Ankle twists and sprains are frequent, even with supportive ski boots. Fractures, such as the snowboarder’s ankle (lateral talar process fracture), are also common. Overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and peroneal tendinopathy can also develop.

Warm Up – Stretch and do light exercises before hitting the slopes
Perfect Your Technique
– Avoid jerky movements, especially in icy, slushy or poor visibility conditions
Know Your Limits – Know your ability level and take a break to allow muscles to recover
Strengthen Muscles
– Pre-conditioning your legs, including balance will allow you to build resilience and prevent overuse injuries
Stay Hydrated – Dehydration causes fatigue, increasing injury risk
Avoid Alcohol – Alcohol impairs judgement and dehydrates you
Rest When Tired – Most injuries occur after lunchtime when fatigue sets in
Gear Check – Always wear a helmet to stay safe and ensure your boots fit snugly, use custom insoles if needed, and have bindings set correctly

If injured, seek immediate medical help at the resort – they’ll know the nearest hospital. On return, you can arrange a full diagnosis if needed. Ashtead Hospital offers expert diagnosis and treatment by specialists.

To find out more call 01372 888 685
or visit ramsayhealth.co.uk.

Mr Paul Hamilton is a highly experienced Orthopaedic Consultant who has been practising for over 14 years. He has a wealth of experience in the diagnosis and management of all foot and ankle pain.  He specialises in adult foot and ankle surgery and trauma surgery, including forefoot reconstruction, arthroscopy and Achilles injuries, and is an expert in treating sport injuries, Morton’s neuroma, arthritis and bunions.

Drink it up!

With the weather (hopefully) hotting up, our May exercise & health pages are focusing in on hydration. First up, Sarah Maxwell takes a look at how hydration affects our bodies and exercise With (fingers crossed) a barmy British summer just...

Small changes big results

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau homes in on the benefits of hydrating before you caffeinate By May, life feels fuller. Social plans return, gardens demand attention, diaries begin to brim. It’s a beautiful time of year… but also a busy...

Farm Fables

Jane gets to grips with some essential tasks that keep Coopers Farm up and running  With calving and lambing finished, it’s a joy to wake up in your own bed! But with farming, that great feeling of putting down your...