| There can be few experiences on earth as thrilling as | | | | down to bad falls and nasty twists whilst falling. To |
| skiing. | | | | help avoid the risk of these, it is always wise to aim |
| Yet, for too many people, the thrills end in spills and | | | | to keep your knees flexed, even if you feel you are |
| the dream holiday is marred by a sports injury. | | | | about to fall and always aim to fall forwards, not |
| It is vital for skiers to have at least a basic | | | | backwards, as this is more dangerous for your knees. |
| understanding of sports injury prevention and sports | | | | Also, be especially careful if you make a jump that |
| first aid, should the worst happen. | | | | you do not fall backwards on landing. |
| Knee injuries are common in skiers because the knee | | | | ACL injuries are a real hazard for professional skiers |
| is highly vulnerable due to the very nature of the ski | | | | and can threaten their careers. For some reason, |
| experience. The foot and ankle is locked in the ski. | | | | women seem to be at even greater risk of ACL |
| So if there is a fall and the ski bindings do not release | | | | injuries, although it is not really understood why. It is |
| as they should, it is the knee joint that suffers as a | | | | hypothesised that it may be related to female |
| result. | | | | hormone levels and their impact on ligament strength, |
| Little wonder then that knee injuries account for | | | | so women may find especial benefit from knee |
| about a quarter of all ski sports injuries. Although | | | | supports to provide extra stability. |
| most will heal with time, knee support and | | | | Sometimes the phenomenon that can cause damage |
| physiotherapy, an unlucky few suffer a lasting injury | | | | to the ACL is called 'the phantom foot'. This refers to |
| and may not be able to ski ever again. | | | | the tail of the downward ski combining with the |
| The very worst scenario is a complete knee | | | | immobile ski boot to act as a lever that then applies |
| dislocation. However, the two most common ski | | | | a twisting force to the knee joint. |
| injuries are meniscus tears and tears to the anterior | | | | It goes without saying that you must pay great |
| cruciate ligament (ACL). | | | | attention to your ski bindings to make sure that they |
| For beginners and intermediate skiers, there is | | | | will release in the event of a fall, minimising the risk of |
| another risk of sports injury, which is tearing the | | | | knee injuries. |
| medial collateral ligament (MCL), as the snowplough | | | | Also, a very simple but effective common sense tip |
| that beginners use to stop and turn puts undue | | | | is to always avoid ski-ing when you are tired as |
| pressure on the inside of the knee. If this should | | | | evidence shows accidents are much more common |
| happen, a knee brace can be of great benefit to help | | | | at the end of the day. |
| alleviate further sports injury. | | | | So wise up and keep your knees safe on the slopes |
| In more advanced skiers, anterior cruciate ligament | | | | this year! |
| (ACL) injuries are more likely to occur. This is mainly | | | | |