Snowboarder's Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, and Physiotherapy Treatment
A Snowboarder's fracture refers to a fracture of the lateral process of the talus, a small bone in the ankle. It is commonly seen in snowboarders due to the unique forces placed on the ankle during the sport. The injury occurs when the foot is forcibly dorsiflexed (pointed upwards) and inverted (rolled outwards), causing the lateral process of the talus to break. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we provide comprehensive care for snowboarder's fractures, helping patients recover and return to their sport.
What Causes a Snowboarder's Fracture?
The fracture often happens due to the mechanisms of snowboarding, where the rider's feet are fixed to the board, limiting ankle movement and making the joint more susceptible to injury. The most common causes include:
Landing Awkwardly from a Jump: When landing with the foot in a dorsiflexed and inverted position, the impact can place excessive stress on the talus, leading to a fracture.
Sudden Changes in Terrain: Catching an edge or landing on uneven snow can result in awkward twisting motions of the ankle, increasing the likelihood of a fracture.
High-Speed Falls: Falling at high speed can produce significant forces that put strain on the ankle bones.
Symptoms of a Snowboarder's Fracture
The symptoms of a snowboarder's fracture may vary depending on the severity of the break. Common symptoms include:
Pain on the Outside of the Ankle: Pain is typically felt over the lateral side of the ankle and worsens with weight-bearing activities.
Swelling and Bruising: The ankle may become swollen and discoloured due to the trauma.
Difficulty Walking: Bearing weight on the affected foot may be painful or impossible, depending on the extent of the injury.
Tenderness: Pressing on the lateral side of the ankle may elicit significant discomfort.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is essential for managing a snowboarder's fracture, promoting healing, and restoring function. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, our approach includes:
Pain Management and Swelling Reduction: Techniques such as manual therapy, ice therapy, and compression can help reduce pain and swelling in the initial stages.
Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle exercises to restore ankle movement are crucial to prevent stiffness and promote joint mobility.
Strengthening and Stability Exercises: Gradually increasing the strength of the ankle and surrounding muscles helps regain stability and supports a safe return to snowboarding.
Balance and Proprioception Training: Specific exercises to improve balance and ankle awareness are vital for preventing future injuries.
Activity Modification: Guidance on gradually returning to weight-bearing and snowboarding can help prevent re-injury.
Conclusion
Snowboarder's fractures can be painful and limit mobility, but with the right physiotherapy approach, recovery is achievable. At Brisbane Physiotherapy, we customise treatment plans to suit each individual, focusing on restoring ankle function and returning to snowboarding safely. If you’ve sustained an ankle injury while snowboarding, contact us for expert care and support in your rehabilitation journey.
