Common Wintertime Injuries

With winter weather upon us, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks that come with cold temperatures. While snow and ice can be beautiful, they can also lead to some very serious injuries. In this blog, we will highlight some common winter-related injuries in detail and explain how you can protect yourself from them while living in Michigan.

Common Injuries

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). When exposed to cold temperatures for long periods, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, shallow breathing, fatigue, and stiff muscles.

To prevent hypothermia during the winter months in Michigan, you should wear layers of clothing made from warm materials such as wool or fleece and avoid staying outside for too long.

Frostbite

Frostbite is another potential injury associated with cold weather. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissue freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures—typically below 32°F (0°C). It often affects the extremities like fingers, toes, ears, nose, or cheeks because those areas are more susceptible to the cold.

Signs and symptoms include a numb sensation on the affected area and pale or bluish-gray skin patches. To prevent frostbite, you should limit your time outdoors in extreme temperatures and wear protective clothing when going outside.

Trench Foot

Trench foot is another condition caused by prolonged exposure to wet or damp environments at low temperatures—usually between 32°F (0°C) and 50°F (10°C). Symptoms include tingling sensations or numbness in the feet and redness or swelling around the toes.

To avoid this condition, you should keep your feet dry as much as possible by wearing waterproof boots if possible or changing out wet socks frequently if not wearing waterproof shoes/boots. Additionally, staying active while out in cold weather is essential as this helps promote blood flow, which keeps your feet warmer and less susceptible to frostbite or trench foot.

Chilblains

Chilblains are a type of inflammation that occurs due to repeated exposure to damp conditions at moderate temperatures—anywhere between 32°F (0°C) and 60°F (15°C). Symptoms typically appear within 24 hours after exposure, including an itching sensation on the affected area and swollen bumps on the skin, which may turn red or purple over time if left untreated.

To avoid chilblains during winter months in Michigan, you should keep your hands warm whenever possible by wearing gloves outdoors for more than 15 minutes at a time and changing out wet gloves regularly if not wearing waterproof ones.

Personal Injury Attorneys

Wintertime injuries can be severe, so all Michiganders need to take precautions before going outside during colder months! If you do sustain an injury due to someone else’s negligence during this season, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Grewal Law PLLC for personal injury services so we can help get you back on your feet! Stay safe, everyone!

Call our firm at (888) 211-5798 or visit our website to get started on a consultation request form.