Knee – the most common ski injury – we have a 100% cure for it.

Is the knee a skier’s “Achilles’ heel”?

In this article, we explore the risks involved with double-skiing and offer advice on how to prevent knee injuries and general injuries that can befall skiers on the slopes.

Snow is primarily associated with pleasure. Unfortunately, a “ski trip” often ends with a visit to the orthopedist. What injuries are skiers at risk for? Who is more likely to suffer sports injuries? Do most accidents occur on black slopes? Here are some facts about ski injuries.

Did you know that the first ski injury was not described in detail until the early 1970s? Over the past forty years, much has changed in terms of equipment, technique, and skiing safety. The types of injuries skiers sustain have also changed. In the past, skiers wore soft boots, which was why they were more likely to suffer ankle fractures. Today, skiers wear stiffer boots that protect the foot and ankle. On the other hand, rotational forces have been transferred to the knees. As a result, there has been a significant increase in anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Most injuries are directly related to a lack of physical preparation. They also occur as a result of reckless, careless skiing, accidents resulting from collisions with other skiers, improperly selected equipment, difficult weather conditions, and other external factors.

TRUTH OR MYTH?

Knees are the Achilles heel of every skier – TRUE!

Knee injuries account for nearly 40 percent of all skiing injuries, and lower limb injuries account for as much as 55 percent of all injuries. The most common injuries are knee sprains – tears, ruptures, or damage to ligaments (the medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament), or meniscal damage.

One of the most commonly injured ligaments in skiers is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is the primary stabilizer of the knee joint.

A damaged ACL usually requires reconstruction – a knee without an ACL does not function properly. Gradually, damage to the meniscus and cartilage will occur, ultimately leading to knee failure. Therefore, any ACL injury requires treatment.

Someone who has previously suffered an ACL injury but has not received treatment has a more than six-fold increased risk of re-injury. Unfortunately, many people delay seeking medical attention, hoping the problem will resolve itself.

Ligament injuries often go hand in hand with damage to the menisci, which act as shock absorbers. These are cartilage structures located between the joint surfaces. A characteristic symptom of such an injury is pain on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) side of the joint, depending on which meniscus (medial or lateral) is damaged. A disturbing symptom may be a feeling of the joint “snapping” or “locking.” Swelling may also occur, and even difficulty fully extending or flexing the knee.

TRUTH OR MYTH?

Meniscal damage causes the knee, and especially the cartilage in this part of the joint, to deteriorate. Without proper cushioning, the pressure on the joint surfaces increases by over 300 percent! Meniscal damage is mechanical, and therefore requires surgical repair. Many people rely on medications and rehabilitation, but this is usually not enough. The menisci lack pain innervation, and simply resolving these symptoms does not mean recovery. After several years, such a damaged knee may require a prosthesis. That’s why early diagnosis and surgical treatment (e.g., suturing) are so important to save the meniscus. Sometimes, injuries do not qualify for meniscal repair, but the damaged, loose fragment must be surgically removed, as leaving it in will act like a small pebble, irritating and damaging the knee.

Skiers are much less likely to suffer hand injuries – TRUE!

Tylko co trzeci uraz narciarski dotyczy kończyny górnej. Warto w tym miejscu wspomnieć o tzw. „kciuku narciarza”, gdy kijek narciarski wybija kciuk i dochodzi do zerwania więzadła. Wśród narciarzy zdarzają się też złamania kończyn górnych, stłuczenia, skręcenia i zwichnięcia.

Do innych typowo narciarskich kontuzji należą: zwichnięcia barku, urazy stawu barkowo-obojczykowego, a czasem nawet uszkodzenia „stożka rotatorów”, czyli ścięgien odpowiedzialnych za złożone ruchy barku oraz złamania.

Wearing a helmet doesn’t mean we’re 100 percent safe – TRUE!

One in five skiing injuries involves the head and spine. Fortunately, such accidents are much rarer. They occur at high speeds or as a result of collisions with other skiers. It’s worth reminding everyone about the importance of wearing a helmet. It’s essential! It significantly reduces the risk of head injury, but Dr. Sieczych points out that wearing a helmet also has some drawbacks – it increases the strain on the cervical spine.

A helmet is absolutely mandatory, but it’s important to remember that even with one, we’re not 100% safe (this applies to reckless skiers)! – emphasizes Dr. Krzesimir Sieczych.

Women are more likely to suffer less serious knee injuries – TRUE!

Women are more likely to experience injuries to individual ligaments. These are particularly isolated injuries to the medial collateral ligament, the internal stabilizing structure of the knee. This injury is often due to skating technique and slower speeds, at which the ligaments don’t release. The medial collateral ligament is one of the few that heals spontaneously (with appropriate conservative treatment) and doesn’t require surgery.

Men dominate the statistics of more serious injuries – TRUTH!

Men ski faster and more recklessly. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer serious multi-ligament injuries and fractures. Men also tend to choose equipment beyond their skill level: stiff skis, boots, and tightly twisted bindings. Such equipment should be reserved for slalom or other competitive downhill skiers – it prevents the ski from releasing when entering a sharp turn. For amateurs and beginners, it will only promote injury.

Snow type matters – TRUE!

Hard, icy snow is definitely not conducive to safe skiing. It’s easier to hit and injure a shoulder, hip, or knee. Does this mean that skiing in powder snow carries no risk of injury? Nothing could be further from the truth – powder snow is more prone to sprained knees and ankles, as well as spiral fractures of the lower leg.

Most ski injuries occur on black slopes, at high speeds – MYTH!

Contrary to appearances, there are few accidents that occur on black slopes, during so-called “climbing” (skiing on the edge). Patients who visit orthopedists’ offices admit this. They complain that the accident occurred on a very flat section. Wet, heavy snow is a disadvantage. The skis don’t slip or ride on the edge; they simply sink into the ruts. At low speeds, the forces acting on the bindings are so small that, unfortunately, the skis don’t release, which is where injury can occur.

People who choose black slopes are usually already experienced skiers. They descend with focus and concentration, and their muscles are properly prepared for the demanding descent.

Anyone interested in winter sports knows that our ski equipment is, to date, the only winter sports solution for avoiding any skiing injury or for skiing after a previous skiing injury, such as knee injuries. And if you’re afraid of snow skiing, only our Skki Trikke skis guarantee you’ll return to winter activities and continue enjoying the sport of snow skiing.

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