As temperatures drop and the seasons change, many people don’t realize that late fall and early winter are some of the most common times for orthopaedic injuries. From slippery leaves to early patches of ice, backyard clean-up, and holiday decorating, these months bring a spike in sprains, strains, fractures, and joint injuries.
At UrgentOrtho by Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons, we provide fast, walk-in orthopaedic care for injuries that can’t wait — helping you avoid long ER visits and get treated by an orthopaedic specialist right away.
Why Do Injuries Increase in Late Fall and Early Winter?
Late fall and early winter create the perfect combination of hazards:
- Slippery Leaves and Frost
- Wet leaves, morning frost, and early black ice make sidewalks and driveways unpredictable.
Common injuries:
- Ankle sprains
- Wrist fractures from falls
- Knee injuries
Holiday Prep and Heavy Lifting
Between yard cleanup, hauling bins, and ladder climbing to hang lights, this time of year brings increased strain on the body.
Common injuries:
- Back strains
- Shoulder pain
- Tendonitis
Winter Sports and Outdoor Activities
As people shift to cold-weather workouts or seasonal sports, injuries often follow.
Common injuries:
- Knee sprains
- Muscle pulls
- Foot and ankle injuries
Reduced Daylight and Visibility
Shorter days mean more activity in low light, increasing the likelihood of missteps and accidental falls.
When Should You Visit an Orthopaedic Urgent Care?
Many patients wonder whether a fall or injury requires the emergency room. For non-emergent but urgent orthopaedic injuries, UrgentOrtho is the best choice.
Visit UrgentOrtho for:
- Suspected fractures or broken bones
- Sprains, strains, or pulled muscles
- Sports injuries
- Sudden joint pain
- Swelling or bruising after a fall
- Limited mobility
- Back or neck injuries
- Home, yard, or decorating accidents
If you’re unsure where to go, remember:
- If it’s bone, muscle, or joint related — UrgentOrtho can help.
Why Choose UrgentOrtho Instead of the ER?
- Walk-In, Same-Day Care: no appointment needed — just come in when injury happens.
- Orthopaedic Specialists, Not General Urgent Care Staff: you’ll be evaluated by experts who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries every day.
- Avoid Long ER Waits: most orthopaedic injuries don’t require an ER — and we help you bypass the time and cost of a hospital visit
- On-Site Imaging & Fast Answers: get X-rays and proper diagnosis in one visit
- Personalized Treatment Plans: our team develops individualized care plans and connects patients with MOS specialists or PT/OT services for seamless follow-up.
Common Late Fall/Early Winter Injuries Treated at UrgentOrtho
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Ladder accidents during decorating
- Back pain from shoveling or yard cleanup
- Holiday cooking and lifting injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries from bracing a fall
- Knee and ankle injuries from wet/icy surfaces
- Sports injuries from football, running, or indoor leagues
If it hurts, happened suddenly, or limits movement — we can treat it.
Stay Safe This Season: Tips to Prevent Orthopaedic Injuries
- Wear proper footwear with traction
- Take your time on ladders or steps
- Warm up before outdoor chores or cold-weather workouts
- Keep walkways clear of leaves and early ice
- Use both hands when stepping off ladders
Listen to your body — pain is an early warning sign
Visit UrgentOrtho — Here When You Need Us
Late fall and early winter are busy — don’t let an injury slow you down
Whether you’re hanging lights, raking leaves, or slipping on early frost, UrgentOrtho by Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons is ready with fast, walk-in orthopaedic care.
Learn More about UrgentOrtho