Skiing Injuries – Useful and Simple Tips
Skiing is a popular sport and recreation with positive effects on health and general fitness. It is practiced by both professionals and beginners and recreationists. However, skiing is also a risky sport, with a wide range of injuries. More serious injuries also occur in experienced skiers, due to aggressive driving and speed. Factors and causes of injuries under weather conditions, poor visibility, poor choice and quality of the trail, inadequate equipment, fast driving, poor skiing technique.
In this text, in addition to the type of most common injuries, we will list some useful tips that skiers should pay attention to.
The most common injuries
Injuries used to be dominated by lower leg fractures. Today, that number has been reduced due to better designed skis. However, the number of knee injuries has increased.
Knee injuries
About 40% of all injuries are knee injuries. They often occur on steep, icy trails and when crossing skis. Knee injuries often apeare with damage to the meniscus and anterior ligament. They are manifested by pain and swelling of the joints and the inability to straighten the knees. If the joint swlles in the first two hours, it indicates bleeding and severe ligament injury. Slight swelling in the first 24 hours indicates a mild injury.
Immediately after the injury, the so-called RICE principle. It includes R-rest, I-ice, C-compression and E-elevation. Also, we use plaster immobilization for lateral ligament rupture, and surgical treatment – for anterior ligament injury.
Shoulder injuries
This is mainly a dislocation of the shoulder joint, a fracture of the collarbone or upper arm, as well as a muscle injury. These injuries occur when falling on an outstretched hand or directly on the shoulder. There is pain, swelling and limited mobility. Immediately, it is necessary to place ice locally on the sore spot, adjust the joint and immobilize it. After removing the immobilization, physical therapy is applied. In severe cases, surgical treatment is extremely important.
Common – thumb injury
It occurs when a skier falls on a closed fist in which he holds a ski pole. On that occasion, the joint at the root of the thumb moves and the ligaments rupture. The injured part of the arm should be immobilized immediately and a doctor should be consulted.
Head injury
These injuries manifest in different ways. These can be small scratches on the face or head, but also very serious fractures of the skull. First aid includes placing the skier in the appropriate position, stabilizing the head, monitoring vital functions. Of course, it is obligatory to contact a doctor.
Injury prevention
When you go skiing, be sure of your physical fitness. Prepare yourself by applying fast walking, running, swimming. Stretch your muscles every day, repair previous injuries. Warm up your muscles before skiing. Muscles that are not prepared are much more prone to injury.
Useful tips
Here are some tips to avoid skiing injuries
Don’t go on trails you’re not ready for.
If you feel tired, stop and rest. Most injuries occur when your body is tired.
Provide appropriate ski equipment. Wear goggles and a helmet.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration significantly affects your readiness and endurance.
Follow all safety rules, stop on tracks and connect to other tracks.
Pay attention to signs and warnings, watch out for rocks and ice.
If you experience hypothermia or frostbite, warm up and seek medical attention.