Protect your knees on the slopes this winter 

How to protect your knees while skiing?

Skiing and snowboarding put a lot of strain on your joints1, especially your knees. Every turn, landing, or uneven surface generates forces that can lead to injuries such as ligament tears¹ and sprains^1. 

A knee brace helps with: 

1. Stabilization: 
   It limits excessive movement2 that could put too much strain on the ligaments, including the ACL* and MCL**, especially in cases of instability or a history of injury. 
2. Compression:  
   Gentle pressure reduces edema³, improves blood and lymphatic circulation⁴ and keeps the joint warm³. 
3. Proprioception⁴: 
   By slightly increasing joint awareness, a splint helps your body react more quickly to sudden movements or loss of balance. 
4. Pain relief⁴: 
   By improving alignment and reducing certain mechanical loads, a knee brace can reduce painful stress around the knee. 

Thuasne® knee pads, such as those in the Genu Ligaflex® range, combine compressive elastic knit, stiff boning for ligament stabilization and an anatomical shape to provide a suitable support⁵. 

The Ligastrap® Genu is suitable for resuming a sports activity, comfortable⁶ and easy to use⁷. 

Is skiing good for the knees? 

Every winter, ski resorts treat thousands of injuries, and knees account for a large portion of them⁸.  

What for? Because skis and snowboards act as levers. When you fall or lose your balance, you put extreme pressure on the knee ligaments and surrounding muscles⁹.   

In amateur alpine skiers with a knee injury, the most common associated injuries are: 

Ligament tears such as ACL^*, which are involved in approximately 50% of all serious knee injuries^9,10. These injuries may be accompanied by concomitant lesions of other joint structures of the knee, namely lesions of the MCL^**, MM and LCL. 

These injuries can happen to anyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes, especially when fatigue sets in or when the muscles are not well prepared for the physical load¹¹.  

Train and ski more serenely  

To make the most of your winter holiday, prepare yourself weeks before hitting the slopes¹¹: 

• Strengthen your leg muscles to improve joint control. 
• Work on balance and coordination to better react on rough terrain. 
• Ask a physiotherapist or trainer for targeted exercises if you have had an injury. 

And don't forget to always start with a gentle warm-up run before tackling the tough tracks.  

Choosing and testing your knee brace 

First of all, in the event of an injury, operation or chronic illness, it is essential to seek advice from a health professional on the choice of the knee brace and to follow his recommendations before resuming a sports activity. 

The choice of a knee brace depends on several factors : 

• The nature of your problem: recent injury, chronic pathology or simple discomfort on a daily basis. 
• Your activity level: occasional, regular or intensive. 
• Your objectives of use: 
  • Therapeutic : after surgery or healing from an injury. 
  • Preventive : if you feel unsteady or weak. 
  • Support : for long, intense days of skiing ... or even for the short ones. 

If you decide to use a knee brace: 

• Try it before your trip: Wear it during light exercise or a gym workout to get used to it. 
• Check for comfort: Adjust the straps for a firm but comfortable fit. 
• Be patient: It may take a few days to get used to the feeling of extra support. 

Support for your ski holiday 

A knee brace doesn't eliminate the risk of injury, but it can give you extra support, help build your confidence.  

^{* Anterior cruciate ligament 
** Medial collateral ligament 
*** Medial Meniscus 
**** Lateral collateral ligament}