⏰ Help! I Hurt My Knee Skiing - What Did I Do?

Knee injuries from skiing are common due to the intense forces placed on the joint, especially during sudden twists, falls, or awkward landings. Without more details about the mechanism of your injury and symptoms, here are some possibilities to consider:

1. Ligament Injuries

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):
  • Often injured during sudden stops, changes in direction, or a fall where the knee twists inward.
  • Symptoms: A "pop" sound, swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL):
  • Commonly injured during a fall or collision causing the knee to bend inward.
  • Symptoms: Pain on the inside of the knee and limited range of motion.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL):
  • Less common but can occur in high-impact falls or a "dashboard injury" where the shin hits an object forcefully.
  • Symptoms: Pain behind the knee and instability, especially going downhill.

2. Meniscus Tears

• Twisting the knee while it’s bent can tear the meniscus, the cartilage cushioning the joint.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, locking, catching, or inability to fully straighten the knee.

3. Patellar Injuries

• Patellar Dislocation:
  • The kneecap can be forced out of its groove during a fall.
  • Symptoms: Pain at the front of the knee, visible deformity, and difficulty straightening the leg.
• Patellar Tendon Injury:
  • Overloading the knee during a jump or fall can strain or tear the tendon.
  • Symptoms: Pain just below the kneecap, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee.

4. Bone Injuries

• Tibial Plateau Fracture:
  • A break in the upper shinbone, often due to a high-energy fall or collision.
  • Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, and possible deformity.

5. Sprains and Strains

• Minor Sprains/Strains:
  • Overstretching of ligaments or muscles may cause mild pain and swelling but won’t significantly limit movement.

6. Other Soft Tissue Injuries

• IT Band Syndrome:
  • Irritation of the iliotibial band on the outer knee, often due to repetitive movements.
  • Symptoms: Pain or tightness on the outside of the knee.

What to Do Next:

1. RICE Protocol:

   • Rest: Avoid weight-bearing activities.
   • Ice: Apply for 20 minutes every 1–2 hours to reduce swelling.
   • Compression: Use an elastic bandage to control swelling.
   • Elevation: Keep your knee above heart level.

2. Seek Medical Attention:

   • Urgently if there’s severe swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight.
   • Schedule a visit with an orthopaedic specialist for persistent pain, instability, or clicking in the knee.

3. Imaging (if necessary):

   • An X-ray can rule out fractures.
   • An MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing ligament or meniscus injuries.

Call 720-726-7995 or follow this LINK to schedule an appointment.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.