Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports — combining speed, skill, and strength. But with high-speed turns and unpredictable terrain, orthopedic injuries are unfortunately common.

At New York Orthopedics, our sports medicine and orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating both recreational and professional skiers who experience joint, bone, or soft tissue injuries. Whether you’re carving groomers or exploring backcountry powder, understanding the most common skiing injuries — and their treatment options — can help you recover faster and prevent future setbacks.

‍

‍

The Most Common Orthopedic Skiing Injuries

Skiing places significant stress on the knees, shoulders, and upper extremities. The most frequent orthopedic ski injuries include:

1. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears

An ACL tear is one of the most well-known skiing injuries, often caused by a twisting motion or landing awkwardly after a jump. Ski bindings that fail to release properly can also contribute.

Symptoms:

• A loud “pop” at the time of injury
• Rapid knee swelling
• Instability or “giving way” sensation
• Pain and limited range of motion

Nonoperative treatment:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Knee brace for support
• Physical therapy for strength and stability
• Appropriate for partial tears or lower-activity patients

Operative treatment:

• Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using a tendon graft (from your own tissue or donor)
• Followed by a structured rehabilitation program to restore function and prevent re-injury

Typical recovery time: 6–9 months for full return to sport

2. MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) Sprains

MCL sprains are common when the ski tips cross or during an awkward fall that pushes the knee inward.

Symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness along the inner knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Discomfort when turning or twisting

Nonoperative treatment:

• Bracing and rest
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
• Gradual return to motion and strength training

Operative treatment:

• Rarely required, unless combined with an ACL or meniscus tear
• Complex injuries may require ligament repair or reconstruction

Recovery time: 4–8 weeks (nonoperative)

3. Shoulder Dislocations and Rotator Cuff Tears

Falls onto an outstretched arm or direct impact with the slope can lead to shoulder dislocations or rotator cuff tears, especially in snowboarders and aggressive skiers.

Symptoms:

• Visible shoulder deformity
• Sudden pain and inability to lift the arm
• Weakness or instability

Nonoperative treatment:

• Shoulder reduction (placing the joint back in position)
• Sling immobilization followed by physical therapy
• Strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers

Operative treatment:

• Arthroscopic labrum repair (Bankart repair) for recurrent dislocations
• Rotator cuff repair for torn tendons
• Shoulder stabilization surgery for chronic instability

Recovery time: 3–6 months depending on injury severity

4. Wrist and Thumb Injuries (“Skier’s Thumb”)

A common skiing injury, Skier’s Thumb occurs when the thumb is forcefully bent backward — often while holding a ski pole during a fall — resulting in a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear.

Symptoms:

• Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb
• Difficulty gripping or pinching
• Joint instability

Nonoperative treatment:

• Thumb spica splint for 4–6 weeks
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medication
• Hand therapy for range of motion and strength

Operative treatment:

• Surgical repair or reconstruction of the torn ligament for complete UCL tears

Recovery time: 6–12 weeks

5. Fractures (Tibia, Wrist, or Clavicle)

High-impact crashes can result in fractures of the tibia (shinbone), radius (forearm), or clavicle (collarbone).

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain, swelling, or visible deformity
• Difficulty bearing weight or moving the affected limb

Nonoperative treatment:

• Casting or bracing for stable, non-displaced fractures
• Regular imaging to monitor bone healing

Operative treatment:

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using plates, screws, or rods for displaced or complex fractures
• Physical therapy to restore strength and motion

Recovery time: 8–16 weeks, depending on bone and severity

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Keywords: ski injury recovery, physical therapy NYC, orthopedic rehab Manhattan

Rehabilitation is a critical part of skiing injury treatment. At New York Orthopedics, our team of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and physical therapists create personalized rehab programs focused on:

• Restoring joint motion
• Rebuilding strength and flexibility
• Improving balance and proprioception
• Preventing reinjury when returning to the slopes

We also offer injury prevention programs tailored to skiers and snowboarders, emphasizing pre-season conditioning, core stability, and flexibility training.

Expert Orthopedic Ski Injury Care in Manhattan

Whether you’ve sustained a mild sprain or a complex fracture, the team at New York Orthopedics provides comprehensive care for all levels of skiers.
Our goal is simple: get you back on the mountain — safely and confidently.

Locations: Midtown Manhattan | Upper East Side | Westchester

‍