Now that winter has arrived and snow has begun to fall, it’s time to break out the snowboarding gear and hit the slopes. You may be fully packed and ready to head to the mountains, but you should be cautious of the potential risks that can come along with the sport. At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, our foot doctor in NYC can help keep you out of the lodge and on the powder this winter season.
Ankle Pain After Snowboarding:
Even if you have a successful run down the mountain with no falls, there is still the potential for ankle pain to develop. This is likely due to the great amount of stress that is placed on the lower extremities while snowboarding. Navigating down the mountain is what causes this pressure/stress to manifest. From making sharp turns to using incorrect techniques while performing jumps and making landings, the potential for injury or general pain is ever-present in this extreme sport.
Tips For Avoiding Ankle Pain:
No snowboarder wants to have to sit in the lodge while their friends are shredding down the mountains. Our foot doctor in NYC understands this and can offer the following tips to help avoid ankle pain after hitting the slopes:
- Be Aware Of Your Surroundings: On any trail, you always face the risk of riding into rocky or icy patches. Riding through these areas can cause you to fall, potentially injuring your ankles in the process. By being fully aware of your surroundings, you can be properly equipped to help avoid this from happening to you. Making a forceful turn at the last minute due to a lack of attention to your surroundings can put extreme amounts of pressure on your ankles and increase the potential for injury.
- Use The Proper Equipment: No matter what activity you are partaking in this winter, wearing the right gear can make all the difference between a successful snowboarding trip and one riddled with pain. When snowboarding, make sure you are wearing boots that fit properly and offer adequate ankle support. Investing in ankle braces that you can put on before each run is another great way to help avoid pain.
- Stay In Snowboarding Shape: Due to the athleticism required to snowboard successfully, you must be in proper shape before hitting the slopes. By mixing in aerobic, strength, and balance training throughout the year, you can make sure your trip down the mountain is a successful one.
Contact Us Today!
If you find yourself suffering from ankle pain after snowboarding even after taking the necessary precautions, you should seek out the help of a professional. Our team at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York is prepared to provide you with the proper care to ensure that you can get back on the slopes in no time! Be sure to contact us and schedule an appointment with our foot doctor in NYC today!