Skiing injuries

The scourge of winter holidays has to be ski injuries. While many people suffer minor strains and twists, a huge number of ski injuries involve damage to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This is a serious injury that can require surgery and involve up to six months of rehab.

And while ski injuries have been around for as long as people have been skiing, there seems to be an increase in these problems in recent years.

Experts point the finger at modern equipment for this rash of knee problems. One factor is modern carving skis with curved edges - whereas the old parallel-edged skis used to stick or drag against the snow, the curved skis catch the snow and steer the ski away from you, twisting your knee.

Comfortable ski boots may also be a factor - they provide great protection for your ankles and shins, but put more pressure on your knees.

So how do you reduce your risks? Pre-season training is the number one way to reduce your chances of coming home injured. You should begin an appropriate exercise program around 12 weeks before you head for the slopes (insert link to other articles).

However, once you hit the slopes there are still lots of things you can do to reduce your risks.

1. Set your bindings correctly :
   
   Make sure the settings are appropriate for your weight and ability - research suggests that skiers using incorrectly adjusted skis and bindings are eight times more likely to suffer injury
    
2. Learn to ski:
   
   Taking lessons can help improve your technique, and thus reduce the strain on your joints
    
3. Take a rest day:
   
   Schedule time off - ideally the afternoon of your third day on the slopes. This is statistically the time when most injuries occur, when fatigue from the first two days sets in
    
4. Take the lift at the end of the day:
   
   Tired legs, crowds of people trying to cram in one last run, and bare, icy pistes? Avoid them!
    
5. Listen to your body:
   
   If you feel tired and sluggish towards the end of the day, or your legs are burning, take it easy. You'll come back stronger tomorrow
    
6. Stay in control:
   
   If a slope looks too tough for you, don't do it. There's no place for bravado on the slopes
    
7. Watch your weight:
   
   If you are overweight, it puts more strain on your body
    
8. Take nutritional supplements:
   
   If you suffer from osteoarthritis or have previously had knee injuries, consider taking a supplement such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are proven beneficial
    
9. Eat and drink sensibly:
   
   Eat a healthy lunch and avoid the lunchtime drink - alcohol and skiing don't mix
    
10. Ski off-peak:
    
    Ski early and late in the day and take a break in the middle - it will keep you fresh and help to avoid the crowds
     
11. Don't wear a knee brace :
    
    Only those who have suffered a previous injury and have been recommended to use a brace should do so. Simply using one as a prophylactic stops the muscles and ligaments around the knee responding effectively to the different stresses and strains you'll encounter on the slopes.
     

And if after taking all these precautions you should still happen to get injured, seek medical attention. Local clinics will be well versed in treating ski injuries and will be able to make a proper diagnosis.