Common Skiing Knee Injuries: What to Know Before You Hit the Slopes
There’s nothing like a fresh powder day. But one wrong turn, sudden stop, or awkward fall can quickly turn a great run into a painful injury.
The good news? Many skiing knee injuries are not emergent. In many cases, you can begin treatment at home and avoid an expensive trip to the ER or urgent care — as long as you see an orthopedic specialist within 24 hours.
Here’s what you need to know about the three most common skiing knee injuries, how they happen, and what to do next.
The 3 Most Common Skiing Knee Injuries
Skiing places significant rotational force on the knee. When balance is lost or the ski catches unexpectedly, the ligaments are often the first structures affected.
1. Knee Sprains
Knee sprains account for roughly 30% of skiing injuries. A sprain occurs when one or more ligaments are stretched or partially torn, often due to twisting or the knee being forced out of alignment.
Common symptoms include:
Pain
Swelling
Mild instability
Some preserved range of motion
Treatment for Knee Sprains
Most sprains respond well to the RICE method:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
When icing, use the 20/40 rule:
Ice for 20 minutes, then remove for 40 minutes. Never apply ice directly to the skin to avoid nerve damage or frostbite.
Even if symptoms seem mild, an orthopedic evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and prevent long-term instability.
2. MCL Tears (Medial Collateral Ligament)
The MCL is the most commonly injured ligament in skiing. MCL tears frequently occur when the knees collapse inward — a position common in beginner and intermediate skiers, especially when using the snowplow (“pizza”) technique.
Symptoms may include:
Pain along the inner knee
Swelling
A feeling of instability
Occasional catching or locking
Because symptoms can resemble a sprain, proper evaluation is essential.
The Good News About MCL Tears
Most MCL tears do not require surgery. Treatment typically includes:
RICE
Physical therapy
Temporary bracing during recovery
With proper rehabilitation, many patients return to activity without surgical intervention.
3. ACL Tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
ACL injuries are generally more severe and often occur alongside other knee damage. They are commonly caused by:
Sudden stops
Quick changes in direction
Catching an edge
Moguls
Navigating crowded slopes
Patients often report a “pop” sensation at the time of injury, followed by swelling and instability.
Treatment for ACL Tears
ACL tears frequently require surgical repair, especially for active individuals. Fortunately, modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive, and physical therapy typically begins within days of surgery.
With a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, many patients return to sports and high-level activity.
How to Prevent Skiing Knee Injuries
While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can significantly lower your risk by:
✔ Staying Within Your Ability Level
Ski terrain appropriate for your skill set.
✔ Maintaining Proper Position
Keep your weight slightly forward with hips and knees bent. Leaning too far back forces your skis forward and increases your risk of falling.
✔ Taking Breaks
Skiing is physically demanding. Fatigue increases your risk of injury, especially early in the season.
✔ Getting in “Ski Shape”
Strengthening your legs and core even a few weeks before your trip can greatly reduce your risk of ligament injuries.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Injured Your Knee
You know your body best. If you believe your injury is severe or emergent, seek immediate care.
However, many patients can:
Apply ice
Elevate the knee
Use crutches
Schedule an orthopedic appointment within 24 hours
Prompt evaluation ensures the right diagnosis and treatment plan — and can help prevent long-term complications.
Don’t Let One Fall End Your Season
Skiing knee injuries are common, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most patients make a full recovery.
If you’ve experienced a fall and your knee doesn’t feel quite right, we’re here to help. Early care can make all the difference — and get you back on the slopes safely.
