For the thousands of holidaymakers that make a
trip to snowier climes, most will return refreshed and revitalised, however for
some unlucky skiing fanatics, their snowy trip can turn sour when injury
strikes. Recent research conducted on behalf of BMI Bishops Wood Hospital
revealed that just 21 per cent of resident in London take out insurance when
travelling abroad. At this time of year, with more people forecast to hit the
slopes than ever before, winter sport related injuries are likely to rise. The
sports injury and physiotherapy departments at BMI Healthcare are preparing
itself for an influx of skiers and snowboarders needing orthopaedic and
physiotherapy treatments.
Mr David Houlihan-Burne, Consultant Orthopaedic
and Sports Injury Surgeon at BMI Bishops Wood Hospital offers the following
advice for those people, “Pro skiers and snowboarders can make their sports
look effortless on the telly, so it’s easy for some people to forget just how
dangerous the slopes can be, especially for beginners.
“We would advise everybody embarking on snow
sports this season to take all the available and necessary precautions to avoid
injury. However, should you get injured, get expert medical attention as
quickly as possible, seek a second opinion if needed and do not stray from your
doctors or physiotherapists recommended treatment regime. Ignoring medical
advice will only increase your pain, suffering and recovery time.”
Mr Houlihan-Burne and the team at BMI Bishops Wood Hospital share
tips on how to avoid injury on the slopes:
- No matter how confident you may feel, beginners
should always take skiing or snowboarding lessons from a professional before
they attempt to ski or snowboard. If you plan to snowboard, it’s crucial that
you learn how to fall correctly to prevent any injury. You should never put
your arms out to catch yourself as the impact and pressure on fingers and
wrists can break the bone. Whether falling forwards or backwards always ensure
you bring your arms in close to your chest and fall onto your chest, back or
shoulder.
- You should always use equipment that matches your size and skill level.
- Both adults and children should wear safety
gear while on the slopes. A helmet should be mandatory and also wrist guards if
snow boarding. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day and do not drink
alcohol while skiing or snowboarding!
- Make sure you warm up properly before skiing or
snowboarding to avoid injury.Before putting on your gear, warm up and
stretch the thigh, calf and arm muscles. A short walk of 10-20 minutes will
increase blood flow to the muscles, increasing their flexibility. Start each
day on the slopes with some easy runs to loosen up and do this after each rest
break as well.
- P.R.I.C.E for injury - If you are unlucky enough to sustain an injury, immediately
follow the P.R.I.C.E principles:
Protection - use strapping or a support for comfort and to protect the area
Rest -
rest the injured area
Ice - apply
ice packs for 10 minutes every hour
Compress -
use tubigrip or a compression bandage to help reduce the swelling - but not too
tight! Check toes and fingers regularly for colour and temperature; remove the
compression dressing at night.
Elevate
- elevate or raise the injured part, ideally above the heart to help disperse
swelling.
Private hospital news : 24 November 2011
