Experts explain why: Slopes are the most dangerous right now

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High season for winter sports enthusiasts: After the Christmas and New Year holidays and the ski weekends in January, the next highlight of this snow sports winter awaits: the sports holidays in February.

But despite the big fun element in the snow: The injury witch also loves sliding down slopes, half pipes and toboggan runs. This is especially true for skiers: According to the Accident Prevention Advisory Center (BFU), around 52,000 people are injured on Swiss ski slopes every year. There are also 9,000 injured snowboarders. Even seemingly harmless sledding can lead to serious accidents: 6,000 people are injured every year.

The vast majority of these are self-inflicted accidents. There are many reasons for this: Some people overestimate their abilities, drive too fast or too risky, and some do not use enough protective equipment. Some are distracted because they are listening to music and have difficulties with other participants on the track or are not aware of it at all. According to experts, most of these accidents occur shortly before noon, or rather at 11 in the morning. This is partly because you’re tired for the first time, because you’ve been on your feet for a long time and haven’t had enough energy yet after lunch. As the overview below shows, which critical areas of the body to focus on varies by sport.

Dr. explains how we can best protect ourselves from injury. med. Hirslanden St. Daniel Wegmann, sports doctor at Anna im Bahnhof and team doctor at Swiss-Ski Alpin Frauen, said in an interview.

What preventative measures do you recommend before winter sports to prevent injuries?

Daniel Wegmann: Looking at accident statistics, approximately 90 percent of accidents are self-inflicted. Good physical condition, proper equipment such as a helmet, and an honest assessment of your abilities on the snow are crucial to preventing accidents. Lack of fitness poses a risk, especially on the last descents of the day and in difficult runway conditions. Targeted preparation, including sun protection, is half the battle! Of course, there are also the usual warm-up exercises as before every gym session.

Are there any special exercises or preparation programs to strengthen muscles specifically for winter sports?

Warming up before skiing is crucial to prepare your muscles and ligaments for the strain. It improves blood circulation, makes muscles more flexible, and supports the brain in controlling joints and muscles more precisely. Special exercise programs are recommended especially for the legs, trunk and upper body; examples can be found in the videos.

What role does the right equipment play in preventing injuries while skiing or snowboarding?

Helmets are indispensable today! At high speeds (up to 60 km/h) on slopes, a helmet is an important protection. Properly adjusted ski bindings are also very important to minimize the risk of injury. Additional protection (e.g. back armor) can distribute energy over a larger area in the event of a fall and thus reduce injuries.

Can you name some common winter sports mistakes or movement patterns that can lead to injuries and how to avoid them?

In modern skiing, it is very important for the skier to maintain control. Correct position and timing are crucial to prevent skis from “steering”. Practice makes perfect! There is also enough space on the slopes to avoid unexpected direction changes from others. Falling also requires practice: after falling, it is important to remain calm and not tense, to keep your eyes open and to get up only when you remain motionless.

What tips do you have for speeding recovery and minimizing potential injuries after a day on the slopes?

Rejuvenation after a day of skiing is important for the next day’s activities. Unfortunately, alcohol and lack of sleep are not a good way to rejuvenate after skiing. Alcohol impairs your ability to respond, as does lack of sleep. Fluid and food intake are important to compensate for loss during sweating. A break for stressed muscles in the form of a bath or massage accelerates regeneration.

Solution: Proper preparation, correct equipment and informed self-assessment appropriate to the ski area and weather; is the key to an exciting and eventful day in the snow!

Knee injuries clearly top the list of most common injuries among skiers; Ski legend Pirmin Zurbriggen’s series was etched into the country’s collective memory in the 1980s. Cruciate ligament tears and collateral ligament tears are especially common. The first may occur due to excessive load on the knee, and the second may occur due to high force and bending of the knee. Even in sledders, the knee is one of the most affected parts of the body. The causes of these injuries are falls on the one hand and sudden turning movements on the other. Symptoms of this include sudden pain and swelling in the joint.

If the muscles are overexerted and not warmed up sufficiently, strains and even tears in the muscle fibers may occur, especially in the thigh or calf; This applies to all winter sports mentioned. Torn muscle fibers are very painful and cause swelling and bruising. But the worst leg injuries occur from falls: bone fractures, which can occur more frequently in the lower leg and ankle. Unlike ligament injuries and tears, conservative treatment cannot be used for fractures; Surgery is required for both the ankle and lower leg.

Hands and wrists are especially at risk for snowboarders. “Dandies” reflexively support themselves with their hands to prevent falls. This may cause damage to the lower arm. Whether wrist or forearm surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the fracture. However, it can also strike the elbow or upper arm. Especially if the fracture is close to the shoulder joint or there is a comminuted fracture, this condition needs to be treated surgically. Less complex fractures can be treated conservatively with a supportive bandage for several weeks.

Dislocations of the shoulder may occur as a result of serious falls. Injuries resulting from falling or hitting obstacles are also common in this part of the body. The collarbone is particularly affected and may fracture. Surgery is usually not required for this injury. The fracture can be treated conservatively. Depending on the severity, an operation to install stabilizer metal plates or nails may be necessary. This allows the connecting bone between the torso and the shoulder to grow together properly again.

Of course, head injuries such as concussions are especially serious. This injury is caused by a blow or severe blow to the head. The consequences are headache, dizziness and nausea. Anyone who suffers a concussion may remain unconscious for up to 15 minutes and experience short-term memory loss afterward. Concussion is considered the mildest form of traumatic brain injury. Serious head injuries can lead to bleeding, serious brain damage, and in the worst cases, even death. Wearing a ski helmet greatly reduces the risk of head injury and is therefore mandatory!

If you fall on your back or land incorrectly, your spine may be damaged. Displaced vertebrae in the neck or back can occur, causing painful herniated discs. Fractures of the lumbar or cervical spine are also possible. Using back armor to best protect the spine also depends on correct technique: Avoid strong turns or tilts of the upper body and you will protect the spine.

Source : Blick