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Is Ice Skating Bad for Your Knees?

Is ice skating bad for your knees? Check out this blog post to find out all the risks and how to avoid them.

Ice skating is a fun activity with the advantage of reducing excess weight. It involves jumping and spinning and other tricks that need energy. Knees can get injuries if you fall while jumping.

The injuries affect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL).

The injuries occur, it results in swelling and pain.

Is Ice Skating Bad for Your Knees?

Is Ice Skating Bad for Your Knees?

Ice skating is bad for your knees since ice skating knee injuries after a fall, collision, or wrong landing hurt and may damage the ACL and MCL.

The cost of knee surgery after ice skating injuries may be too high if you’re on a budget. Frequent visits to see a knee physician may also inconvenience you. 

1. Ice Skating Knee Injuries may Damage the (ACL) and (MCL)

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (ACL) occur when the anterior cruciate ligament tears.

This supporting tissue connects the thigh bone with the tibia (shinbone).

ACL injuries happen when you jump, change position, and involve in activities that need you to land after jumping.

Ice skating involves such movements. That is why your ACL is at risk of damage once you ice skate.

You experience some changes in your knee when your ACL is damaged. The changes might be;

  • A pop sensation when moving
  • Inability to walk due to pain
  •  Quick swelling
  •  Inability o support your weight  

MCL is the medial collateral ligament found in the middle of your knee. It connects your thigh bone and shinbone.

MCL damages when you jump and land while ice skating. The damage to the tissue happens when your knee tears or overstretches.

If you discover the symptoms below, visit your nearby healthcare;

  • Buckling knees with unstable movement
  • Bruises on your knee
  •  Pain inside your knee
  • Swollen or torn tissue

More Reading>> Can You Break Your Ankles Ice skating 

2. Ice Skating Fall Injuries may Cause Swelling and Pain in the Knees

The knee plays a crucial role in ice skating. It facilitates easy maneuvering while ice skating.

It also helps you to turn on any side, either inside or outside.

Knee supports your body in motion. If your knees cannot function well, then your movement becomes unbearable.

In the same way, ice skating becomes difficult.

You need proper ice skating lessons to understand the movement of your knees while on the rink.

When you fall on hard ice, your knees possibly become the first part of your body to touch the ground. Injuries follow, then damage of the ACL or MCL.

Once your knee lands on hard ice, you experience pain. Later, you will swell because of a damaged ligament.

Now, to this extent, movement is difficult, and so is ice skating.

Your trainer might ask you to take a painkiller or take rest.

Either way, ice could be immediate aid to your swelling knees.

3. Knees Surgeries are Costly and Inconveniencing

Each ice skating action exerts strain on your knees.  Your knees are frequently exposed to danger if you ice skate forcefully on the boards or collide with your colleague.

You can tear your ACL or MCL, necessitate surgery, keeping you out of commission for months.

Your knee comprises tendons, ligaments, and bones that work together to ensure you can engage in activities like ice skating.

So, once they are hurt, your knees stop functioning as usual.

When you discover symptoms of ACL or MCL, seek appropriate treatment.

Sometimes ACL and MCL injuries need rest. But, if the condition is bad, you can see a doctor.

Your doctor determines which treatment you need for you to heal. If your injuries need surgery, you must accept to undergo the knee surgery process.

Surgery treatment is expensive and involves a lot of risks. You could have surgeries several times a year.

You will need money to cater for your treatment and rehabilitation. Otherwise, if you don’t take care of your damaged knees, you might need a total replacement of your knee.

Injuries also take time to heal. It is not a walk in the park, but it is worth your health.

The length of your absence from ice skating will depend on your injuries’ severity and your ability to perform rehab activities.

The unexpected happens, interfering with your ice skating schedule, hence inconveniencing your plan.

Is Ice Skating Bad for Your Knees? FAQs

Is ice skating good for the knees?

Ice skating can be a great way to exercise the legs, but it is important to remember that ice skating is an extreme sport and can strain the joints.

If you have knee problems, it is best not to ice skate until you consult with a doctor.

What are the disadvantages of ice skating?

There are a few disadvantages to ice skating. First, it is an extreme sport and can be dangerous if not done correctly.

Second, ice skaters often use their knee joints a lot during skating, which can wear them out over time.

Finally, because ice skaters move so quickly across the surface of the ice, they put a lot of stress on their knees.

If you have knee problems or are just starting to experience pain in your knees while skating, it is best to avoid doing any type of extreme sport until you consult with a doctor.

How do you strengthen your knees for ice skating?

The best way to strengthen your knees for ice skating is to do a lot of lower-body exercises, such as squats and lunges.

These types of exercises will help to build muscle in the legs and reduce the risk of knee injuries.

It is also important to make sure that you have a good skating posture.

This means standing with the feet shoulder-width apart, keeping the back straight, and aligning the shoulders directly over the hips.

Is ice skating easy on joints?

Ice skating is a hard sport and can put a lot of stress on the joints. If you have knee problems, it is best to avoid ice skating until you consult with a doctor.

However, if you are willing to take the risk, there are some ways that ice skaters can protect their knees.

First, they should always wear knee pads when ice skating. Second, skaters should try not to use their legs too much during skating.

Instead, they should focus on using their glutes and quads (the muscles in the back of the thighs).

Finally, skaters need to be aware of their skating position and move gingerly across the ice surface.

Why is the knee bend/knee action something so important?

The most important thing to remember when ice skating is that the knee bend/knee action should be kept as low as possible.

When this action is performed correctly, it will distribute the weight of the skater evenly across both feet and help to minimize stress on the knees.

What is the best type of knee support for ice skating?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – skaters need to find knee support that is comfortable and provides appropriate protection.

One popular knee support for ice skating is the SKATINGSPIRIT Gel Knee Pads.

How long does a typical ice skating session last?

It depends on the skater – a typical ice skating session for a beginner may last 10-15 minutes, while an experienced skater may spend up to an hour on the ice.

Is Ice Skating Bad for Your Knees? Wrapping Up

In a nutshell, the answer to whether ice skating is bad for knees might be yes.

If you’ve been suffering from knee pain and injuries in your knees, it can be time to take an attitude change.

In case you have any doubts regarding ice skating and its effect on your legs (knees included), I advise that you consult with your doctor as early as possible.

It’s always better to get treatment early than regret it later!

Navick Ogutu
Navick Ogutu

Navick is a full-time freelance writer, blogger, and internet marketer. By day, he creates content for multiple sites including inlineskaterstars.com. Over the weekend, he goes out skating with friends.

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