Top December Injuries We See — And How to Avoid Them
The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and festive traditions — but it also leads to a spike in orthopedic injuries. From decorating mishaps to slips outside or strains from long-distance travel, December is one of the busiest months for avoidable orthopedic issues.
Here are the most common holiday injuries our physicians see and simple ways to prevent them so you can stay safe, active, and pain-free all season long.
1. Ladder & Decorating Mishaps
Hanging lights and trimming trees are classic traditions — and also major sources of falls, shoulder strains, and wrist injuries.
Prevention Tips
Choose the right ladder height. Avoid overreaching; your beltline should never rise above the ladder’s top step.
Use a spotter. Have someone steady the ladder and hand you decorations so you aren’t twisting or leaning.
Keep your center of gravity between the rails. Most falls happen from leaning to one side.
Avoid standing on chairs or boxes. They are not designed to hold weight safely.
Don’t rush. Decorating often happens after work, when fatigue increases risk.
2. Slips & Falls (Ice, Wet Surfaces, Entryways)
Even in Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry, colder mornings, wet steps, and slippery store entrances cause an uptick in fractures and sprains.
Prevention Tips
Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles when outdoors or walking through busy shopping areas.
Use handrails on stairs, porches, and entryways — especially when carrying bags.
Clear walkways promptly of wet leaves or moisture that freezes overnight.
Take small, deliberate steps on potentially slick surfaces.
Keep indoor floors dry — especially tile areas near doors.
3. Holiday Travel Pain
Long car rides, flights, or hours of sitting at holiday events can trigger back pain, stiff joints, and flare-ups of arthritis.
Prevention Tips
Take movement breaks every 30–60 minutes when traveling — even quick standing stretches help.
Use lumbar support (a rolled towel works) to maintain natural spine alignment.
Lift luggage with your legs, not your back, and keep bags close to your body.
Pack strategically: use multiple lighter bags instead of one heavy one.
Stay hydrated — muscles and joints are more prone to stiffness when dehydrated.
4. Children’s New Toy Accidents
December brings an explosion of scooters, hoverboards, bikes, trampolines, and sports equipment. These often lead to wrist fractures, ankle sprains, and growth plate injuries.
Prevention Tips
Ensure kids wear proper protective gear (helmets, wrist guards, knee pads).
Review safety instructions together before first use.
Set clear play boundaries — especially with scooters and bikes near streets or driveways.
Check equipment assembly twice to confirm everything is secure.
Supervise first-time use until the child demonstrates safe control.
5. Low Activity Dangers (Holiday Downtime Slump)
Cold weather + school breaks + time off work often lead to increased sitting, reduced movement, and surprising orthopedic setbacks.
Prevention Tips
Get at least 10–15 minutes of movement every few hours, even if it’s just a walk or stretching.
Avoid long sessions of sitting on soft couches, which can strain hips and low backs.
Warm up before jumping into seasonal activities like yard work, shopping, or spontaneous sports.
Maintain a simple home exercise routine to keep joints mobile and muscles active.
Listen to early warning signs: stiffness, swelling, or sharp pain shouldn’t be ignored.