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Are you a thrill-seeker who loves the adrenaline rush of skateboarding?

Hold up, before you hit the streets, it’s time to educate yourself about common skateboarding sport injuries.

From head to toe, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of mishaps that can happen when you’re cruising, grinding, or catching air.

Knowledge is power, so lace up your skates and let’s dive into the potential risks of this exhilarating sport – it might just save you from a world of pain.

Skateboarding

Wrist Fractures and Sprains

Wrist fractures and sprains are common skateboarding injuries due to the natural reaction to outstretch hands while falling.

Sprains involve ligaments connecting the wrist bones, while fractures may range from a small crack to a full break.

Both cause pain, swelling, and limited wrist mobility.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain.
  • Immobilization: A splint or cast may be needed.
  • Physical Therapy: Restore wrist strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be required.

Ankle Sprains and Fractures

Similar to wrist injuries, ankle sprains and fractures are prevalent in skateboarding as the sport relies heavily on ankle stability.

Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of the ankle ligaments, while fractures indicate a broken bone.

Both result in pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Continue resting until pain and inflammation decrease.
  • Immobilization: A splint or cast may be used to immobilize the ankle and promote healing.
  • Physical Therapy: Restore ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be required for repairing fractures or addressing severe ankle injuries.

Head Injuries

Skateboarding head injuries can range from minor cuts or bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries.

Falling backward or striking the head during jumps and stunts may cause concussions, skull fractures, or even hemorrhages.

Wearing a helmet and practicing on even surfaces can help to prevent such incidents.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest and Monitoring: Continue to rest and watch for any worsening symptoms.
  • Cognitive Rest: Avoid mentally demanding activities like reading, TV, or using electronic devices.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Gradually resume activities with professional guidance, starting with light aerobic exercise and increasing intensity gradually.
  • Concussion Management Program: Join a concussion management program for personalized recovery support and guidance.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are a common skateboarding concern, as they absorb significant impact from jumping and landing. Injuries may include ligament tears, patellar tendonitis, or meniscus tears.

Proper stretching, conditioning, and wearing a knee brace can help to decrease the risk of knee injuries.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Rest until pain and inflammation subside.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthen knee muscles, improve flexibility, and restore function.
  • Bracing or Immobilization: Use a brace or immobilizer.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be needed.
  • Rehabilitation: Follow a rehabilitation program.

Elbow Injuries

Falling on an outstretched arm can result in elbow injuries such as bruises, dislocations, or fractures.

Common elbow issues for skateboarders include a hyperextended elbow or olecranon bursitis (swelling of the bursa at the tip of the elbow).

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Continue resting until pain and inflammation subside.
  • Immobilization: A sling or brace may be used to keep the elbow immobilized for healing.
  • Physical Therapy: Restore elbow strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Surgery: Surgery might be required to repair fractures or address other serious elbow injuries.

Shoulder Injuries

Typical shoulder injuries in skateboarding include dislocations, sprains, and fractures caused by falls or collisions.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Continue to rest until the initial pain and inflammation subside.
  • Physical Therapy: Restore shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Bracing or Sling: A sling or brace may be used to support the shoulder during the healing process.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a rotator cuff tear or address other shoulder injuries.

Hip Injuries

Hip injuries may develop from falls, hard collisions, and repetitive friction from certain skateboarding moves.

Bruising, sprains, and fractures are common.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Continue to rest until the initial pain and inflammation subside.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be beneficial in strengthening the hip muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring proper function.
  • Bracing or Immobilization: A brace or immobilizer may be used to support the hip during the healing process.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a hip fracture or address other hip injuries.

Thigh Bruises and Cuts

Skateboarding can cause thigh bruises and cuts from falls, flying debris, or contact with the skateboard.

Proper skateboarding shoes and protective gear can help prevent these injuries, with treatment generally requiring cleaning and dressing of wounds and ice for bruising.

Treatment Method:

  • RICE method: Avoid straining the injured area, apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours, elevate the injured thigh, and use a compression bandage.
  • Wound Care: Clean cuts with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage.
  • Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed.

Cuts and Abrasions (General)

General cuts and abrasions are prevalent in skateboarding due to the likelihood of falls and skin contact with rough surfaces.

Abrasions can be painful but are typically not severe – keeping wounds clean and appropriately covered will promote healing.

Treatment Method:

  • Clean the wound: Rinse with mild soap and water. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
  • Stop Bleeding: Apply pressure and elevate if possible.
  • Apply Ointment: Use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
  • Cover the wound: Cover with a sterile bandage or adhesive strip

Foot Injuries

Foot injuries in skateboarding can include bruises, fractures, ligament injuries, or contusions.

Wearing appropriate footwear, investing in custom orthotics, and maintaining proper foot support can help prevent foot injuries.

Treatment Method:

  • RICE therapy: Avoid weight on injured foot, ice for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 48 hours, wrap with elastic bandage, and keep foot elevated.
  • Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed.
  • Wound Care: For cuts or abrasions, clean with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can occur in skateboarding due to high-impact falls and improper landing techniques, with injuries ranging from sprains and fractures to spinal cord damage.

Wearing protective gear and diligently practicing proper technique can help minimize risk.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest and Stabilization: Keep the person still and comfortable. Do not attempt to realign the spine or manipulate the injury.
  • Pain Management: Pain relief should be administered by healthcare professionals.
  • Monitor Symptoms: Watch for severe complications such as difficulty breathing, loss of sensation or movement in extremities, or incontinence.

Long Bone Fractures (e.g., femur, fibula, tibia, humerus, radius, and ulna)

Long bone fractures can happen in skateboarding due to high-impact falls or collisions, causing severe pain, swelling, and limited functioning of the affected area.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest and Immobilization: Keep the fractured bone still and avoid movement. Use a splint or make-shift immobilization if necessary.
  • Pain Management: Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
  • Physical Therapy: Engage in physical therapy once the fracture starts healing.

Concussions (Head Injury)

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury in skateboarding resulting from a direct blow to the head or a whiplash-like movement causing the brain to move within the skull.

Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and memory problems.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest and Monitoring: Keep resting and watch for any worsening symptoms.
  • Cognitive Rest: Avoid mentally demanding activities like reading, TV, or electronic devices.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Gradually resume activities under a healthcare professional’s guidance.
  • Concussion Management Program: Join a concussion management program for personalized recovery support and guidance.

Face Injuries

Face injuries in skateboarding, such as bruises, lacerations, or fractures, can result from falls or collisions.

Wearing a helmet with a full-face or partial-face guard can help protect against facial trauma.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Rest is crucial for healing facial injuries. Avoid activities that worsen the pain.
  • Pain Management: Use over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to manage discomfort.
  • Sutures or Staples: Cuts or lacerations may need sutures or staples to close the wound.
  • Splinting or Immobilization: For fractures, a splint or immobilizer may be used to support the injured area.
  • Follow-Up: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are important to monitor healing and address any complications.

Rib Injuries

Rib injuries, including bruising, strains, or fractures, can transpire from falls or blunt force applied to the ribcage during skateboarding.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Continue resting until pain and inflammation decrease.
  • Pain Management: Use over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to manage pain.
  • Bracing: A rib brace may be recommended to support the area and alleviate pain.
  • Deep Breathing Exercises: Perform deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia and enhance lung function.

Back Injuries

Back injuries in skateboarding can range from mild strains and spasms to more serious issues like herniated discs and fractures.

Proper technique, stretching, and strength training can help minimize the risk of back injuries.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Continue resting until pain and inflammation subside.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can strengthen back muscles, improve flexibility, and restore function.
  • Pain Management: Use over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain.
  • Bracing: A back brace may be recommended to support the area and reduce strain.
  • Surgery: For severe herniated discs, surgery might be necessary to relieve nerve pressure.

Collarbone Fractures

Collarbone fractures can occur in skateboarding from falls directly onto the shoulder or outstretched arm.

Treatment Method:

  • Rest: Rest is essential for healing collarbone fractures. Avoid activities that worsen the pain.
  • Immobilization: A sling or figure-eight bandage may be used to immobilize the shoulder and aid healing.
  • Physical Therapy: After initial healing, physical therapy can restore shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be needed for complex or significantly displaced collarbone fractures.

How to Treat Skateboarding Sport Injuries

  1. Wrist fractures and sprains typically include rest, icing, splinting, and physical therapy. For ankle sprains and fractures, treatments focus on rest, compression, elevation, and immobilization to aid recovery.
  2. Head injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries. Treatment for minor injuries includes cleaning and dressing wounds, while more severe cases require proper medical intervention.
  3. Knee injuries involving ligament tears, patellar tendonitis, or meniscus tears generally require proper stretching, conditioning, and a knee brace. Elbow injuries like hyperextended elbows or olecranon bursitis can be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
  4. Shoulder injuries, which include dislocations, sprains, and fractures, are treated with immobilization and icing. Physical therapy and possible surgery may be necessary for severe cases.
  5. For hip injuries, treatment varies depending on the extent of the damage, ranging from rest and icing to immobilization and surgery. Thigh bruises and cuts generally need wound cleaning, dressing, and ice for bruising.
  6. General cuts and abrasions require keeping wounds clean and appropriately covered to promote healing. Foot injuries may also need appropriate footwear and proper foot support to prevent further damage.
  7. Long bone fractures and spinal injuries caused by high-impact falls or collisions require immobilization, surgery, and physical therapy for proper healing and recovery. Concussions need rest and a gradual return to activity, while rib, back, and collarbone injuries often involve rest, pain management, and immobilization in certain cases.

How to Prevent Skateboarding Sport Injuries

Preventing common skateboarding injuries is crucial for maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience.

Understanding the potential risks and taking necessary precautions can help you avoid many of these accidents.

  • Wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and skateboarding shoes with proper support and grip.
  • Stretch and warm up before starting your skateboarding session, targeting the hips, hamstrings, quadriceps, Achilles tendons, and wrists.
  • Practice proper technique for jumps, stunts, and landing to minimize the risk of injury.
  • Choose safe and even surfaces for skateboarding to reduce the likelihood of falls and collisions.
  • Invest in quality skateboarding equipment and ensure your skateboard is well-maintained.
  • Progress gradually and avoid overexertion; stay within your skill level and steadily build on your abilities.

Make sure you have the right gear. Head over to our skateboarding equipment list for essentials.

Skateboarding

FAQ

What are the treatments for wrist fractures and ankle sprains in skateboarding injuries?

Treatments for wrist fractures include rest, icing, splinting, and physical therapy. Ankle sprains and fractures are treated with rest, compression, elevation, and immobilization.

How can head injuries in skateboarding be prevented?

Head injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet and practicing on even surfaces to reduce the likelihood of falls and collisions.

What can help decrease the risk of knee injuries in skateboarding?

Proper stretching, conditioning, and wearing a knee brace can help to decrease the risk of knee injuries in skateboarding.

What are some ways to prevent common skateboarding injuries?

Wearing protective gear, stretching and warming up, practicing proper technique, choosing safe and even surfaces, investing in quality equipment, and progressing gradually can help prevent common skateboarding injuries.

Nic Hilditch-Short, an English football enthusiast and former player, has a rich background in sports despite a knee injury that shifted their focus from football and skateboarding to climbing and hiking. Their early years were marked by their involvement in the Manchester skateboarding scene and playing football at a local and university level, influenced by their professional footballer father. After their injury, they transitioned to climbing and hiking, engaging in indoor bouldering competitions and enjoying outdoor climbs and hikes around the world, from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, and China. Their love for Arsenal football club has remained strong since 2001.

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