Introduction
Following on from the latest blog release from IRC, we thought we would touch upon injuries that are associated with skiing. Now, injuries are not usually the first thing that comes to mind when planning a ski trip. In fact, the possibility of picking up a snow sports injury is often overlooked, however, falls do happen and unfortunately, injuries do too. It’s the risk that comes with any extreme sport, and you can’t get to the top without a few knocks.
It's critical to not live in fear of getting injured. A ski holiday is there to be enjoyed, fun to be had and memories to be made.
Some Interesting Facts
Around 20-25% of ski related injuries are related to the knee (1 in 4).
A snowboarder is 3x more likely, than a skier, to injure an upper limb (shoulder or wrist).
Most snowboarding injuries occur in the first or last run of the day.
18% of all ski injuries occur in beginners whereas, 49% of snowboarding injuries occur in beginners.
Wrist & ankles are more injury prone in boarders, where knees are more common for skiers.
Most Common Ski Injuries
1) Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) (Knee)
2) Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) (Knee)
The knee is the single most common joint affected. The above ligaments and also the pads of cartilage can be damaged through injury. Knee injuries can occur as a result of catching an unexpected edge with your ski, boot binding release failure causing a twist in the knee.
3) Shoulder sprains, fractures, tears & dislocations
When falling, it is only natural to put your arms out in front of you. The impact of the fall can then travel up the arms and cause injury to your shoulder. A broken collarbone can also be associated with an impact fall.
4) Wrist & thumb fractures
Falling with an outstretched hand can cause injury to your wrist & thumb. They are the first parts of the body to absorb the impact when experiencing a fall. In addition, they possess much smaller bones and muscle groups compared to other areas of the body so this opens them up to more risk of serious injury when falling.
5) Head injuries, whiplash & concussion
Through impact or fall the head, especially WITHOUT a helmet is open to trauma when impact is felt. Wearing a suitable ski helmet can reduce the risk of this.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. With so many clients out enjoying the slopes I thought it would be an interesting round up to our ski themed blogs.
Take care and be safe,
Liv
BSc Hons Sports Therapy MSST
MSc Strength and Conditioning
07761887778
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