Figure skating: Treatment &prevention of knee and ankle injuries.

1. FIGURE SKATING TREATMENT & PREVENTION OF KNEE AND ANKLE INJURIES

2. INTRODUCTION Figure Skating is a repetitive jumping sport ★ ★ In which individuals, duos, or groups perform on figure skates on the ★ ★ ice It was the first winter sport introduced in the Olympics ★ ★ Figure skaters endure an incredible amount of stress on their knees, ★ ★ especially on their landing leg Let’s have a look at the injuries figure skaters may come across and ★ ★ then their preventions and treatments

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome + Jumper's Knee Attempting jumps, skaters will fall repetitively on a daily basis which ★ ★ puts a tremendous compression force on the patella Management involves addressing strength imbalances and flexibility ★ ★ impairments of the knee musculature So the athlete can effectively respond to the repetitive forces imposed ★ ★ on the knee A hands-on approach is crucial to ensure smooth and pain free ★ ★ movement of the patella

4. Treatment: A physiotherapist specializing in figure skating will observe a skater’s ★ ★ footwork, jumps, and spins to modify components putting stress on the knee Athletes in figure skating tend to “over train” predisposing them to ★ ★ overuse injuries A key component of the physiotherapists role is to educate the athlete ★ ★ on the detriments of over-training

5. Ankle Sprains Ankle injuries are a very common in figure skating ★ ★ Ankles sprains commonly occur while practicing technical skills off ice ★ ★ Ankle injuries persist as skaters continue to exacerbate the injury while ★ ★ training on ice

6. Treatment: Management includes strengthening weak ankle muscles, restoring ★ ★ ankle proprioception, and optimizing joint mobility to prevent re-occurrence A physiotherapist specializing in figure skating injuries will analyze and ★ ★ correct a skater’s take-off and landing technique This is done to address faulty biomechanics which may cause an ankle ★ ★ injury

7. Shoulder Tendinopathy Male figure skaters in ice dance and pairs figure skating have a high ★ ★ prevalence of shoulder injuries This is due to performing multiple overhead lifts and throws ★ ★ Years of lifting results in an increased muscle mass above the shoulder, ★ ★ but the muscles below the shoulder do not develop as much This muscle imbalance alters shoulder movement ★ ★

8. Treatment: The physiotherapist will analyze and correct the skaters lifting ★ ★ technique Treatments done to correct the biomechanics of the shoulder to ★ ★ decrease the level of strain To prevent a future shoulder injury,a physiotherapist would ensure all ★ ★ male pair skaters without shoulder injuries strengthen their muscles below the shoulder

9. Other Skating Specific Injuries 1.Lace bite It is an irritation of the tibialis anterior tendon due to constant pressure ❏ ❏ and friction from the tongue of the boot Treatment: Treatment includes having the skate punched out to avoid friction in ❏ ❏ tender bony areas And the modification of padding and lacing of the boot ❏ ❏

10. 2.Pump bumps Also called as Haglund’s deformity.This occur when the heel of the ❏ ❏ skate is not properly fitted, allow excess movement of the heel within the boot Treatment: This can be managed by applying a donut shape padding to the area. The emphasis on having properly fitted skates is crucial! ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

11. CONCLUSION The literature indicates that 50-78% of figure skating injuries are ★ ★ preventable with the help of sports physiotherapy A multidisciplinary approach involving the medical experts, ★ ★ athlete,coach and parents are key component to be healthy and successful in sport

12. REFERENCE http://www.physiomobility.com/blog/figure-skating-p reventing-injuries/

13. THANK YOU!