The Dark Side of Snowboarding

Last year, a new all-time record of more than 60 million skiers and snowboarders hit U.S. slopes, according to the National Ski Areas Association’s Kottke End of Season Survey. That’s a lot of people having fun, some of them pushing their limits. I interviewed sports medicine expert Colin L. Eakin, M.D., of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Palo Alto Center, about common injuries he sees with snowboarders.

“It never fails. Winter brings snow, fun in the snow and injuries in the snow. Every chilly season, I see patients suffer preventable injuries as a result of their winter adventures, especially snowboarding. During the winter, my colleagues and I probably see five to seven patients a week who have been hurt participating in this sport,” Dr. Eakin said.

Studies confirm that snowboarders suffer more injuries than skiers. Dr. Eakin explained that the biggest difference between injuries caused by skiing and snowboarding is the location of the injuries.

“Skiers tend to injure lower extremities like the knees and lower legs, which can get tangled up during a fall. Snowboarders, on the other hand, tend to injure their upper extremities like hands and wrists,” he said. “The small wrist bones are especially prone to break, if you fall with an outstretched arm. It takes a lot of time to heal. Plus, it can lead to a fracture traveling all the way up to the elbow.”

He also sees elbow dislocations, along with shoulder strains, dislocations and separations.

“A snowboarder is three to four times more likely to end up with injuries requiring treatment at a hospital or clinic. And those injured are usually young - 30 years old or younger.”

Fortunately, you can – and should – take some steps to reduce your risk of injury:

• First and foremost, wear protective wrist guards.
• Wear a helmet, as head injuries are common.
• If you’re a beginner, take a lesson or two, especially to learn how to fall correctly.
• Know your limits. If you get tired, take a break.
• Don’t start jumping or performing complex tricks until you’re experienced and have had proper instruction.

“If you have already gotten hurt, pay attention to the injury and make sure you see a doctor if it isn’t getting better. You don’t want to make an injury worse by not getting prompt treatment,” counsels Dr. Eakin.

Being safe on the slopes can help avoid injury in the first place. Skiers and snowboarders alike are strongly encouraged to follow the responsibility code.