Skiing is a fun, exciting sport. However, like any activity, injuries can and do occur. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when you hurt yourself and if you should be seeing a ski doctor in the Bay Area.
The most common of all skiing injuries affects the medial collateral ligament (MCL) when the lower leg and foot twists outwards, putting pressure on the inside of the knee. This injury isn’t serious, but seeking medical attention is suggested.
Far worse is when the knee experiences a twisting force that strains or tears the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This often occurs when a skier lands a jump, hits a mogul the wrong way, or twists when they fall.
Shoulder injuries are also prevalent with skiers, often occurring when the skier puts their arm(s) out to break their fall – causing joint dislocation, torn or strained muscles or ligaments or fractured bones around the joint.
If you do get hurt while skiing, it’s important that you contact a ski doctor in San Francisco.
Follow these 3 steps if you find yourself hurt on the slopes:
Pushing through the pain may sound like a good idea, but it’s one of the worst mistakes you can make. If you’re truly injured and in pain, stop what you’re doing.
Symptoms of an injury are severe pain, numbness, bleeding, immediate swelling or bruising, an extremity that appears to be shorter than usual or in an “unnatural position”, or an exposed bone. Any of these require contacting the ski patrol and seeking medical attention from a ski or snowboarding doctor in San Francisco immediately.
If you follow the above protocol and your injury level has diminished, then you can slowly return to your previous level of activity.
Do not push too hard as you may re-injure yourself. Slowly return to activity with some gentle stretching and careful movements to help you prevent scar tissue from forming.
In addition, since scar tissue can interfere with movement and cause pain down the road, you may consider seeking a physical therapist or massage therapist to assist you in this recovery process. Your San Francisco sports medicine doctor can help decide if this is appropriate for you.
Last, to maintain your overall fitness level during your rehabilitation period, you may consider choosing a training routine that compliments the “skiing motion” but doesn’t use the same muscles in the same way.
For example, instead of jumping back on the slopes after an ankle injury, you can add walking and swimming to your rehab routine to help ease your ankle back into shape and get your cardio-conditioning back on track.
Hopefully you stay healthy and safe. However, if you do find yourself injured on the slopes, these steps will get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
Have you hurt yourself skiing? Contact is at IASM for a consultation at 415-619-5047 or book an in office or virtual appointment by clicking HERE.
