If you're looking to take advantage of the winter in Arizona you've probably considered skiing or snowboarding. To keep that trip safe and full of good memories you might considering reading on. Although many injuries may occur, over 25% of injuries related to skiing are with our knees. Below are some common knee injuries suffered by skiers year in and year out.

Apart from being taken out side-on, the knee is easily damaged from being twisted. The fact that your foot and ankle are held rigid in the boot and the ski means that if you "catch an edge" or get the ski stuck during a fall, the foot and ankle stay fixed and the knee takes it.  Injuries range from a simple cartilage tear to a far more serious dislocation.  The three most common injuries are:

Meniscus tear:  There are two menisci, one on the inside of the knee and the other on the outside.  They are pads of cartilage and they act as shock absorbers and stabilizers.  If someone crashes into you, placing most of the trauma to the outside of the knee, this is the kind of thing that could cause a meniscus problem.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL):   Located to the inside of the knee, it is the kind of injury experienced by beginners because of the position of the legs when snowploughing.  Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL):  Attributed mainly to more advanced skiers and often from a fall.  The advances made in the design of skis have gone a long way to reducing the risk of broken legs, but not to ACL injuries.

So now that you know some of the most common knee injuries you can follow some of these tips as part of a preventative program to ensure your and of others. Check your equipment and the bindings regularly.  Ensure your boots fit well and keep them fastened: ankle injuries along with knee injuries are pretty common.  Consider wearing a helmet. 

Be aware of the conditions and the terrain.  Late in the season, the early morning slopes are often icy, but by mid afternoon, the snow is like porridge.  All this will affect your skiing. This is a very physically demanding holiday, so prepare yourself for it.   Pilates exercises may help prepare you for the slopes, but it's not just the muscles.  Prepare your cardio vascular system (cycling is good preparation).

Stop if you get tired.  The second afternoon of a 6 day break if the time when most accidents occur.  Take frequent breaks and make sure you are eating enough and keeping hydrated.

Don't attempt a slope that is beyond your ability, even if someone is trying to persuade you.

Take some lessons either before you go on holiday or a few when you arrive. Keep your eyes open:  the slopes are increasingly busy, especially during school holidays, and many accidents occur by skiers being out of control and crashing into you.

Physicians Physical Therapy Service and Heidi from our Arrowhead clinic want to wish University of Texas-El Paso senior, Brittany Gonzales the best of luck as she recovers from her injury. Brittany is back for her final year of eligibility on the UTEP soccer team and is looking to complete her nursing degree. From all of us here, GO MINERS!!

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