are treated in emergency rooms in the United States for snow blower injuries each year. These types of injuries typically occur when someone reaches into the machine to clear snow out without ensuring it is completely off first.

Types of injuries that can occur from a snow blower range from cuts to the hand and arm to completely losing fingers. Dr. Rashid advised using extra caution when using a snow blower.

“If the snow blower does get clogged, make sure it’s first turned off, before disimpacting snow. Disengage the clutch and then wait a good five-to-10 seconds for the blades to stop rotating. Never, ever use your hands to disimpact the snow blower,” Dr. Rashid warned.

Another result of extremely cold conditions that can cause damage to hands is frostbite. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels firm or waxy, and numbness.

So, at what point should you seek medical care?

“Anytime a person has blanching or whiteness of the fingertips, the patient should go inside immediately. If it’s been prolonged, note any numbness or tingling in the fingers. The first sign of frostbite to the fingers is any blistering – and definitely I would recommend seeking medical attention for that,” Dr. Rashid said.

Additionally, while hypothermia most often occurs at very cold temperatures, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that hypothermia may occur even at cool temperatures above 40°F. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, fumbling hands, and drowsiness.

The best ways to avoid hand injuries this winter include being prepared for snow before it falls, having salt, shovels, and other snow-clearing tools on hand, and wearing proper attire when venturing outside, such as gloves, hat, coat, and boots.

If a major winter injury is experience and a person is unable to treat it at home, call 911 or go to the closest urgent care to seek immediate medical attention.