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WATERSKI MagazineRunning back-to-back passes will make your muscles work overtime and get you in shape fast. But pain doesn't always mean gain. Take spray leg, for instance. Do you really think that annoying throbbing and chafing is actually helping your skiing?
The phenomenon known as spray leg is actually a contusion (bruise) caused by the hard spray of the water hitting your lower leg during your off-side slalom turn. Since your back leg is closer to the water during those turns, the spray from the edge of your ski hits your lower leg just above the binding. The result of lots of ski sets is a painful contusion that seems to hang around all spring.
Of course, you can reduce the pain and keep skiing. One way is to immediately apply ice after your set. Leave the ice on (never place ice directly on skin) for 20 minutes. During the last five minutes of icing, point your toes, then pull them toward your body. Repeat this flex and extend motion for the remaining time. Repeat icing and this exercise every hour. Wrapping and elevating your lower leg will also aid in the healing process.
If you are not a consistent skier and don't want to spend your time on the training table, try a neoprene spray leg sleeve, which fits over your lower leg and offers protection against the spray.
Or if you want to ski through the pain, go ahead. Under the repetitive trauma, your skin will form a thick callus scar as a defense.
Terry Weyman maintains a private practice in Southern California at the Chiropractic Sports Institute in Westlake Village.
