Skiing is a great way to spend your winter holiday – but it’s important to be aware of the risks. Every year, there are thousands of people are injured while skiing and snowboarding. Most of these injuries are minor, but some can be serious – even life-threatening.
So, what should you do if you’re injured while on a ski holiday? First, it’s important to understand the implications of being injured while on a ski trip. In most cases, you will be covered by your travel insurance. However, there are some situations where you may not be covered – or where you may be required to pay a deductible.
It’s also important to know the types of injuries that are most common among skiers and snowboarders. The most common injuries are fractures, dislocations, and concussions. In more serious cases, skiers and snowboarders can also suffer from spinal cord injuries and head injuries.
Ligament tears and sprains
Ligament tears and sprains are some of the most common injuries that occur whilst skiing. This type of ligament damage can cause pain and swelling and limit the normal range of movement.
One of the most common causes of ligament tears and sprains is skiing on uneven terrain. This can cause the skier to lose balance and twist their body in unnatural ways, leading to serious injury. To avoid this, it is important to ski on terrain that is suitable for your skill level. another common cause of these injuries is skiing too fast. When skiing at high speeds, it is easy to lose control and crash, which can lead to serious injuries. To avoid this, it is important to ski within your abilities and always be aware of your surroundings.
Fractures
A clavicle fracture is a break in the bone that runs from the shoulder to the sternum (breastbone). It is a common injury, particularly in young athletes, and can occur whilst participating in contact or collision sports, or from a fall onto an outstretched arm.
Clavicle fractures generally occur in one of three places: the middle third (most common), the outer third, or the inner third. Symptoms of a clavicle fracture include pain at the site of the injury, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and a deformity of the shoulder (the shoulder may appear droopy).
If you think you may have fractured your clavicle, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis with an X-ray and will discuss your treatment options with you.
Skiers are at risk of sustaining a wrist fracture if they fall and catch themselves with an outstretched hand. This can result in a spiral fracture of the radius, which is the bone in the forearm. Wrist fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained by skiers.
If you think you may have fractured your wrist, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A spiral fracture should be treated with a plaster cast or surgery. With proper treatment, most people make a full recovery from a wrist fracture.
Ski holidays are a great way to spend time with family and friends, but they can also be dangerous. It is important to be aware of the risks before heading out on the slopes. Some common injuries include broken bones, concussions, and spinal cord injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured on a ski holiday, contact us for more information.