Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Winter break brings a welcome pause from school routines. But it can also bring a surge in sports and recreational activities.
With youth athletes staying active and families traveling for winter sports, injuries are more common this time of year.
Here, we’ll cover some of the most common winter injuries and offer expert tips on how, when, and where to make an appointment.
Winter break often means a sudden increase in physical activity. Kids and teens may be home from school, athletes may be training more intensely, and families often travel for skiing, snowboarding, or other seasonal sports.
Common winter activities that raise injury risk include:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 124,000 winter sports–related injuries required emergency room treatment in 2022, most commonly from skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding. Many of these injuries involved sprains, strains, dislocations, or broken bones.
Younger athletes and recreational participants are especially vulnerable because they may return to activity quickly without proper conditioning.
Cold weather can also make muscles tighter and more prone to injury, increasing the likelihood of sprains, strains, and fractures.
Winter sports injuries can range from mild to severe. Understanding the most common types can help families recognize symptoms early and choose the right level of care.
Sprains affect ligaments, while strains involve muscles or tendons. These injuries often happen from sudden twists, falls, or awkward landings. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, or limited movement.
Many sprains and strains can be evaluated and treated at urgent care, especially when pain and swelling are mild to moderate.
Falls during skiing, snowboarding, or contact sports can lead to broken bones. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty using the injured limb.
Some fractures can be diagnosed and stabilized at urgent care with on-site X-rays, while others require referral to an orthopedic specialist.
A dislocation occurs when a joint is forced out of place, commonly affecting shoulders, fingers, or knees. Dislocations often cause visible deformity, intense pain, and limited movement.
These injuries should be evaluated promptly, and many require specialist care after initial stabilization.
Falls and collisions increase the risk of concussions and facial injuries during winter sports. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or facial swelling should never be ignored.
Any head injury with concerning symptoms should be evaluated immediately, and emergency care may be necessary in severe cases.
Sudden increases in training or trying new sports can lead to overuse injuries such as tendonitis or stress injuries. These often develop gradually and worsen over time without proper rest and treatment.
Early evaluation can help prevent long-term damage and reduce recovery time.
Urgent care is often the best option for non-life-threatening sports injuries that still need prompt evaluation. PVHC urgent care locations offer walk-in access, extended hours, and same-day care for many common injuries.
We treat a full range of conditions at urgent care, including many winter sports injuries, such as:
At PVHC, urgent care providers can perform physical exams and order on-site imaging when needed. Access to radiology services allows for quick diagnosis and faster treatment decisions.
If advanced imaging or specialist care is required, providers can coordinate treatment or referrals to ensure continuity of care.
For sports injuries that are not emergencies, urgent care offers shorter wait times and lower costs compared to the emergency room. Patients receive focused care without the stress of an ER visit, making urgent care an ideal first stop for many winter injuries.
Some sports injuries require evaluation by an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist. Knowing when to seek specialty care can prevent complications and support long-term recovery.
Specialist care may be appropriate if an injury:
PVHC sports medicine specialists help athletes of all ages recover safely and return to activity with confidence.
Injuries that cause visible deformity, severe pain, or inability to bear weight should be evaluated promptly. These symptoms may indicate a severe fracture, dislocation, or ligament injury that requires specialist intervention.
Certain injuries, such as complex fractures or ligament tears, may require an MRI or surgical consultation. In these cases, urgent care providers can help coordinate next steps and referrals.
Choosing the right level of care depends on symptoms, injury severity, and timing. Understanding the differences can help families act quickly and appropriately.
In general:
A simple rule of thumb is that if the injury is painful but stable, urgent care is often the right starting point.
Emergency care is required for:
When in doubt, seek emergency care immediately or dial 9-1-1.
PVHC provides coordinated, patient-centered care designed to support recovery at every stage.
Patients visiting us can expect personalized services, prompt evaluation, physical exams, and imaging when needed. This allows providers to diagnose injuries quickly and begin appropriate treatment.
Depending on the injury, treatment may include:
Providers work closely across services to ensure seamless transitions in care.
Sports injuries often require more than a single visit, especially for growing athletes or injuries that affect mobility and performance. At PVHC, follow-up care is coordinated across services so patients don’t feel left navigating next steps on their own.
Depending on the injury, follow-up may include a visit with a family medicine provider to monitor healing, a referral to a sports medicine specialist for ongoing evaluation, or additional imaging to track recovery progress.
For athletes returning to activity, providers can help guide safe timelines and recommend modifications to prevent reinjury.
This coordinated approach helps ensure injuries heal properly, reduces the risk of long-term complications, and gives parents and caregivers confidence that their child or athlete is receiving consistent, connected care from one trusted health system.
While not all injuries are avoidable, simple precautions can reduce risk.
Encourage athletes to warm up properly, use appropriate protective gear, and gradually increase activity levels. Rest days and hydration are also important, especially during busy holiday schedules.
Parents and caregivers should watch for early signs of injury and encourage prompt evaluation rather than pushing through pain.
Whether your child has a minor sprain or you’re dealing with a winter sports injury, PVHC offers convenient access to care across multiple locations.
Our team helps families make informed decisions and get the right care at the right time.
Find a PVHC location near you or request an appointment today.
Yes. Urgent care can treat many common sports injuries, including sprains, strains, minor fractures, and joint pain.
Not all injuries require imaging, but X-rays are often used to rule out fractures when pain, swelling, or limited movement is present.
A child should see a specialist if pain persists, movement is limited, or the injury affects growth or athletic performance.
Urgent care is typically more affordable than the emergency room for non-life-threatening injuries, but actual costs depend on your insurance plan, deductible, and copay. PVHC staff can help answer coverage questions during your visit.
PVHC urgent care locations provide walk-in, same-day care for many sports injuries, helping patients get treated quickly and safely.
