From Luggage to Long Drives, AAOS Advises Holiday Travelers on Injury Prevention

ROSEMONT, Ill. (Dec. 22, 2025)—As millions of Americans prepare to travel for the holidays, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges everyone to take simple steps to safeguard bones, joints and muscles, making the season both joyful and injury-free.

“Holiday travel often means heavy luggage, long hours on the road and plenty of hustle,” said Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS. “With a few practical precautions, you can reduce your risk for common musculoskeletal injuries and focus on what matters, enjoying time with loved ones.”

Prevalence of Injuries Related to Holiday Travel and Winter Activities

OrthoInfo.org, AAOS’ online patient education platform, notes that more than 72,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments, doctors’ offices and clinics in 2019 for injuries caused by struggling with heavy, over-packed luggage. For many families heading to colder destinations, winter sports pose additional risks, with activities such as skiing and sledding accounting for more than 186,000 injury-related visits in the same year.

Tips to Help Prevent Holiday Travel Injuries

AAOS encourages the public to keep the following guidance in mind to help avoid strains, sprains, fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries during the holidays:

• Use proper lifting techniques when loading or unloading luggage: bend at the knees, keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting motions.
• Distribute weight evenly. Avoid overpacking and consider using multiple smaller bags rather than one oversized one.
• Take frequent breaks on long car or plane trips to stretch and move joints to prevent stiffness or muscle fatigue.
• For winter travel and vacationing in cold climates: warm up gently before engaging in snow sports, use appropriate protective gear and avoid pushing beyond your current fitness or skill level.
• Stay mindful when decorating or handling holiday gear at home, use stable ladders or step stools, ensure footing is secure and avoid carrying heavy items while climbing. (See detailed fall-prevention guidance at  OrthoInfo)

For more safety resources and injury prevention tips, visit OrthoInfo.org.

To schedule an interview with an AAOS expert about common musculoskeletal injuries during the holidays, email media@aaos.org.

###

About the AAOS 

With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.