It's winter and the snowy mountains are beckoning you to ski or snowboard; BUT be careful because there are about 22 injuries that can occur while boarding and downhill skiing!
The most typical snowboarding injuries occur at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder (esp. the rotator cuff). Broken collarbones, concussions, head and neck injuries are common, too.
For skiers the most common disabling injuries occur at the knee. 25% of all ski injuries are knee injuries. The two most common knee injuries are to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) ( interior knee) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries occur most frequently in beginning and intermediate skiers since beginning skiers use a snowplow type of stance to stop and turn.
*Fortunately, a majority of these injuries can be treated without surgery. A brace, physical therapy and the tincture of time usually takes care of these injuries. In rare cases, surgical reconstruction is undertaken to treat these injuries.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are ones that sports fans hear and read so much about. ACL injuries tend to occur in more advanced skiers and can be attributed to specific falling patterns. Despite wonderful engineering or equipment, there is an alarming (240%) increase in ACL injuries.
* The ACL is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee, running diagonally behind the kneecap. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).
* The ligament can become torn or stretched with a sudden twisting and or transfer of weight while skiing. It often has a loud painful pop when first injured followed by swelling due to an effusion of blood in the knee joint. The knee may feel like it is giving way when doing pivoting or twisting movements. ACL injuries usually occur with other injuries. Women sustain ACL injuries at a higher rate than men-possibly due to hormones, or strength imbalances between the hamstrings and quadriceps
* Treatment: RICE* Rest with knee Elevated, Ice frequently to reduce the swelling, compression-wrap with ace wrap, Anti-inflammatory medications and/ or ointments; if the condition is severe, then crutches and intense rehabilitation and possibly surgery.
* MASSAGE - Although the ACL can't be palpated, and massage doesn't address the actual ligament tear or strain, massage is helpful for returning the balance to surrounding muscles that are in protective spasm. Strength training of the quads and hamstrings helps with muscular coordination around the knee.
