Top Tips for Preventing Winter Sports Injuries

It’s wintertime, which means it’s time to dust off the snowboard and skates. But as with all sports, playing them puts you at risk of foot and ankle injuries. In today’s article, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will share the most common winter sports injuries and ways to prevent them.

We'll break it down into 2 major categories: snow and ice.

Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries

While exhilarating, skiing and snowboarding pose significant risks to the feet and ankles due to the high speeds and potential for hard impacts.

Ankle sprains and fractures resulting from twists, falls, and collisions are all too common. But, to minimize these risks, prioritize well-fitted boots with good ankle support and consider using ankle braces for added stability.

Another concern on the slopes is sustaining Lisfranc injuries, which affect the midfoot joints and ligaments. However, maintaining good balance and control while on the slopes can help prevent these injuries, as can ensuring your boots are properly fitted and adjusted.

Finally, be mindful of boot-top fractures, which occur in the lower leg just above the boot top. Ensuring a proper boot fit with adequate support and no excessive pressure significantly reduces the chance of this fracture.

Ice Skating and Ice Hockey Injuries

Ice skating and hockey also present risks for foot and ankle injuries.

One concern is lace bite, where tightly laced skates compress nerves and lead to pain and numbness. Ensure your skates are laced snugly but not too tight, and consider using padded tongue protectors and wearing thinner socks.

Especially with hockey, overuse, and improper skating techniques can lead to Achilles tendonitis. Prevent this by warming up properly, stretching regularly, and gradually increasing your training intensity.

Also, be aware of stress fractures caused by this repetitive, demanding movement placed on the feet and ankles. These can be minimized through proper conditioning, supportive footwear, and avoiding overtraining.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to help our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.