If a snowboarder still has severe pain or cannot bear weight on an injured ankle after a week, he or she should seek medical attention and tell the doctor about the injury. Left untreated, an LPT injury can lead to the early development of arthritis and long-term disability leading to severe degeneration of the ankle joint. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 84,200 skiing injuries and 37,600 snowboarding injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 1997. The most common injuries were to the knee and ankle sprains and fractures. Dr. Arciero said remember conditioning, equipment, balance and control, and if that doesn t work fall well.
Serious injuries can occur, or worse.
Learn from an expert instructor. Injuries are more likely to befall a novice. A beginner who thinks he can teach himself has a fool for an instructor. Don t overestimate your ability. Be sure your equipment is appropriate for you and your level of skill.