Dr Nelson Clinic .com

Snowboarder Injuries

Dr Mark Nelson

Foot & Ankle Specialist

Home
Up

Clinic Home Page
Foot Care Store
Foot Medical Information
 

Visit our 2
Online
Foot Care
Stores:

Original Store
or
New Store

 

 

SCUBA DIVERS: Visit the
World Diving Association

 

 


 

 

Snowboarders Incur More Foot and Ankle Injuries than Skiers

The snowy slopes of the world’s ski hills aren’t the only places where snowboarding is hot. Podiatric surgeons’ offices have also become a popular spot for snowboarders.

Unlike skiing, in which there is a higher rate of lower-leg and knee injuries, snowboarders experience a higher percentage of foot and ankle injuries. "The probable reasons we’re seeing more snowboarders with foot and ankle injuries are that their boots are much softer and flexible than skiers’ and their snowboard bindings are not releasable," says Richard T. Bouché, DPM, a Seattle podiatric surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). Dr. Bouche specializes in sports-related foot and ankle injuries.

Dr. Bouché, who is an alpine skier, is seeing more snowboarders with midfoot sprains, which is a ligamentous injury to the mid-portion of the foot.

"A midfoot sprain occurs when the foot is impacted in the tip-toe or axially loaded position," says Dr. Bouché. "Because of the flexibility in a snowboarder’s boot, their foot can easily assume this toe position upon impact. A stiffer boot would protect the ankle and hold the foot in position."

The key to a midfoot sprain is early diagnosis, which according to Dr. Bouché, is not often the case.

"A midfoot sprain is difficult for patients to recognize because after the injury everything is swollen and hurts," he says. "If their injury is combined with an ankle sprain, the ankle sprain is treated but the midfoot sprain is usually not. A patient doesn’t realize it until months after when their midfoot pain persists"

One simple way patients can test for a midfoot sprain is by standing on their tiptoes. If they have a midfoot sprain they won’t be able to tolerate the pain and their foot will not be able to maintain this position.

Dr. Bouché feels that snowboarders can prevent midfoot sprains by wearing stiffer boots, but acknowledges that snowboarders like the flexibility of movement a softer boot gives them.

"Let’s face it, snowboarders know that there are inherent risks in what they do," says Dr. Bouché. "But I guess risks are part of the sport’s allure."

This article was provided with permission from the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.

 

  [Home] [Up] [Referral Guidelines] [Ankle Sprain Risks] [Diabetic Foot Ulcers] [Diabetic Ulcer Causes] [Diabetic Neuropathy] [Crossover Toe] [Flat Foot Correction] [Simpler Bunion Surgery] [Tailor's Bunion Surgery] [Flip Flop Sandals] [Heel Pain in Athletes] [Sports & Foot Pain] [Achilles Tendon Injury] [Runners' Foot Care] [Golfers' Foot Care] [Court Sports] [Athlete Foot Pain] [Snowboarder Injuries] [Golf Shoe Tips] [Foot FAQ] [Bones of Foot] [Common Foot Problems] [Footcare Tips] [Foot Health & Problems] [Footwear] [Medicare] [Job Foot Health] [Senior Walking Tips] [Self-Assessment Quiz] [Walking] [Aging] [Arthritis] [Arthritis FAQ] [Athlete's Foot] [Bunions] [Children's Feet] [Diabetes FAQ] [Diabetes & Feet] [Diabetic Ulcer] [Flying Jobs] [Hammertoes] [Heel Pain] [Injuries] [Neuromas] [Orthotics] [Surgery Forefoot] [Surgery Rearfoot] [Toenail Fungus] [Toenail Problems] [Warts] [Women's Feet] [Aerobics] [Baseball] [Basketball] [Children & Sports] [Contact Sports] [Cycling] [Fitness] [Golf] [Running] [Tennis] [Walking Exercise] [Winter Sports]

Building Trust in Transactions (tm)

Official PayPal Seal

Google
 
Web DrNelsonClinic.com

Send email to the webmaster with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002-20010 Arrowhead International, LLC.  All rights reserved.  Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is strictly prohibited.  DrNelsonClinic.com is a trademark and subsidiary of Arrowhead International, LLC.  This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Buffalo Clinic, Monticello Clinic or ASM Clinic.
"Helping Your Feet Feel Great"TM is a trademark of Mark Nelson, DPM and AllCare Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC.  Site designed by Arrowhead International, LLC.  Read our disclaimer
Last modified: 10/13/10