The key facts

  • Traumatologist-orthopedist Antonina Zavadskaya listed contraindications to alpine skiing and snowboarding
  • At risk are people with arthrosis, recent fractures, hypertension, angina, varicose veins, epilepsy, severe asthma, and pregnant women
  • For those allowed to ski, the doctor advises strengthening legs, glutes, abs and back a month before the trip

Who should avoid the slopes

Alpine skiing and snowboarding are not suitable for everyone, depending on their health. This was stated by Antonina Zavadskaya, a traumatologist-orthopedist at the ORTEKA professional network, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru. According to her, with arthrosis accompanied by noticeable pain, joint swelling and stiffness of movement, the additional strain can lead to complications. She placed rheumatoid arthritis in the acute phase and severe osteochondrosis with hernias and regular lumbago in the same group: the jolting during a descent can intensify pain syndrome.

Injuries, heart and lungs

If a recent fracture or dislocation is still painful or undergoing rehabilitation, the doctor advises skipping the slopes for at least a season: an impatient return to the sport often ends in a repeat or more serious injury. A separate risk category is cardiovascular diseases: high blood pressure, stage III hypertension, angina, a history of heart attacks and significant heart rhythm disorders. In Zavadskaya's opinion, the heart may not withstand intense exertion and blood pressure spikes even in experienced athletes with chronic diagnoses. She also highlighted varicose veins with ulcers and thrombophlebitis with a risk of new blood clots forming, epilepsy with loss of consciousness, and severe forms of asthma — sharply breathing in cold air can trigger an attack. Pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, was also included in the list of restrictions.

How those who are allowed to ski should prepare

If none of the listed symptoms and diagnoses are present, the expert advises strengthening the main 'working' muscle groups — legs, glutes, abs and back — a month before the trip. According to her, regular squats and planks help the muscles support the joints better and react to surprises on the slopes; special attention should be paid to balance exercises. The article is published ahead of the ski season; earlier, on October 15, Gazeta.Ru reported, citing a doctor, on illnesses associated with spending long periods in a car.