Winter Sports and Dodgy Knees

dartsfan

Hi,

I'm heading to Boston in December and have been told that there are skiing/snowboarding resorts in that region.
I have never partaken in any winter sports before but I'd be keen to try something out while I'm living in the area.
One problem though is that I've a history of dislocating both my knees so I'm aware that I'm going to have to wear knee supports if I'm to try out these sports.
My question though really is regarding whether it would be possible to ski or snowboard with knee supports? What sport would be best to cause the least twisting and turning etc?

Thanks.

edmund_f

No idea, but would suggest calling a few gp's and see if any of them ski/snowboard - would be able to give you a professional informed opinion?

paulharte

I know a lot of snowboarders who have histories of knee problems (generally ACL) use knee supports. I'm pretty sure there are a few skiers who do it too.

Snowboarding generally has less twisting in the knee region, from my experience.

I might be inclined to ask your physio about it before heading off though, it would put your mind at rest, at the very least, and it's just a good idea generally

robinph

<mod hat> Ignore all comments within this thread other than find a medical professional, ideally with experience of snow sports themselves, and get their opinion on your knees and what you should/ can do. </mod hat>

robinph

<punter hat> I tore my MCL in one of my knees a couple of years ago and so then was thinking I'd be needing a support of some kind before heading back to the slopes. On further investigation though the impression I got was that if you need a support then your not fully healed and relying on one may make you prone to more injuries. </punter hat>

dartsfan

Thanks for the replies, was just testing the water really, I plan to see a specialist to get a conclusive answer when I move over.

Imposter

What punter hat Robin said makes a lot of sense. I injured my knee playing hurling and wore a knee support for ages, it was only when I stopped wearing the support that it healed properly. As above though see someone who knows what they are talking about.

Fattes

Yeah Medical advice is probably the way to go. If you go with skiing set your DIN/Release value setting on your bindings very low to make sure they release quickly to protect the knees from twisting

Resorts near Boton that are good are .

Stowe Vermont

Sunday River Maine

Killington Vermont

Tend to get very cold -30 are common on the eastern seaboard but it was a Maine Resort that producesd Bode Miller so skiing cant be all that bad

TrapperChamonix

edmund_f wrote: »

No idea, but would suggest calling a few gp's and see if any of them ski/snowboard - would be able to give you a professional informed opinion?

I'd endorse edmunds suggestion of seeking professional advice. However I'm not sure a GP (even if they ski/ board) will be the best option.
My own experience is that I returned from skiing in 2008 convinced that I had done real damage to my knee. My GP agreed but was non specific and just told me to rest and not aggravate it any futher i.e no more skiing. Unconvinced I got myself booked into a specialest Physio who diagnosed an inbalance in my knee (where my own muscles were pulling the joint out of line) was the problem. A series of stabilisation excercises and later on strengthing excercises fixed the problem. I skiied again last year with no pain (untill the last day).

I only tell you this in order to stress the importance of getting the "right" professional advice.

robinph

^ agreed on the type of advice to get as well.

GP's by definition are "general", if you have a specific issue then see someone who deals with those specifics.

erinn

I have dodgey knees and even things like hiking would have me in pain!!! the 1st twice i skied my knees were at me but last season i got my own boots and now im fine!!!

as for your question yes you can wear supports skiing!!!