Other Advice Sections:
- Introduction
- General Advice for Everyone
- The F.I.S. Code of Conduct
- Info for Alpine & Telemark Skiers
- Info for Snowboarders
- Info for Skiboarders
- Treatment for Minor Soft Tissue Injuries
- Info about Helmets
Initial treatment for minor soft tissue injuries
- Protect - the injured area. Don't re-injury yourself. Seek advice from a physio if you're not sure if its okay to re-exercise the injured area or not
- Rest - the affected area as much as possible. Small, gentle movements are ok to keep the injured part mobile
- Ice - apply ice in a towel/cloth to the affected area for up to 15 minutes at a time, every 2 hours. Do not apply heat (including a soak in a bath!) for the first two days after injury. It will cause more swelling
- Compression - apply an elasticated bandage to help minimise swelling
- Elevate - the affected area - use a sling or a foot rest when applicable
- Drugs - an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen is ideal and can be bought cheaply at most chemists. It should be taken as soon as possible. Check with the pharmacist beforehand if you are unsure if it is suitable for you. Ideally anti-inflammatories will have maximum effect if they are taken regularly for 5-7 days, not just here and there when you feel sore. Although they are pain killers, they are doing a lot more than just killing pain. You can take a different pain killer such as paracetamol or cocodamol (both available from chemists without a prescription) as well as an anti-inflammatory.
For further information on snow-sports injuries, their incidence, causes and prevention, visit: www.ski-injury.com