17 common Skateboarding injuries (Prevention & Treatment)

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.

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, with treatment including rest, icing, splinting, and physical therapy in severe cases.

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, with treatments focusing on rest, compression, elevation, and immobilization.

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.

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.

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).

Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications can help treat most minor elbow injuries.

Shoulder Injuries

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

Immediate treatment involves immobilization and applying ice, with physical therapy and possible surgery in severe cases.

Hip Injuries

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

Bruising, sprains, and fractures are common, and treatment varies depending on the extent of the damage, ranging from rest and ice to immobilization and surgery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 may involve immobilization, surgery, and physical therapy for proper healing and recovery.

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, with treatment involving rest and a gradual return to activity.

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.

Rib Injuries

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

Rest, pain management, and, in severe cases, immobilization can aid in healing.

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.

Collarbone Fractures

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

Treatment typically involves immobilization, pain management, and, in severe cases, surgery.

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.

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