Common Thanksgiving Injuries to Be Aware Of

Close up shot of someone's legs as they walk through a forest with leaves on the floor
Share:

Getting ready for Thanksgiving? Besides preparing for the festivities, exercise caution if outdoor activities are a part of your holiday plans.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the holiday season has officially begun. Everyone eagerly anticipates this time of year, looking forward to sumptuous holiday feasts and long-awaited family get-togethers. However, in all the excitement of the season, you may not be aware of common Thanksgiving injuries.

From sports-related injuries to slips and falls, the Thanksgiving holiday presents several hidden dangers, but you can easily avoid those traumas with some simple precautions. Here is your guide to a safe and happy Thanksgiving season.

Common Thanksgiving-related injuries

Infographic of three types of thanksgiving injuries: sports injuries, slip and falls, and upper body strains

No one likes to think about injuries during a busy holiday season, but they do happen. Let’s review several of the most common Thanksgiving injuries to give you a heads-up on what to avoid:

Sports injuries. Fall is the best time for a pickup game of football. After all, with family and friends around, what better time to indulge in a quick game or two in the backyard? However, if you haven’t played all year and are a bit rusty, you may be setting yourself up for an injury. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Surveillance System, about 550 Americans were rushed to the ER with football injuries in 2014, down from 750 in the prior year. When you haven’t played in a while, you can easily strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the ankle, knee, back, and shoulder, leading to pain that could prompt an unexpected emergency trip.

Slip and falls. Whether rushing around a crowded grocery store picking up last-minute items or running around the kitchen as you prepare meals, the risk of a potential slip and fall injury is present. A sprain or broken bone is also quite possible if you take a bad tumble. Thinking about an after-dinner hike to work off the calories? No problem — just wear the right shoes and be aware of uneven surfaces.

Upper body strains. Many people like tidying up their yards before guests arrive for Thanksgiving parties, but raking large piles of leaves can put a strain on your back, neck, shoulders, and arms if not done correctly. Also, stuffing all those leaves in a large bag could lead to you throwing out your back if you don’t practice proper form.

How to prevent Thanksgiving-related injuries

There’s no need to miss out on all the Thanksgiving day fun — just be mindful about staying safe with these three tips:

1. Warm up

Cold muscles will only raise the chance of an injury, so get your muscles ready for a football game or hiking session by warming up with easy exercises for joint health and mobility. For example, you can start by stretching your hamstrings: Lie on your back on a flat surface, such as a yoga mat or carpet. Extend your legs and position your arms at your sides. Bend one knee and bring it toward your chest with the other leg extended on the floor. Lace your fingers behind the thigh of the bent leg just below the knee. With your hands, gently pull the bent leg toward the chest. You should feel a stretch in the back of the upper leg in the hamstring. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg. 

2. Use proper equipment

Even backyard football games deserve to be played with the proper safety equipment. Helmets and pads are necessary to protect against injury, especially if kids are playing. The same advice can be applied to raking. For example, look for a rake that fits your height and isn’t too heavy. And if you’re a hiker, be sure to wear sturdy, but comfortable shoes with good arch and ankle support.

3. Follow proper form

Whether lifting a heavy bag of leaves or a massive turkey out of the oven, lift the right way to prevent a back strain. Always bend at the knees and hips, not your back or waist. As you slowly raise an object, keep your back straight and hold it close to you.

It’s easy to get distracted in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but take the time to relax and enjoy the season. If you feel tired or sore, rest for a day or two, and don’t hesitate to seek medical treatment if an accident occurs. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving

As a leading sports medicine center, the physicians at New York Bone & Joint Specialists are available to treat sports injuries or any other type of accidental orthopedic trauma. Let us help you enjoy a safe, pain free holiday season. Contact us today for a consultation.

Book an appointment

Our Locations