What are the risks associated with skiing?

The most common injuries associated with skiing included injuries to the wrist, shoulder, and knee.  Wrist injuries occurred from falling and trying to brace oneself.  In fact, snowboarding as a high association with wrist fractures.  I typically recommend any beginner especially snowboarder should consider wearing wrist braces.  In addition, skiers frequently develop ligamentous tears in their thumb from using the poles.  The injury has become known as a skiers thumb.  I recommend that beginning skiers not use poles, and if you do decide to use poles I recommend not using the wrist straps.  Shoulder dislocation is certainly a risk due to the possibility of falling onto an outstretched arm.  Rotator cuff inflammation also occurs as skiers try to propel themselves with their poles.  By far the most common injury though, is meniscus and ligamentous injuries to the knee.  This ski acts as a lever arm and places tremendous forces on the knee.  The most important way to avoid these injuries is to prepare with the appropriate equipment and to stay within your ability.  It’s important to stay safe and under control at all times.