With the days getting chillier and winter on its way, we know that many of you will be itching to grab the skis and head for the slopes. But of course, with anything fun it comes with risks and a likelihood of injury. So that’s why were dedicating this post to the top 5 skiing injuries to keep you safe on the slopes...

1. Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL & MCL)

This is a very common injury in skiing. Landing jumps, collisions with other skiers, crossing ski’s, widening your stance or simply falling can result in the twisting or pulling of your knee ligament. Indications of this can be pain and swelling in the area, reduced mobility and instability in the joint. Like with many injuries there can be different levels of sprain from the minor which can be healed with cold therapy and rest, to the more serious which can require surgery and a period of rehabilitation. Either way we’d lay off the slopes for a while and take a trip to the doctors if the pain continues.

2. Patello-Femoral Syndrome (PFS)

PFS occurs when too much strain is put on the knee caps and is a common complaint due to the bent stance adopted when skiing. This can cause pain in front or under the knee cap and can be due to poor pronation or lack of strength and stability in the upper leg and hip. The best cure for this is to practice exercises that strengthen the area without straining and sometimes a period of rehabilitation to allow the injury to heal.

3. Lower Back Pain

Again, due to the bent-over position of the body when skiing back pain can occur in skiers with a poor posture or muscle imbalance. This results in a dull ache or stiffness in the back which can develop into a sharper pain in the lower back if not rested. Pain killers can be taken in order to relive the ache and plenty of rest to allow it chance to heal.

4. Skiers Thumb

Skiers thumb occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint at the bottom of the thumb are strained or over stretched. As its name suggests, this injury is a frequent complaint with skiers as a result of pressure put on the thumb from the poles and results in pain when moving the thumb, swelling and laxity in the joint. Applying an ice pack to the injury and compressing it with a support bandage can aid healing process. Using taping and strapping techniques on the thumb when skiing can also provide support and prevent further damage.

5. Fractured Collar Bone (Clavicle)

This is a common injury which can occur as a result of a bad fall onto an arm or shoulder or colliding with another skier. Again pain and swelling in the area will be experienced and sometimes an abnormality on the bone can be felt or seen. This can be a very serious injury and medical attention should be sought immediately and the arm must be kept immobilised straight away with a bandage or sling to keep movement to a minimum which can cause further damage.