Three common ski knee injuries

Next month, our physios will be heading off to Crans-Montana, Switzerland for the City Ski Championships. With several keen skiers in our team, we’re looking forward to taking part in the ski action, as well as setting up a physio camp in the paddock.

Every year, our physios are kept busy with ski injuries, mainly affecting the knee. Among the most common ski-related knee injuries are ones affecting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), as well as meniscal injuries.

These knee injuries can happen on their own, but they often occur together – and don’t necessarily result from a fall or an accident.

Here, we’ll look at these three common ski knee injuries, as well as ways to build up your confidence for skiing after a knee injury.

Three most common skiing knee injuries

By being aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for common knee injuries, skiers can take proactive measures to protect their knees and continue enjoying the thrill of the slopes safely. If you suspect any of these injuries, you should always seek an expert diagnosis as soon as possible.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury

The ACL is a crucial ligament for stabilising the knee joint, providing support and preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia (shin bone). ACL injuries are prevalent among skiers due to the dynamic and high-impact nature of the sport. Common causes of this injury include sudden stops or changes in direction, twisting movements while the foot is firmly planted, and landing awkwardly from jumps.

Symptoms of an ACL injury include immediate pain and swelling, a popping sound during the injury, and instability or a feeling of the knee giving way. Immediate treatment is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E) followed by physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles to try and regain the stability of the knee. With complete ACL rupture, surgery may be indicated, but in most cases, this will not be needed immediately – often it is advisable to wait 3 months before making this decision.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury

The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and is responsible for preventing the knee from bending inward. MCL injuries often occur when the skier experiences a force from the outside of the knee – sometimes due to an accident with another skier or hitting an obstacle.

Symptoms of an MCL injury are pain and swelling on the inner side of the knee. Usually, there is tenderness and discomfort while walking and limited range of motion especially when trying to straighten the knee. Immediate treatment is the R.I.C.E. method, followed by physiotherapy for early mobilisation. With a serious tear, a brace may be recommended for a week or so to limit the range and allow the MCL to heal, but usually a good recovery is expected.

Meniscal injuries

Meniscal injuries in the knee can result from the repetitive stress and twisting motions involved in skiing as well as sudden stops or pivots. The symptoms are similar to ACL and MCL injuries, including pain, swelling and stiffness. Sometimes, a popping or clicking sensation can be felt. Also, the knee can feel locked, when there may be difficulty straightening or bending the knee.

Treating meniscal injuries will begin with conservative management (R.I.C.E.) followed by physiotherapy for strengthening and improving flexibility. Arthroscopic surgery may be required for severe cases.

After a previous knee injury

With a third of ski injuries affecting the knee, it is crucial to build up fitness and leg strength before heading off to the slopes. This is even more important if you already have a history of a knee injury or have a medical condition affecting your knee stability. Physio Naomi, a keen outback skier, suggests incorporating some simple plyometric exercises into your preparation, to make your knee more robust when you return to the slopes.

Book a Ski Fit Assessment

Our Ski Fit Assessments will help prepare you by addressing any weaknesses or underlying injuries, so that you can avoid any injuries when you go away.

We can advise you on effective warming up and cooling down techniques and can give you an exercise programme with strength and conditioning sessions to prepare you for your ski trip.

You should regularly check your equipment, and we have worked for many years with Profeet in Fulham and can recommend their specialised ski boot fitting service.

If you are unfortunate enough to get injured, we recommend that once you are home, get a professional diagnosis as soon as possible from a reputable knee specialist. We can offer rehabilitation post-injury as well as post-surgery, that will improve your chances of a full recovery.

We can offer Compex muscle stimulation therapy in combination with a rehab programme, for maintaining muscle activity. Furthermore, we can provide Physio Lab cryotherapy, if suitable, for use after surgery.

Please get in touch to make an appointment with one of our physios by calling us on 02030 12 12 22.