by Hospital for Special Surgery
Aleksey Dvorzhinskiy, MD, Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery
Newswise — The snow storm and freezing temperatures have turned many streets into obstacle courses. Snow and ice on the ground present hazardous conditions that could lead to a fall if people are not careful.
“An invisible patch of ice is an accident waiting to happen,” according to Aleksey Dvorzhinskiy, MD, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City at HSS Long Island in Uniondale. “People often forget how dangerous a fall can be, especially when they’re in a hurry to get somewhere.”
Dr. Dvorzhinskiy says everyone should exercise caution after a snow storm. Even after much of the snow and ice is removed, there are always some slippery surfaces to watch out for.
He offers these safety tips:
• Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice, such as those with rubber and neoprene composite soles. Avoid plastic and leather soles, smooth-soled shoes and, of course, high heels.
• Walk at a safe pace. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination without rushing.
• When given no choice but to walk on ice, take short steps or shuffle for stability.
• Be mindful of the hazards and look where you’re going! Watch for icy patches that remain even if the sidewalk or parking lot has been cleared of most snow and ice. Areas that do not get sufficient direct sunlight and spaces where snow accumulates (such as near roadside curbs or between parked cars) remain icy long after the rest has melted or has been removed.
• Footwear should keep feet dry, warm and comfortable and provide good support.
• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Don’t take shortcuts or try to jump over piles of snow.
• Keep your field of vision clear. Hats should not cover your eyes. You should be able to close your coat sufficiently so you can easily see where you are going.
• Make sure scarves don’t drag on or near the ground where they can cause you to trip.
• Use a cane or walking stick to help stabilize your balance if you need to.
• Snow and ice accumulate on stairways. Always use hand railings. Look where you’re stepping and place each foot firmly on each step.
• When you’re in your car, try to park where it is clear of snow and ice.
• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles. If necessary, use the car for support.
• Do not overload yourself with packages. Anything that throws your balance off increases the risk of falling. Make several trips to the car to unload it, rather than carrying everything at once.
• Some older people, who are at particular risk of a debilitating fracture, should try to keep driving to daylight hours so that they are able to see patches of ice on streets and in parking lots.
• Remember that some medications, like allergy/cold medicines, certain painkillers, and others can make you groggy or dizzy, reducing your ability to maintain your balance on slippery surfaces.
• Be especially watchful for “black ice,” an invisible sheet of ice that forms after roadways thaw and refreeze. The road, sidewalk, or parking lot may look like they are simply wet when, in fact, the thin ice on the surface is extremely slick.
• When entering buildings, remove snow and water from footwear to prevent wet, slippery conditions indoors.
At Home:
• Keep walkways free of obstacles, such as snow shovels, other outdoor tools, sleds and other toys.
• Provide sturdy handrails on all stairways to porches or doorways.
• Spread a layer of sand, salt, gravel, cat litter, etc. to provide extra traction on the ice, and to promote melting.
Dr. Dvorzhinskiy says taking precautions after a storm can go a long way toward avoiding an accident that could land you in the hospital.
About HSS
HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 16th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2025-2026). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fifth consecutive year (2025). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.
Courtesy: Newswise