Preparing Yourself For Ski Season: 5 Common Injuries To Take Note Of

Singapore’s all-year-round hot and humid climate has made winter escapades more popular than ever among locals. If you are one of the people travelling to the other side of the globe to see and experience snow, winter sports like skiing are probably part of your bucket list as well.   

However, skiing can be physically demanding, which puts you at a higher risk for injuries especially if you are a beginner who has not undergone proper training before. That is not to say you have to change your plans or forego your dream of sliding down slopes of luscious snow though.   

Here are some of the common ski injuries to know so you can avoid them and enjoy your trip to the fullest – keep reading to find out more.   

Common ski injuries

 
1. Wrist fracture or sprain  

The wrist is often most susceptible to sprains or fractures as it is a natural instinct to extend your hand to break a fall while skiing. As your wrist joint absorbs the impact, a stretch or tear can occur in the ligament, resulting in a wrist sprain. Falling onto an outstretched hand can also cause a wrist fracture, even in healthy bones if the impact of the fall sustained is high.   

2. Skier’s thumb  

Another common ski injury is the skier’s thumb, caused by falling on an outstretched arm with a ski pole in the palm of your hand. It creates a force strong enough to stress the thumb, stretching or tearing the ligament. You can also injure your thumb if it jams into packed snow at a high velocity when you fall while skiing.   

3. ACL tear  

Other than a wrist sprain or fracture, the knee joint is also a common area that can get injured in downhill skiing – around 20,000 skiers suffer ACL injuries annually! The ACL prevents the shin bone from sliding too far forward but an injury can occur while skiing through a forward, twisting fall which can force the knee into internal rotation.   

4. Collarbone fracture  

A clavicle fracture, also known as a collarbone fracture, is one of the five most common ski injuries. It can happen during a collision with a fellow skier or a fall. Collarbone fractures are painful and symptoms like swelling, bruising and the inability to move your arm are usually present immediately.   

5. Head injuries  

Skiing also increases your risk of sustaining a head injury, like a concussion or whiplash. Thankfully, simply wearing a proper ski helmet reduces the chances of a life-threatening head or brain injury.   

Leading causes of ski injuries

• Not warming up

Like any other exercise, doing sufficient warm-ups is essential to prepare your muscles for the ski experience. This helps to prevent injuries in skiers of all levels, even if you are a professional.   

• Wearing incorrect or ill-fitting protective equipment

Protective equipment like wrist guards and knee braces is designed to cushion your joints to prevent injuries like a wrist sprain. Hence, it is important to wear ones that fit properly to enhance protection.   

• Not taking ski lessons

Professional ski lessons will teach you the basics such as falling correctly to reduce your risk of sustaining a wrist sprain or fracture. If you are an experienced skier, taking refresher courses can also enhance your technique.   

• Collisions

Colliding with another skier is one of the most common causes of injury. While this is sometimes inevitable, doing your part by not skiing when you are too tired and after drinking alcohol can help to reduce the risk.   

Receiving treatment for ski injuries 

Depending on the type of injury you have sustained and the severity of it, different treatment methods ranging from non-invasive to surgical procedures may be required.   

Learn more: Things to Expect After a Hand Surgery in Singapore  

Hence, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention to prevent your condition from deteriorating. If symptoms persist or worsen after you have returned to Singapore, consider seeing a hand specialist.   

Dr Jacqueline Tan, a female hand surgeon at Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre, is trained in treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions.   

Get in touch with us today!