As snowfall continues to affect many cities, experts are warning the public: “Snowy and icy surfaces pose serious injury risks.” Highlighting the importance of the so-called “penguin walk” technique for safe walking on snowy ground, Instructor Mert İlhan from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation stated:

“Keeping the knees slightly bent rather than locked allows shock absorption, spreading the arms sideways helps maintain balance like a balance pole, and taking short, sliding steps significantly reduces the risk of slipping.”

İlhan warned that incorrect footwear, walking with hands in pockets, and trying to stop a fall with the hands can lead to fractures and head injuries. He emphasized that especially for older adults and individuals at risk of osteoporosis, even minor falls can have life-threatening consequences.

The safest way to walk on snow and ice: The ‘Penguin Walk’

Explaining that the most recommended walking technique on icy and snowy surfaces is the penguin walk, İlhan said: “Safe walking requires effective control of the body’s center of gravity and increased contact with the ground.” He noted that the torso should lean slightly forward, with body weight centered over the supporting foot. Turning the toes outward by 10–30 degrees widens the base of support and enhances balance. “Instead of the normal heel-to-toe walking pattern, the entire sole of the foot should contact the ground at once. Slightly bent knees improve shock absorption, arms held out to the sides improve balance, and short, shuffling steps reduce slipping.”

Walking with hands in pockets increases the risk of serious injury

İlhan emphasized that one of the most common and dangerous mistakes is walking with hands in pockets: “This prevents effective balance strategies and also blocks the natural protective reflex of using the arms to shield the face during a fall.” He also warned against walking as if on dry ground by striking the heel forcefully, which can cause the foot to slide forward and lead to backward falls with a high risk of head trauma. Taking long strides, failing to notice black ice, and keeping the knees locked were also listed among critical walking errors to avoid.

Footwear choice is one of the most important external risk factors

Reminding that shoes are the only interface between the body and the ground, İlhan stressed: “Footwear choice is one of the most important external factors determining fall risk.” He explained that standard athletic shoes often harden in cold temperatures due to polymer-based soles, making them slippery on ice. “A safe winter boot should have a rubber sole that remains flexible in cold conditions, allowing better traction. High-ankle boots also provide mechanical support, reducing the risk of ankle sprains, ligament injuries, and fractures.”

Do not try to stop a fall with your hands

One of the most critical mistakes during a slip, İlhan noted, is instinctively trying to stop the fall with the hands: “This type of fall, known in medical literature as a ‘fall on an outstretched hand,’ is the primary cause of wrist and arm fractures in winter.” He advised keeping the elbows bent, crossing the arms over the chest or protecting the face, and absorbing impact with larger body areas such as the shoulders or back. Tucking the chin toward the chest helps protect the head, while turning the fall sideways and rolling can distribute impact energy and reduce fracture risk. Remaining relaxed rather than tensing the body can also lessen injury severity.

Falls on icy surfaces can cause head trauma as well as orthopedic injuries

İlhan stated that wrist and hand fractures are the most common injuries seen in emergency departments during winter months. Other frequent injuries include shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears, elbow fractures, ligament and meniscus injuries in the knee, ankle sprains, and hip fractures, especially dangerous for older adults. He concluded with a critical warning: “Beyond orthopedic injuries, head trauma is one of the most serious risks. A backward fall caused by the heel slipping forward can result in head impact. Even if a person feels fine initially, intracranial bleeding may still occur.”

Falls that young people may overcome with minor bruising can be extremely serious for older adults

Providing recommendations for individuals with knee, hip, or lower back problems, Instructor Mert İlhan stated that cold weather can increase joint stiffness and pain. “Cold conditions can worsen joint stiffness and pain. These individuals should perform warm-up exercises before going outside and keep their joints warm with thermal clothing,” he said. İlhan explained that stiff and painful joints are unable to produce the rapid neuromuscular responses required to maintain balance during a slip. “When walking, the knees should not be locked. Keeping them slightly bent prevents ground shock from being transmitted directly to the spine and provides a form of biological suspension.” He also warned against sudden rotational movements. “To protect the knee ligaments and menisci, sudden maneuvers in which the foot remains fixed while the torso rotates should be avoided. All turns should be performed by repositioning the feet.” İlhan advised against carrying shopping bags or heavy loads in one hand, recommending that weight be evenly distributed between both hands or that a backpack be used. He also emphasized that distractions such as using a mobile phone while walking significantly increase risk, especially for this group.

Simple falls can become life-threatening for individuals at risk of osteoporosis

İlhan stressed that individuals at risk of osteoporosis face far more severe consequences following a fall. “Due to reduced bone quality, falls that young people might overcome with a simple bruise can turn into hip fractures that may lead to fatal complications in older adults.” He also noted that individuals using canes or walkers should be aware that standard rubber tips may not provide sufficient traction on icy surfaces.

Post-fall symptoms that must be taken seriously

İlhan emphasized that the following symptoms after a fall, regardless of duration, require immediate medical attention: loss of consciousness, gradually worsening headache, repeated vomiting, unequal pupil size, and clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears. “These symptoms are clear warning signs and must never be ignored,” he said. “Unusual drowsiness, inability to be awakened, or seizures may indicate increased intracranial pressure.” He added that stroke-like symptoms, including difficulty speaking or understanding speech and one-sided weakness or numbness in the limbs, require urgent emergency care.

Special warning for individuals using blood thinners

İlhan concluded by emphasizing that individuals taking anticoagulant medications are at increased risk. “Because the blood clotting mechanism is suppressed, the risk of intracranial bleeding may increase even if no immediate symptoms appear after a fall. For this reason, medical evaluation is essential.” He also stressed that suspected fractures or serious orthopedic injuries should never be ignored. “Inability to bear weight on the affected area, visible deformity, rapidly increasing swelling or bruising, severe and persistent pain, or restricted movement in the arms or legs are all signs that require prompt evaluation at a healthcare facility.”