For many people, snowboarding is the ultimate winter sport. It’s exhilarating, challenging, and it’s available almost year-round. But, like anything, there are risks involved. Snowboarding can be difficult on the joints, and it’s easy for those risks to become magnified when you’re going at high speeds. The first time many people try, they end up with snowboarder’s knee, which is more commonly known as snowboarder’s elbow.
Snowboarding and skiing are similar sports. They both involve propelling yourself forward on skis or a board. But, while skiing is a slower activity that takes place on groomed trails, snowboarding takes place on natural terrain, which is why it comes with so many additional dangers. This article will help you understand why snowboarding is so risky and what you can do to mitigate those risks and stay safe while you’re out on the slopes.
Safety first!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about safety first. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of the sport and forget that there are real risks involved. Take care when choosing your terrain, and make sure it’s appropriate for your skill level. If you’re a beginner, going too fast on challenging terrain could put you at risk of injury. Injuries like snowboarder’s knee can often be prevented by following a few simple guidelines: Wear protective gear when appropriate. This will keep you safe while you’re on the slopes, and it will also help to keep your gear in good condition. Wear a helmet. This is a no-brainer; you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees with this rule. But wear a helmet when you’re snowboarding as well. It’s less likely to get damaged when you’re hitting the slopes, and it will protect your head at the same time. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink water while you’re focused on other things, but staying hydrated is essential. It can help to prevent fatigue and prevent you from getting cramps.
What causes snowboarder’s knee?
The main cause of snowboarder’s knee is overuse. The more often you snowboard, the more likely you are to develop the condition. And the older you are, the more likely you are to develop snowboarder’s knee. Over time, the cartilage in your knees gets worn down. This is especially likely when you’re riding regularly on challenging terrain. Over time, this cartilage is replaced with scar tissue, which does not function as well as the original cartilage.
Getting up and moving after snowboarder’s knee
There are a few things you can do to help heal snowboarder’s knee, if you unfortunately develop the condition. The first is to get up and move as quickly as possible after you injure yourself. This helps to reduce swelling and keep your muscles from getting stiff. It’s also recommended that you take a daily pain reliever to help prevent more serious damage to your joints.
Why is care needed after snowboarder’s knee?
Many people who injure their knee while snowboarding can recover and return to their sport without any problems. But those who develop snowboarder’s knee usually need to take it easy after they recover, and they usually end up on crutches or some other kind of walker. This is due to the fact that the knee is more likely to get more serious damage when it’s swollen and irritated. So, it’s recommended that you rest your knee for at least one week after snowboarding. You can start swimming or doing other low-impact activities as soon as your doctor approves it.
How to avoid snowboarding knee
While no sport is risk-free, there are ways that you can increase your chances of avoiding snowboarding knee. The most important thing is to wear protective gear. This helps to keep you safe while you’re on the slopes, and it will also help to keep your gear in good condition.
You can also stay hydrated while you’re out on the slopes. It’s easy to forget to drink water while you’re focused on other things, but staying hydrated is essential. It can help to prevent fatigue and prevent you from getting cramps.
And, finally, if you ever feel pain or discomfort in your knee, you should stop immediately and take it easy. This is especially important if you’re snowboarding regularly or if you have previously developed snowboarder’s knee.