Pledge Sports

5 Most Common Injuries Caused by Cross-Country Skiing 

Cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport that is easy to learn and enables you to enjoy the surrounding scenery at a slower pace.

That being said, it is not without its dangers and can lead to a whole host of injuries if not carried out safely. 

Most notably, cross-country skiing injuries are related to overuse, which means they tend to occur more often during training than when competing. 

Read on to discover the five most common injuries caused by cross-country skiing and how to treat them. 

  • Back pain

Back pain is very common in athletes, especially those who participate in sports such as cross-country skiing, tennis, and rowing. Fortunately, most people recover from back pain within three months of being diagnosed. 

With sudden acute back pain, it is recommended that you refrain from physical activity for the first few days so that your body can start to heal. 

For long-term back pain or back pain caused by more serious injuries, such as a spinal cord injury, stem cell therapy can be highly effective. You can find out more about this at bioxcellerator.com

  • Ankle sprains 

Ankle sprains are another common injury in cross-country skiing, as they typically occur when stopping, turning, jumping, or landing. 

This injury can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain on the inside or outside of the ankle, with the tenderness often located around the injured ligaments. 

During the acute phase of this injury, you should focus on reducing the swelling and inflammation, as well as managing any pain. 

You may also need to see a physiotherapist for instructions on the best exercises for your rehabilitation. 

  • Runner’s knee

Runner’s knee occurs in sports that require a lot of bending and straightening of the knee, which is why they are common in people who cross-country ski. 

An overuse injury, runner’s knee sometimes occurs when you suddenly change your training regime either in terms of frequency or intensity. 

In the short term, ice therapy and massage can be used to alleviate pain, although this has little effect in the long term. Instead, focus on creating a good training program and getting adequate rest between sessions. 

  • Jumper’s knee

Jumper’s knee, as the name suggests, is an injury that affects sportspeople who do a lot of jumping, as well as those who participate in sports that require a quick and powerful straightening of the leg. 

In terms of symptoms, jumper’s knee can be extremely painful and can make training and competing near impossible. 

The treatment of this injury usually takes a long time and involves a well-structured training program that excludes participating in your usual sporting event. 

  • Achilles tendinopathy 

Achilles tendinopathy, or Achilles pain, is an injury that is common in sports that require running and/or jumping. 

This injury most commonly occurs during times when training intensity or volumes have increased. However, changes to surfaces and footwear can also be the culprit. 

There are several treatments available for Achilles tendinopathy, including eccentric training, surgery, and medications.