Knee problems: a common curling ailment

Everybody in the sport knows a curler with knee ailments. Many have had to abandon the sport because of this problem.

Is there a solution to KNEE INJURIES ? Curling puts a lot of strain on the knee joint and will continue to do so, particularly on the knee of the sliding foot. If a solution is to be found, it will have to be in the delivery of the stone.

One important development appeared in the 70s; the flat-footed slide. This method reduced the stress on the knee. Was this the final solution to KNEE PROBLEMS ? Not really. Curlers are still haunted by knee problems.

When new curlers are being trained, whether they be mini, junior, young adults or others, we insist on teaching them a balanced slide, which is quite justified. To arrive at this result, two major factors come into play:

1. Outward rotation of the sliding foot, to provide a wider sliding surface; and

0 ° rotation = small sliding surface

45 ° rotation = wide sliding surface

2. Placement of the sliding foot directly under the body during push-off to begin the slide properly.

While these two points continue to be valid, some modifications have to be introduced. More on that later.

There is a third major technical factor that is essential in the development of curling if stress on the knee joint is to be alleviated. Everybody who is teaching or coaching in the sport is aware of it but we pay it too little attention. This third factor is the amount of flexion of the knee joint.

The more the forward knee is bent during delivery, the better balanced the curler will be. The result is that the vast majority of curlers slide with their forward knee bent too much, sooner or later risking knee injury. This brings us to the question:

What is the ideal amount of knee flexion which will guard the joint against injury while still allowing a comfortable slide ?

Is it 45 ° ?: This position provides a comfortable slide, but puts too much stress on the knee joint.

45 º = comfortable, but too much stress on the knee

Is it 60 ° ?: This position is better, but still too stressful

90 ° = No danger, but uncomfortable

Is it 90 ° ?: This is the position recommended by orthopedists, but it makes for an uncomfortable slide.

A compromise solution is to slide with the knee bent at about 80 °

We are convinced that keeping the forward knee bent at 80 ° will make for a comfortable slide (with just a few hours of practice) and provide adequate protection for the knee joint.

A second stress factor on the knee joint is the outward rotation of the sliding foot. This helps with balance, as was mentioned earlier, but it also places a torque on the knee joint, which is another injury risk.

0 ° 15 °

Outward rotation of sliding foot and

Position of the knee of the sliding foot

We have concluded that full outward rotation of the foot must be sacrificed in order to protect the knee. The ideal position to avoid injury is 0 ° , but this places the knee directly against the chest, compromising the slide. A slight outward rotation of about 15 ° is the solution. It puts minimum stress on the knee joint and gets the knee out of the way of the chest.

We have another suggestion for avoiding knee problems. After releasing the stone, do not remain in the slide too long. A follow through of no more than three seconds before rising will also take stress off the knee

Finally, an exercise program aimed at strengthening all of the leg muscles will go a long way to protecting the knees from injury.

We do not claim that breaking the above guidelines will inevitably lead to knee injury, but we are convinced that virtually all knee problems in curling can be eliminated by following them. We have used this technique on several curlers with minor knee problems and, with very few exceptions, they have returned to the sport with no relapses.

In summary, to prevent knee problems:

1. reduce the outward rotation of the sliding foot to no more than 15 °;
2. keep the knee bent to no more than 80 ° during the slide;
3. do not stay in the sliding position too long after releasing the stone; and
4. follow an exercise program