I am a keen skier but as you get older the risk of injury tends to play on your mind a bit. Among the most common and potentially serious injuries that skiers face are knee injuries. The knee joint, which bears a significant amount of force during skiing, is highly vulnerable, especially during twists, falls, and sudden movements.
Understanding the types of knee injuries associated with skiing and the preventive measures you can take can help ensure a safer, more enjoyable time on the mountain. The 3 most common skiing knee injuries are listed below. They can occur on isolation or together
Types of Knee Injuries in Skiing
1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee, and it plays a crucial role in stabilizing the joint. ACL injuries are among the most common knee injuries in skiing, particularly among intermediate and advanced skiers. These injuries typically occur when a skier twists or pivots on a fixed foot, especially during a sudden stop, fall, or collision.
Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, a feeling of instability in the knee, and difficulty bearing weight on the injured leg.
Treatment: ACL tears often require surgery, followed by extensive rehabilitation to restore full function and strength to the knee.
2. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprains
The MCL runs along the inner part of the knee and helps stabilize it during side-to-side movements. Skiers may injure the MCL if they experience a sudden blow to the outside of the knee or if they make a sharp, forced turn. MCL sprains are less severe than ACL tears but can still cause significant pain and instability.
Symptoms: Pain on the inner side of the knee, swelling, and difficulty with side-to-side movement.
Treatment: Most MCL sprains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) and physiotherapy but rarely severe sprains may require.
3. Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. Skiing, particularly high-speed skiing or skiing on uneven terrain, can put a lot of pressure on the knee, leading to tears in the meniscus. A meniscus tear often occurs when a skier twists or rotates their knee in an awkward position.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and a sensation of the knee “locking” or “catching” during movement.
Treatment: Meniscus tears can sometimes be treated conservatively with rest and physical therapy, but in most cases, surgery may be needed to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.
Of course you won’t know what has happened to your knee. SO if you do suffer a ‘knee sprain’ whilst skiing it is very important to get this checked out properly and see a specialist with an MRI scan to avoid further damage to your knee.