Hitting the slopes this weekend? What you need to know before you go.
Feb 12, 2015, 9:29 PM | Updated: 9:40 pm
It might be sunny in the Valley this weekend, but many Phoenicians will be headed north for the last bit of flurried fun.
Arizona Snowbowl offers 40 trails by the way of four lifts, making it great for hardcore snow lovers or the occasional snow bum.
Whether on skis or a snowboard, downhill fun doesn’t come without risk. According to Cody Olson, DO, an orthopedic surgeon with Banner Orthopedic Surgery Specialists, novice and expert snow seekers alike should take caution when taking to the ski lifts.
“One of the most important tips for preventing an injury is to know and ski within your abilities,” he said.
Olson also stresses the importance of having the right equipment and wearing proper protective gear. For both skiers and snowboarders, helmets are a must. Also, having updated, proper functioning equipment is imperative.
But even with the right equipment, Olson concedes that injury is always a looming threat.
“Hitting trees, other skiers, ski park fencing and falling are among the most common causes of injury on the slopes,” he noted.
Olson says injuries most frequently associated with skiing and snowboarding are:
- Knee injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries related to twisting
- Shoulder injuries such as dislocations and sprains that occur when using one’s arms to break a fall
- Fractures around the shoulder, wrist and/or lower leg resulting from a fall
- Concussions
Snowboarders are 30 percent more likely to suffer from a head injury. Experts say that as much as 40 percent of all head injuries that occur while skiing and snowboarding could be prevented by simply wearing a helmet.
Bottom line, be prepared and proceed with caution. Tailor your slopes adventure to your fitness and experience level, wear the proper gear, warm up before strapping on your boots and don’t overexert yourself.
While a bit of muscle soreness is rather common after skiing and snowboarding, Olson urges anyone who experiences joint swelling following a day on the slopes to see a doctor.
“Soreness can likely be managed with ice and rest, but swelling in the joints is a sign of something more serious.”
To schedule an appointment, please call 855-595-8224 or visit our website at BannerCOREcenter.com
to assess your knee and hip pain with our free online assessment.
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About the Featured Doctor:
A graduate from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Dr. Olson completed his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Botsford Hospital which is affiliated with Michigan State University in Farmington Hills. He then completed an orthopedic surgery-sports medicine fellowship at Orthopaedic Research of Virginia in Richmond. Dr. Olson has a special interest in both sports medicine and preventive care.