Skateboarding injuries, while common, shouldn’t limit your enjoyment of the sport. Skateboarding is a great way to get exercise, have fun, and explore your city. But like all activities, it comes with some risks. In the case of skateboarding, these risks can be especially high. From injuries due to repeatedly stressing new parts of the body to the fractures and sprains that can come from any wipeout, skating is a sport that almost requires an injury here and there. In this article, we’ll explore 8 common skateboarding injuries and how to treat them.
Injuries can happen when you least expect them, so it’s important to be aware of some common skateboarding injuries and how to treat them. This way, you can be prepared for anything that comes your way.
8 common skateboarding injuries
Here are 8 common skating injuries as well as some advice on how to treat and even prevent them:
1. Wrist fractures
Wrist fractures are the most common type of injury sustained while skateboarding. This is usually due to falling on an outstretched hand. If you think you may have fractured your wrist, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Preventing wrist injuries is largely a matter of learning how to fall; resist the urge to put your hands out as much as possible!
2. Ankle sprains
Ankle sprains are also quite common in skateboarding. This is due to the fact that your ankle is constantly bearing weight and twisting as you ride. To prevent ankle injuries, be sure to wear supportive shoes and socks, and always warm up before skating. Ankle strengthening exercises like these can also be helpful. If you do injure your ankle, rest, ice, and elevate it as soon as possible.
3. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is often caused by the repetitive motions involved in skateboarding. It can occur in any number of places, but is most common in the elbow or shoulder. To prevent tendonitis, be sure to stretch and warm up before skating, and take breaks often. Anti-inflammatory treatments can also help reduce symptoms of tendonitis. THC has been shown to reduce inflammation; gummies like these are suitable for vegans too. If you think you may have tendonitis, rest the affected area and ice it several times a day. Gentle stretching can be helpful too.
4. Knee injuries
Knee injuries are common in skateboarding due to the fact that your knees are constantly bearing weight and twisting as you ride. To prevent knee injuries, be sure to wear supportive shoes and socks, and always warm up before skating. Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes can also be helpful. If you do injure your knee, rest and ice it as soon as possible.
5. Head injuries
Head injuries are always a risk in any sport, but are especially common in skateboarding because riders often don’t wear helmets. To prevent head injuries, always wear a helmet when skating. If you do sustain a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
6. Facial injuries
Facial injuries are also common in skateboarding, again since riders often don’t wear helmets. The best way to prevent facial injuries is to always wear a helmet when skating. If you do sustain a facial injury, rinse the wound with clean water and apply a sterile bandage. Seek medical attention if the bleeding is severe or if you have any concerns.
7. Broken bones
Broken bones are relatively uncommon in skateboarding, but can still occur. This is usually due to a fall onto a hard surface. To prevent broken bones, it’s important to learn how to fall properly. If you think you may have broken a bone, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
8. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be caused by the repetitive motions involved in skateboarding. It is characterized by pain in the heel and arch of the foot. To prevent plantar fasciitis, be sure to stretch and warm up before skating, and take breaks often. If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, rest the affected area and ice it several times a day. Seek medical attention if the pain is severe or if you have any concerns.
Stay healthy and active
Skateboarding is a great way to get exercise, have fun and explore your city. But like all activities, it comes with some risks. In this article, we’ve explored 8 common skateboarding injuries and how to treat them. It’s important to be aware of these injuries so that you can be prepared for anything that comes your way. Proper care of your body, from stretches to medicines and proper technique, will go a long way in helping you prevent these injuries. And finally, always remember to wear a helmet!
If you’re looking for additional ways to enjoy this awesome sport, make sure to check out a few of our other links below for beginners just starting to pick a skateboard, or a few skateparks we would recommend checking out: