Winter sports are a great way to enjoy the snow and get some exercise, but as with all athletic activities, they can also be potentially dangerous. Whether you’re snowboarding, skiing, or engaging in another winter sport, it’s important to take steps to prevent common injuries like sprains and strains. Here are the top 5 most common snow sports injuries, along with some tips on how to help prevent them, so you can enjoy your favorite winter activities:
Knee Ligament Tears
Knee ligament tears, particularly those that occur when snowboarding, are one of the most common snow sports injuries. This is because snowboarders tend to put a lot of stress on their knees due to the way they ride and shift their body weight as they navigate down the slopes. To help prevent knee ligament tears, it’s important to wear well-fitting snowboarding boots and always use proper knee padding when snowboarding. Additionally, you should only participate in snow sports when the weather conditions are safe. Avoid going out during snow storms, and at night, and always make sure people know where you are.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are also a common snow sports injury, especially among skiers who lose their balance on the snow and twist their ankles. To reduce your risk of ankle sprains, it’s important to wear well-fitting ski boots that provide support for your ankles. You should also be sure to wear proper snowboarding or skiing equipment like shin guards, snowboard boots, and ski poles, all of which can help keep you balanced and protected as you snowboard or ski.
Shoulder Dislocation
Another common snow sports injury is a dislocation of the shoulder, usually caused by hard falls during snowboarding or skiing. To prevent shoulder injuries, it’s important to wear proper snowboarding or skiing equipment such as elbow and wrist guards. Additionally, you should use caution when snowboarding or skiing in icy conditions, as these can increase your risk of a hard fall.
Wrist Fractures
Falling and landing on snow-covered ground puts stress on your wrists, which can lead to wrist fractures if you’re not careful. To reduce your risk of a wrist fracture while snowboarding or skiing, it’s important to wear proper protective wrist guards. Most importantly, you should take care while skiing or snowboarding in poor conditions, and always wear the right equipment for safety, like helmets and goggles.
Concussions
Concussions are another common snow sports injury, especially for those who take hard falls onto their heads. To help prevent concussions when snowboarding or skiing, it’s important to wear a helmet at all times. Additionally, you should avoid snowboarding or skiing in icy conditions and always use caution when riding on steep slopes. By taking these steps, you can help keep yourself safe while snowboarding or skiing and reduce your risk of experiencing one of the most common snow sports injuries.
Overall, snow sports are a great way to get outside and have fun in the winter, but they can also be dangerous if you aren’t careful. By taking steps to prevent common snow sports injuries such as avoiding super icy conditions, situations where your view may be impaired, and ensuring someone always knows where you are, you can help keep yourself safe and injury-free.
In the unfortunate event that an injury does occur, our team at Syracuse Area Health – Strasburger Orthopaedics has the experience and expertise needed to determine the best treatment plan to help get you to full functionality and back on the slopes as soon as possible! To schedule a consultation, contact us today.