4 Ways to Avoid Foot & Ankle Injuries on the Slopes

Foot and ankle injuries are common during skiing season. While the mountains may be capped with snow and you’re itching to hit the slopes, the specialists at Triad Foot Center advise you to take a minute to properly prepare for a safe ski trip. This is paramount as a preventative measure for a potentially serious injury.

Braces:

If you’re susceptible to ankle sprains, or are recovering from one, it’s always a good idea to be proactive and wear an ankle brace inside your boot. This will help stabilize the ankle and prevent future injuries or re-injuring your ankle.

Stretch and Strength Building:

Foot and ankle fractures are common injuries amongst skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. But recovering from them requires a lot of work to ensure it is strong enough to be able to hit the slopes again without pain as a result of the injury.

Before and after a day on the slopes, be sure to stretch and do strength-building exercises to make sure your ankle is ready to ski and can relax following strenuous activity.

Buy Proper Fitting Boots:

When your boots are too big or too small, you could develop what is called a subungual hematoma, otherwise known as Skier’s Toe.  This condition is common for runners too, which is simply a black toe nail that results from bleeding underneath the nail, which is often sore and painful.

Adjust your bindings:

Have a professional adjust your bindings to be sure your foot is centered and that they are adjusted based on your age, ability, length of boot, weight, height and recommended tension.

By taking simple precautions, you can avoid injuries while enjoying your winter activities. But should you suffer a foot or ankle injury, be sure to visit a podiatrist to evaluate it immediately. Ignoring the injury and not seeking treatment can result in greater problems, including arthritis and poorly healed fractures, in the future.

To schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at the Triad Foot Center, call 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.