Skiing

Ankle
Since the introduction of high, hard ski boots, the number of ankle injuries in alpine skiing has fallen considerably, although a sprained or twisted ankle still occurs regularly. In most cases, the injury occurs following a landing on the outside of the foot whereby the foot twists too far inwards ; caused in skiing because the tip of the ski becomes caught and is not released in time. On the outside of the foot, capsula, ligaments and nerve fibre can be damaged due to overstretching. On the inside cartilage can be damaged by excessive compression. Depending on the seriousness of the injury, the tissue on the outside is either stretched or torn. This damage causes bleeding in the ankle. As a result, the ankle swells, (after a short time) bruises and becomes painful.

The damaged tissue heals naturally just like a wound on the skin. However, muscle and nerve fibre does not automatically regain its original function. Muscle and nerve fibre must be trained. This is possible with simple balance exercises. In addition, the ankle must be protected to prevent the risk of recurrence. A Push Sports Ankle Brace is an excellent solution. Close-fitting ski boots and correctly adjusted bindings prevent many ankle injuries.

Knee
The knee is a joint susceptible to injury. The knee joint can be damaged through twisting. In such a twisting incident (cruciate) ligaments and meniscus tissue can be damaged. Injury to the meniscus can cause swelling and it may no longer be possible to correctly bend and extend the knee. Serious injury to the cruciate ligaments often causes internal bleeding or accumulation of fluid. The knee then feels swollen and warm, is painful and no longer moves well. In the event of a serious twisted knee, cruciate ligaments and the inner meniscus are often both damaged. If injury to the cruciate ligaments is suspected, it is important that the correct diagnosis be made by a sport physician and/or sport physiotherapist.
During and following recovery from a knee injury, it may be worthwhile to protect the knee (during sport) with a Push Sports Knee Brace. Thorough preparation, correctly-adjusted bindings and knowledge of your own limits can reduce the risk of these injuries.

Thumb
An acute thumb injury is generally caused by a fall whereby the thumb becomes caught behind the ski stick. The thumb bends backwards. The symptoms are pain, swelling of the thenar and restricted movement around the thumb joint. Any movement of the thumb is particularly painful. As the thumb ligament is extended, there is often considerable pain without any clear instability in the joint. In the event of a tear, the pain and swelling increase, and there is greater instability. If the ligament is totally torn away, the pain can be manageable, because there is no further tension on the damaged ligament. However, the thumb is then considerably more mobile.
Following the correct treatment, these problems generally disappear by themselves. The first stage is several days rest. You can then start to gradually move the thumb, guided by the level of pain. In this phase, and when you return to sport, a Push Sports Thumb Brace can protect the joint against pain, and worsening and recurrence of the injury. If you hold the ski stick correctly, the risk of injuries of this kind is greatly reduced.