Arizona can be a great state to enjoy winter sports. Fun can be found close to home with excellent winter sports opportunities in Flagstaff and NE Arizona. The world class winter sports resorts of Colorado and Utah are often just a car trip or short plane ride away. With the chance for skiing and snowboarding fun comes the risk of injury.

Winter sports injuries often occur to the knee, shin bone or tibia, and the foot. Common winter sports injuries include knee meniscus cartilage and ligament tears, fractures of the tibia, and particularly in snowboarders fractures of the foot.

Improve Your Leg Muscles

Squats and wall-sits are a great way to work all of the important muscles in your leg. In the weeks or months leading up to ski season you can work on your leg strength.

When on the slopes, be sure to not spread your legs too wide while skiing. If you start falling, do not straighten or tense your legs, and, if you do fall, wait until you have come to a complete stop before trying to get up.

Improve Your Back Muscles

Preparation is key to avoid muscle injuries in your back. Do back strengthening exercises in the time leading up to winter season. Also be sure to stretch and warm up before engaging in winter activities.

How to Prevent Wrist Fractures

Ice is slippery. When falling, you will try to brace for impact in some way, but try to avoid the instinct to tense your body and limbs. When your body is relaxed, it more evenly distributes the impact.

How to Prevent Skiers Thumb

When you ski, avoid putting your hands into the ski pole loops if possible. This will make it easier for you to let go of the pole in the event of a fall. Some ski gloves also have thumb stabilizers that help protect your thumb’s ligaments.

Speak with an Orthopedic Specialist Today

Are you suffering from a recent injury? Make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists today to start your healing journey. OrthoArizona has nearly two dozen offices throughout the Valley, each focused on quality care, compassion, and excellent customer service. Since 1994, OrthoArizona has been dedicated to compassionate care of the highest quality.

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or other educational medical material.