Activities such as athletics, the triathlon or football carry with them a risk of injury. Winter sports are especially stressful on the joints and can cause common knee injuries. Popular winter sports include snowboarding and skiing. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is serious and, in some cases, may require reconstructive surgery. Winter sports require a lot of jumping actions, and if you jump incorrectly it may cause an injury in the anterior cruciate ligament.

One beneficial product that can assist with common knee injuries caused by winter sports is an ACL brace which can be worn both prophylactically and post injury. When you wear an ACL brace you can still enjoy your favourite activity but it provides the delicate anterior cruciate ligament with the support and protection it needs.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

There are several sports that contribute toward anterior cruciate ligament injuries, including skiing, football and athletics. The knee joint consists of four ligament in the ACL, PCL, MCL and the LCL, with the ACL running diagonal to the centre of the knee and being the main stabilising ligament. There are normally three grades of injury: one is a sprain, two is a partial tear to the ligament and three is a complete tear to the ligament and may require reconstructive surgery. If you experience an anterior cruciate ligament injury, an ACL brace is a worthwhile investment to support the ligament following reconstructive surgery.

Support the Joints During Winter Sports

Skiing is a popular winter sport, but the high speeds, sharp turns and many jumps can carry the risk of incurring a knee injury. When you wear a knee brace for skiing you not only protect your anterior cruciate ligament, which is prone to sprains and tears, but you also control the motions that occur during high-impact sports such as skiing.

A knee brace for skiing can be worn underneath your ski wear without it being noticeable. In order to ensure maximum comfort, it should be professionally fitted for the best results. Following a ligament injury, wearing a knee brace helps to protect the fragile anterior cruciate ligament from further problems and supports the natural healing of the joint.

In a 2006 study conducted by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, 820 skiers took part who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery up to two years previously. Of the 820 subjects, 257 of the skiers relied on a functional knee brace, while the remainder did not. The skiers who had worn a brace were assessed as having weaker knees, but the subjects who had never worn a brace had a 2.74 times increased risk of sustaining an injury from skiing. Ultimately, wearing a knee brace for skiing post-surgery protects the ligament from further damage and encourages healing.

Winter sports can put a lot of pressure on the knee joints and can lead to anterior cruciate ligament injuries. This is where knee braces can help. Studies have shown that skiers who wore a knee brace following reconstructive surgery had a lower risk of further injury than skiers who had never worn a functional knee brace post-surgery. If you experience a knee injury, consult a professional about having a knee brace professionally fitted.