However, it also involves certain risks, and falls among skiers are common. The most frequent injuries tend to be minor bumps and bruises that don't lead to further complications, but there are other types of injuries that can be much more serious if proper precautions aren't taken.
We'll explain the most common skiing injuries and how to prevent them
MOST COMMON SKIING INJURIES
AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
Considering the types of falls and the physical demands of the activity, injuries typically occur in the knees, shoulders, ribs, and hands/arms.
- Knees
About 40% of injuries occur in the knees. The weight distribution in skiing focuses on knee flexion, making this area particularly vulnerable. The most common injuries involve the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament, with the former being more frequent.
This typically results from sudden twisting movements that force the knee into rotation, causing immediate sharp pain and making walking impossible.
This typically results from sudden twisting movements that force the knee into rotation, causing immediate sharp pain and making walking impossible.
- Shoulder Injuries
The most common are shoulder dislocations, which occur when significant weight falls on the shoulder joint. This injury is particularly prevalent in alpine skiing and snowboarding. The shoulder's stabilising ligaments tear, causing the bone to dislocate with immediate pain and loss of mobility. In severe cases, this can lead to a shoulder fracture that might require surgical intervention.
Another frequent injury is clavicle damage, visible as a deformation in the upper shoulder area.
Another frequent injury is clavicle damage, visible as a deformation in the upper shoulder area.
- Hand Injuries
The most common is "Skier's Thumb", where the thumb suffers a sudden lateral movement that ruptures the internal ligament. This occurs when the hand is closed around the ski pole, and the pole's grip forces the thumb into unnatural deviation.
Wrist fractures can also occur from strong, direct impacts during falls.
Wrist fractures can also occur from strong, direct impacts during falls.
- Arm Injuries
Upper limb injuries include elbow sprains or fractures, though these are generally less common.
Other Injuries
While the above are the most typical snow sports injuries, others can occur during practice, including trauma, leg fractures, wrist sprains, and various finger injuries.
HOW TO PREVENT INJURIES
Naturally, a pre-conditioned body is less prone to such injuries, though external factors like snow quality and caution during descents also play significant roles.
As mentioned, a trained body has greater resistance to impacts and falls, though injuries are more likely during the first and last hours of skiing due to muscle warm-up and fatigue near closing time.
Fatigue is another contributing factor, making regular breaks essential to avoid exhaustion. Proper hydration is also highly recommended.
Finally, avoid poor snow conditions whenever possible, particularly in the afternoons. Icy slopes or "mashed potato" snow increase the risk of overexertion and subsequent injury.
Other Injuries
While the above are the most typical snow sports injuries, others can occur during practice, including trauma, leg fractures, wrist sprains, and various finger injuries.
HOW TO PREVENT INJURIES
Naturally, a pre-conditioned body is less prone to such injuries, though external factors like snow quality and caution during descents also play significant roles.
As mentioned, a trained body has greater resistance to impacts and falls, though injuries are more likely during the first and last hours of skiing due to muscle warm-up and fatigue near closing time.
Fatigue is another contributing factor, making regular breaks essential to avoid exhaustion. Proper hydration is also highly recommended.
Finally, avoid poor snow conditions whenever possible, particularly in the afternoons. Icy slopes or "mashed potato" snow increase the risk of overexertion and subsequent injury.
