The Winter Olympics in Sochi are in full swing, but most of us will only enjoy them on television. If you want to do more than root for the Canadian Olympian team from your living room couch, head out to Scenic Caves Nordic Center on the top of Blue Mountain near Collingwood, Ontario. Take in the breathtaking views from the suspension footbridge, or experience the thrills, chills, and spills for yourself on their groomed ski or snow shoe trails. Just take care not to let winter sports injuries change the thrills to agony.
The most common skiing injuries involve your knees. Your knee can twist and jar when you are trying to balance and keep from falling, or when a ski edge grabs the snow, and you can end up with damage to the ACL or MCL—ligaments that hold the knee in place. Along with knee injuries, poor foot function can also cause pain in this part of the body. Custom orthotics are often helpful, and they can be used in your ski boots as well!
Ankle sprains are also common, often from an unbalanced landing where the ski causes your ankle to twist. Work on your balance by standing on one leg on the board, and practice proper landing technique (knees bent with weight evenly balanced) to prevent this painful injury.
Other winter sports injuries involve your wrists, thumbs or shoulder, and all of them can mean pain and limited use for a while. Don’t try to copy the Olympians until you’ve had the proper instruction and training, and understand how to participate safely.
If it’s too late and you already have a foot or ankle injury, contact chiropodist Tony Abbott at Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood for expert care. You can call the office at 705-444-9929 or contact us online. We specialize in sports injuries and want to help you get back on the trails for the fun you love!
Photo credit: Lusi via RGB-stock