Winter sports are among the group of activities that require attention as well as being enjoyable. Drawing attention to the injuries that occur in skiing and snowboarding, experts underline that people who want to do winter sports should not go out alone and without proper equipment. Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora gave important information about injuries that occur in winter sports.
Women are injured more
Stating that the main cause of ski injuries is uncontrolled and sudden accelerated falls and impacts, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora,
"Skiing is an extremely risky sport, even for professional competitors. Interestingly, men suffer serious injuries more often than women. The most commonly injured body part is the knee and the anterior cruciate ligament is most commonly injured. Knee ligament injuries, especially the anterior cruciate ligament, are 3-8 times more common in women than in men."
Shoulder girdle injuries are more common in snowboarders!
"Upper extremity, namely shoulder girdle injuries (injuries to our arms, forearms and hands) are twice as common in snowboarders compared to skiers," Canbora said,
"When looking at young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18, at least half of them were reported to have suffered an injury within two years. However, it is known that forward bending, side bending and overloads are a potential risk for overuse injuries. Such physiological and psychological overloads not only cause physical injuries but also lead to immune system disorders in young athletes, increasing the risk of disease."
What are the injuries seen in winter sports?
Stating that the beneficial effects of skiing on aging due to general physical activity and healthy lifestyle should not be ignored, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Canbora gave the following information about the most common injuries in winter sports:
"Concussion: Concussion can occur in any sportive activity, including winter sports. More than 1/3 of concussion cases are seen in children. The presence of symptoms such as fainting, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, swelling at the injury site and vomiting in a fallen athlete indicates the possibility of concussion.
Shoulder girdle fractures and/or dislocations: While shoulder injuries are common in all winter sports, this rate is up to 40% especially in snowboarders. Shoulder injuries are much less common in skiers. Ski athletes have a very high risk of shoulder dislocation.
Spinal injuries: Rarely fatal, spinal injuries are more uncomfortable than other head injuries. Injuries to the ligaments and muscles around the spine can prevent you from practicing sports for many weeks. Snowboarders are prone to back injuries. As a result, all winter sports carry a risk of spinal injuries.
Dislocated and/or fractured elbow: Elbow injuries can be caused not only by obvious trauma but also by overuse or incorrect technique. A significant proportion of elbow injuries occur when the hands are open to protect against falls.
Skier's thumb Skiing is the only winter sport in which the hands and wrists are regularly used. Thumb injuries are more common in skiing than in skating or sledding. The most common hand injury is skier's thumb, in which the important ligaments holding the thumb in place are injured.
Knee injuries: In skiing and other winter sports, we need the shock absorption effect of the knees much more. The most common knee injuries in sports injuries are tears, especially in the lateral and cruciate ligaments of the knee. In addition, ligament injuries are accompanied by fractures in very severe falls.
Ankle sprains and injuries: Ankle sprains are extremely common. Fracture of the bone above the heel bone called the talus is known as 'snowboarder's foot'. While mild sprains improve with ice, elastic bandage and rest, serious ankle injuries require plaster cast treatment for at least six weeks after surgical or non-surgical treatment when they lead to fractures."
Do not be alone while doing winter sports!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kerem Canbora made the following suggestions to protect against the dangers that may occur in winter sports:
"Take regular breaks: It is very important to keep children under close observation for control purposes. Children usually do not realize that they are tired. This makes them vulnerable to muscle fatigue and injuries. Small breaks that include drinking water and small snacks can help prevent such injuries.
Check the weather forecast: The weather can be unpredictable at times. Suddenly, very clear and sunny weather can turn into a dangerous situation. Injuries can be prevented by checking the weather forecast in advance and avoiding stormy and foggy weather.
Do not be alone: Perhaps the most dangerous behavior in winter sports is being alone. This situation brings with it all kinds of potentially life-threatening risks. It can be minimized by having another athlete. Staying close to the other athlete will facilitate mutual assistance in case of an accident. The other athlete should be observed for fatigue or confusion. An aid kit that will allow intervention in case of emergency can be very useful.
Do warm-up exercises: In general, the most important and unfortunately the most neglected thing in sports is warm-up and stretching exercises. No professional athlete starts a movement without doing them!
Use protective equipment: Severe injuries can be minimized by using protective equipment. The most important equipment is the helmet. Numerous studies have reported that the use of helmets can prevent serious head injuries that can lead to death.
Choose appropriate clothing: The clothes we wear during winter sports do more than just keep us warm. It also protects us from sunburn, windburn and frostbite. At the same time as this protection, it must also provide the flexibility to allow free movement.
Familiarize yourself with your surroundings: Unfamiliar and unfamiliar surroundings can surprise you. Many winter sports injuries occur because a person fails to see a tree or a rock on the ski slope or does not recognize a thin patch of ice during a hockey match. Knowing your surroundings will help you know which areas to avoid. Scan the area, choosing a familiar spot in the landscape. Below is some simple information to minimize the risk of injury:
- Avoid crowded areas because of the risk of collision,
- Do not wear headphones, do not listen to music,
- Stay away from rocks and trees,
- Scan the area continuously,
- Always wear your helmet."