Newport Hospital’s guide to safe skiing and snowboarding
Winter enthusiasts are hitting the slopes, but with the thrill of skiing and snowboarding comes the risk of sports injuries. January is National Ski Safety Month and Newport Hospital has expertise on how to avoid common skiing injuries, for a safe and enjoyable winter sports experience.
Whether you're a skier or a snowboarder, understanding common injuries associated with each sport is essential. Skiers often face injuries to the knees, legs, and head, with tears to the ACL, MCL, and meniscus being frequent. On the other hand, snowboarders commonly experience upper body injuries, such as elbow and wrist sprains and fractures. A less common but potentially serious injury is a type of ankle fracture involving the talus bone, it is often dubbed as "snowboarder's ankle." Head injuries, regardless of the snow sport, remain a significant cause for concern.
As with any sports injuries, prevention and body conditioning are key. First, mastering the art of falling may seem unusual, but it is a valuable skill in preventing injuries. Closing fists during a fall reduces the risk of hand and wrist injuries, while bringing arms in further minimizes harm to the upper body. Secondly, regular exercise focusing on quads, hamstrings, and core muscles is crucial for injury prevention. Thirdly, protective gear is non-negotiable – helmets are essential for skiers and snowboarders to prevent head injuries. Additionally, sunglasses or goggles, appropriate clothing, and well-fitted equipment, including wrist guards, offer added protection.
Despite precautions, injuries can still happen during winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding. It's crucial to prioritize safety on the slopes, but in the event of an injury, swift action is key. If you find yourself injured, seek medical help immediately. For fractures and post-skiing or snowboarding pain, consider consulting one of our highly skilled orthopedic specialists at the Lifespan Orthopedics Institute, located at Newport Hospital. Our experts are dedicated to providing exceptional care and ensuring a speedy recovery, so you can get back to enjoying the slopes. For more information on the Lifespan Orthopedic Institute visit: https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/lifespan-orthopedics-institute
Dr. Michael Staebler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His areas of expertise include operative and nonoperative treatment of sports injuries in children and adults at the recreational, collegiate, and professional levels.
Health Matters appears monthly in The Newport Daily News and on newportri.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Newport Hospital’s guide to safe skiing and snowboarding
