Cagatay Ozturk

Pay Attention to These Things While Skiing!

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk gave recommendations to minimize the risk of injury in skiing sports.

The sport of skiing, which adds color to the winter months, can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Experts emphasize the need to take necessary precautions to ensure this enjoyable sport does not threaten our health, noting that knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen during the season. With this in mind, Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk underscores that even a simple fall while skiing can damage the spine. He states that extra attention should be paid to spinal health while skiing and that a specialist doctor should be consulted immediately in the event of an injury.

Skiing is a sport that can lead to various accidents and problems if not done carefully, as it is performed on snow, on uneven terrain, and at a certain speed. Therefore, ligament and knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen during skiing. This is because the ankle remains tight and fixed inside the ski boot during skiing. Although most of these injuries occur due to lack of training, it is important not to neglect what needs to be done not only during skiing but also before skiing.

Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk stated that the risk of injury to the knee and knee ligaments is high due to the body’s weight bearing down on the knees during a fall. He emphasized that as the risk of falling while skiing increases, so does the risk of spinal fractures. Öztürk said, “”One of the most important and risky types of injuries encountered in skiing is neck and spine injuries. This is particularly important because our spine directly affects our quality of life. Therefore, even the simplest fall can cause injury and damage to the neck and spine. Additionally, during skiing, rib fractures, wrist fractures or ligament injuries, injuries caused by collisions due to crowded slopes, and injuries to the spine, neck, and tailbone can occur. In such cases, athletes or skiing enthusiasts need to be taken to a specialist doctor immediately.””

HERE ARE THE TIPS

Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk offered the following recommendations to minimize the risk of injury in skiing, one of the highest-risk sports:

  • Before starting to ski, you should do body exercises and warm up your muscles.
  • You should drink plenty of fluids.
  • You should choose ski equipment according to your body weight.
  • You should choose comfortable clothing suitable for skiing.
  • Special protective wristbands should be used,
  • In case of any injuries or accidents, you should contact the medical staff at the ski center.
  • Especially children must wear helmets.
  • Ski equipment should be selected according to the size,
  • Make sure ski boots are tied correctly and at the right frequency.
  • Snow goggles must be worn.