A neurosurgeon at Saratov Medical University told how to avoid winter injuries
29 December 2025
Andrey Chekhonatsky, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Razumovsky State Medical University, spoke about "winter" injuries and the dangers of seasonal outdoor activities. According to him, despite the festive mood and the desire to actively spend free time, in winter it is necessary to exercise increased caution.
"Winter is not only a time of holidays, but also a time when the number of injuries increases dramatically - from bruises, sprains, fractures of limbs to brain injuries, spinal fractures, damage to internal organs. Very often they occur due to a person's loss of concentration due to weekends," the expert noted.
One of the main causes of injury is the increase in traffic accidents and accidents on slippery roads. In winter, it is difficult to estimate the speed and distance to an approaching car, and the situation may be further aggravated by ice and poor visibility. As a result, the risk of accidents involving pedestrians increases. The expert reminds that it is necessary to cross the roadway exclusively according to the rules, carefully assessing the situation around. The doctor also advises residents of Saratov to purchase special shoes with non-slip ribbed soles and move carefully, avoiding haste in pursuit of the departing bus.
"It is necessary to change the rhythm of walking - to move along a slippery surface with small steps, without sudden movements, look at your feet and do not keep your hands in your pockets, do not talk when walking. When descending from a slippery staircase, your feet should be placed along the step — in case of loss of balance, this position will soften the fall. If necessary, use deicing accessories — special plates with spikes for the sole, allowing you to increase the friction force when shoes come into contact with a slippery surface. And if you have to fall, then fall correctly on your side, with your chin pressed against your neck and do not put your hands forward," said an expert from Saratov Medical University.
The doctor paid special attention to popular types of winter recreation, such as cheesecake riding and sledding. He recalled that such vehicles are poorly controlled and high-speed, therefore they can lead to serious consequences.
"Tubing is generally an uncontrollable sports equipment. High speed, lack of braking and the presence of obstacles on the highway lead to serious consequences. As a result, collisions occur both with other people and with obstacles - with trees, fences, a pole, and skaters get brain injuries, sometimes incompatible with life," says Andrey Chekhonatsky.
According to the doctor, you should choose only specially equipped places for skiing, measure the height of the descent and the difficulty of the route. During the descent, it is extremely important to keep your balance, hold on to special straps, and ride only in a sitting position, feet first. Going down on your stomach, headfirst, back down, or on your knees is dangerous, as is riding together.
For an ice skater, it is important to make sure that they fit, support the ankle, lock tightly on the shin, and are well sharpened. In addition, special protection is required: helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves. The most common injuries during skating are fractures of the radius, sprains of muscles and ligaments, bruises of the chin, as well as concussion. The reason for this is often the incorrect grouping of the body during falls.
"One of the common but little-known mistakes is the habit of holding hands while skating. When falling, this causes the falling person to pull up, as a result, the arm takes on the main load. This often leads to a characteristic fracture of the radius, which requires long-term recovery. If possible, it is better to ride in less crowded places, and for children you can use special devices in the form of animals — penguins, cubs, fur seals — that you can hold on to," the specialist recommends.
When skiing or snowboarding, the key point is to select the right equipment and observe safety regulations. When descending from a slope, you should keep a distance of at least 10 meters, do not jump off a ski jump in the absence of special training, and when falling on skis, do not cross your legs or put ski poles forward.
According to Andrey Chekhonatsky, all winter sports require strict observance of the rules. Even a regular snowball fight can cause serious injuries, including to the head and eyes, if you get an ice crust or pieces of ice. It is forbidden to throw hard snowballs, it is necessary to protect your face during the game, and if a snowball gets into your eye, you must see an ophthalmologist.
"Winter is not only a time of holidays, but also a time when the number of injuries increases dramatically - from bruises, sprains, fractures of limbs to brain injuries, spinal fractures, damage to internal organs. Very often they occur due to a person's loss of concentration due to weekends," the expert noted.
One of the main causes of injury is the increase in traffic accidents and accidents on slippery roads. In winter, it is difficult to estimate the speed and distance to an approaching car, and the situation may be further aggravated by ice and poor visibility. As a result, the risk of accidents involving pedestrians increases. The expert reminds that it is necessary to cross the roadway exclusively according to the rules, carefully assessing the situation around. The doctor also advises residents of Saratov to purchase special shoes with non-slip ribbed soles and move carefully, avoiding haste in pursuit of the departing bus.
"It is necessary to change the rhythm of walking - to move along a slippery surface with small steps, without sudden movements, look at your feet and do not keep your hands in your pockets, do not talk when walking. When descending from a slippery staircase, your feet should be placed along the step — in case of loss of balance, this position will soften the fall. If necessary, use deicing accessories — special plates with spikes for the sole, allowing you to increase the friction force when shoes come into contact with a slippery surface. And if you have to fall, then fall correctly on your side, with your chin pressed against your neck and do not put your hands forward," said an expert from Saratov Medical University.
The doctor paid special attention to popular types of winter recreation, such as cheesecake riding and sledding. He recalled that such vehicles are poorly controlled and high-speed, therefore they can lead to serious consequences.
"Tubing is generally an uncontrollable sports equipment. High speed, lack of braking and the presence of obstacles on the highway lead to serious consequences. As a result, collisions occur both with other people and with obstacles - with trees, fences, a pole, and skaters get brain injuries, sometimes incompatible with life," says Andrey Chekhonatsky.
According to the doctor, you should choose only specially equipped places for skiing, measure the height of the descent and the difficulty of the route. During the descent, it is extremely important to keep your balance, hold on to special straps, and ride only in a sitting position, feet first. Going down on your stomach, headfirst, back down, or on your knees is dangerous, as is riding together.
For an ice skater, it is important to make sure that they fit, support the ankle, lock tightly on the shin, and are well sharpened. In addition, special protection is required: helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves. The most common injuries during skating are fractures of the radius, sprains of muscles and ligaments, bruises of the chin, as well as concussion. The reason for this is often the incorrect grouping of the body during falls.
"One of the common but little-known mistakes is the habit of holding hands while skating. When falling, this causes the falling person to pull up, as a result, the arm takes on the main load. This often leads to a characteristic fracture of the radius, which requires long-term recovery. If possible, it is better to ride in less crowded places, and for children you can use special devices in the form of animals — penguins, cubs, fur seals — that you can hold on to," the specialist recommends.
When skiing or snowboarding, the key point is to select the right equipment and observe safety regulations. When descending from a slope, you should keep a distance of at least 10 meters, do not jump off a ski jump in the absence of special training, and when falling on skis, do not cross your legs or put ski poles forward.
According to Andrey Chekhonatsky, all winter sports require strict observance of the rules. Even a regular snowball fight can cause serious injuries, including to the head and eyes, if you get an ice crust or pieces of ice. It is forbidden to throw hard snowballs, it is necessary to protect your face during the game, and if a snowball gets into your eye, you must see an ophthalmologist.
