15 common Snowboarding injuries (Prevention & Treatment)

Snowboarding injuries, we all dread them. But, common snowboarding sport injuries can’t be ignored.

The thrill of shredding the slopes also comes with potential wrist fractures, ankle sprains, and dreaded head injuries.

This article unveils the most frequent snowboarding-related injuries, so you know what to watch out for on your next downhill adventure.

Knowledge is power – and knowing how to prevent and handle these injuries is your ticket to a safer, more enjoyable experience on the mountain.

Wrist Fractures and Sprains

Wrist fractures and sprains are common snowboarding injuries, often resulting from a fall where the person instinctively extends their arm to break the impact.

The force can cause bones to break or ligaments to stretch or tear, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Proper wrist guards and learning how to fall correctly can help minimize the risk of these injuries.

Broken Ankle

A broken ankle is another common snowboarding injury, caused by a severe twisting motion or a direct impact to the joint.

This can lead to fractures in the bones and damage to the surrounding ligaments. Wearing supportive snowboard boots and ensuring proper bindings can help reduce the likelihood of a broken ankle.

Head Injuries

Head injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries.

They can occur when snowboarders collide with objects or the ground. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can provide some protection, but it’s crucial to ride in control and follow safety guidelines to avoid collisions and falls.

Shoulder Injury

Snowboarding shoulder injuries often result from falls or collisions, leading to dislocations, fractures, or tears in the surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Wearing protective gear and practicing proper falling techniques can minimize the risk of shoulder injuries.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are prevalent in snowboarding and can include ligament tears, sprains, and dislocations.

They usually occur due to excessive twisting forces or sudden changes of direction.

Strengthening leg muscles, wearing a knee brace, and practicing proper body mechanics can help reduce the likelihood of knee injuries.

Spinal Injury

Spinal injuries can result from falls, collisions, or awkward landings, leading to fractures, dislocations, or damage to the spinal cord.

Wearing protective gear, maintaining physical fitness, and adhering to safety guidelines can help prevent spinal injuries.

Tailbone Injuries

Tailbone injuries, such as bruises or fractures, can occur from falls directly on the tailbone.

Wearing padded shorts and practicing proper falling techniques can help reduce the risk of tailbone injuries.

Hand and Finger Injuries

Hand and finger injuries often result from awkward falls or direct impacts with objects, leading to fractures, dislocations, or ligament damage.

Wearing protective gloves and learning correct falling techniques can minimize the risk of hand and finger injuries.

Snowboarder’s Ankle (Outer Talus Bone in Ankle)

Snowboarder’s ankle refers to a fracture of the outer talus bone in the ankle, typically caused by an awkward landing or fall.

Wearing supportive snowboard boots with proper bindings and maintaining good ankle strength can reduce the likelihood of this injury.

Skin and Eye Damage from Sun Bouncing off Snow

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays reflected off the snow can lead to sunburn and eye damage, such as snow blindness.

Wearing high-quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and goggles can help protect the skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.

Hip Injury

Hip injuries, including bruises, strains, and fractures, can occur in snowboarding due to falls or impact with objects.

Wearing protective gear and practicing proper falling techniques can help minimize the risk of hip injuries.

Thigh Bruise and Cuts

Thigh bruises and cuts can result from falls or collisions with objects.

Wearing protective gear, maintaining situational awareness, and following safety guidelines can help reduce the likelihood of these injuries.

Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden jolt or impact to the head.

Snowboarders can suffer concussions from falls or collisions. Wearing a helmet and adhering to safety guidelines can decrease the risk of concussion.

Face Injury – Cuts and Abrasions

Facial injuries, such as cuts and abrasions, can occur during snowboarding from falls, collisions, or contact with objects.

Wearing protective gear, including a helmet with a face guard, can help minimize facial injuries.

How to Treat Snowboarding Sport Injuries

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is the standard treatment for wrist fractures, sprains, broken ankles, and most minor snowboarding injuries. Seek medical attention if pain, swelling, and reduced mobility persist, as some cases may require immobilization in a cast or splint and occasionally surgery.
Immediately see a medical professional for head injuries such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Treatment may include monitoring at home, rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, or hospitalization for severe cases.
For shoulder dislocations and fractures, medical intervention is required to reposition the joint or stabilize the fracture, often followed by a period of immobilization and physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
Knee injuries like ligament tears and sprains often require medical evaluation, imaging studies, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to repair the damage and restore stability to the joint.
Spinal injuries require urgent medical assessment and treatment to prevent severe complications. Treatment may range from immobilization and pain management to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the injury.
Tailbone injuries and hip injuries typically involve rest, pain management, and gradual return to activity. Severe fractures might necessitate surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and function.
Hand, finger, and snowboarder’s ankle injuries often need medical assessment, immobilization in a splint or cast, and possibly surgery for severe fractures or dislocations. Physical therapy may be necessary for regaining strength and range of motion.

How to Prevent Snowboarding Sport Injuries

Snowboarding, a thrilling winter sport, often leads to various injuries due to falls or impact.

By implementing specific safety and precautionary measures, snowboarders can minimize the risk of common injuries and enjoy their time on the slopes.

Properly warm up and stretch before snowboarding to increase muscle flexibility and prevent strains or tears during activity.
Wear protective gear such as helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and padded shorts to shield vulnerable parts of the body from injury.
Choose supportive snowboard boots and ensure proper bindings to help reduce the likelihood of ankle injuries.
Practice proper falling techniques to minimize injuries from impacts during falls or collisions.
Strength train and maintain physical fitness to enhance balance, coordination, and resistance to injury.
Ride within your limits and follow safety guidelines to decrease the risk of collisions and falls.
Wear high-quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and goggles to protect skin and eyes from harmful UV rays reflecting off snow.

FAQ

What are common snowboarding injuries and how can they be prevented?

Common snowboarding injuries include wrist fractures and sprains, broken ankles, head injuries, shoulder and knee injuries, spinal injuries, tailbone injuries, hand and finger injuries, and fractures in the outer talus bone of the ankle. Preventive measures include wearing protective gear, practicing proper falling techniques, maintaining physical fitness, and following safety guidelines.

How can snowboarders protect themselves from UV rays reflecting off the snow?

Snowboarders can protect themselves from harmful UV rays reflecting off the snow by wearing high-quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and goggles.

What is the standard treatment for wrist fractures, sprains, and broken ankles?

The standard treatment for wrist fractures, sprains, and broken ankles is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). However, seek medical attention if pain, swelling, and reduced mobility persist, as some cases may require immobilization in a cast or splint and occasionally surgery.

How should head injuries, such as concussions, be treated?

Immediately see a medical professional for head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Treatment may include monitoring at home, rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, or hospitalization for severe cases.