Tips for Preventing Knee Injuries while Skiing

 Bill Scuorzo is an experienced finance professional residing in Little Silver, New Jersey. With over two decades of experience, he leads BCG Advisors, an insurance brokerage firm, and AndAme Investments, an investment and holding company, as president and CEO. In his free time, Bill Scuorzo enjoys spending time with his family and skiing.

Skiers are more likely to injure their lower limbs, particularly their knees, than any other body part while skiing. Knee sprains, including medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, account for 30 percent of skiing injuries. There are, however, some techniques for avoiding knee injuries while skiing.

Create a workout routine that improves your strength, flexibility, and balance weeks before ski season. Daily exercises such as running, walking, or cycling will help your body build endurance for the rigors of skiing while avoiding injury.

While on the slopes, use the fundamentals of an effective ski technique, including moving your hands and weight forward, keeping your legs parallel, and flexing your hips, knees, and ankles equally. Also, stay on marked trails because unmarked trails are typically filled with obstacles such as trees and rock, with a single misstep resulting in injuries.

Likewise, always ensure that your equipment fits properly and is in good working order. Your ski boots and bindings must fit securely and comfortably, and your skis and poles must be the correct length for your height. Include helmets in your equipment, as they can prevent severe and life-threatening injuries.