Skateboarding has been around since the 1940s, and over the decades it has skyrocketed to a multi-billion-dollar industry. Always a popular activity for teenagers and young adults, the sport made its Olympic debut in the 2021 Games in Tokyo. Skateboarding will return to the big stage again this summer for the 2024 Games in Paris.
However, skateboarding can be a risky sport, so knowing common injuries, along with how to prevent and treat them, is important to staying safe and healthy on your board.
Common Injuries
Skateboarding injuries can vary in severity, but some of the most common include:
- Scrapes and abrasions
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussions and other head injuries
“Skateboarding tends to have a lot of upper extremity injuries to the wrists, hands, forearms, and elbows from falls and catching yourself,” says Christopher Gee, MD, MPH, a sports medicine specialist at University of Utah Health. “But we also see foot and ankle injuries with relative frequency. Head injuries from falling backward and hitting their head are other really common ones.”
Injury Prevention Tips
Accidents happen, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of severe injury while skateboarding, including:
Wear protective gear. Every time you step on your board, protective gear will help cushion falls and reduce the risk of more serious injuries like concussions or broken bones.
“Protective gear is the number one thing,” Gee says. “Wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are really important. But a good-fitting helmet is a huge factor because some of the most catastrophic injuries I’ve seen have been from someone hitting their head as they’ve come down off a huge ramp.”
- Regularly inspect your equipment. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as loose parts or worn-out grip tape. Replace and repair your board or any safety gear as needed.
- Choose safe locations. When you go out to skateboard, pick somewhere safe, such as designated skate parks. Avoid skating on the road or in areas with rocks or potholes.
- Know your own limits. Start with basic tricks and gradually try new things as your skills progress. Doing too much too soon can lead to accidents.
Know “how to fall.” Falling in skateboarding is going to happen, but knowing how to do it properly can prevent injury. Avoid sticking your arms straight out to catch your fall, as this can lead to wrist or arm fractures.
“You’ll see experienced skaters bail on a trick and very gracefully come down onto their knees or roll their bodies instead of just slamming into the ground,” Gee says. “They’ve practiced that over and over.”
- Warm up and stretch. Like any sport, properly warming up with dynamic stretches gets your muscles ready to work and can help prevent strains, sprains, and overuse injuries. Gee recommends doing 5 to 10 minutes of an active warm-up, like a light jog, calisthenics, and stretching before stepping onto your board. Take the time to stretch and ice any sore areas afterwards.
First Aid and Injury Recovery
Injuries can still occur even if you take preventive precautions, so knowing proper first aid for common skateboarding injuries is essential.
- Keep wounds clean. Rinse any scrapes or cuts with clean water and apply antiseptic ointment to prevent infection. Cover with a sterile dressing or bandage and change the coverings regularly.
- Follow the R.I.C.E. treatment method. R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps promote healing for injuries like sprains and strains by reducing pain and inflammation. While resting, keep the injury wrapped and elevated above your heart whenever you can. Regularly apply ice packs to the affected area.
- Seek medical attention. Don’t attempt to skate through the pain if you suspect a more serious injury, like a concussion or fracture. Listen to your body and seek care promptly.
- Follow recommended rehabilitation protocols. Muscle strains, sprains, or overuse injuries might require physical therapy. Follow your health care professional’s advice for rehabilitation so you can gradually return to your board and prevent re-injury.
Whenever you go skateboarding, remember to bring all your protective gear and pack a small first aid kit stocked with the following:
- Adhesive bandages
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Gauze roll or roller bandage
- Sterile gauze pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Instant cold compress
- Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Gloves
Being prepared to properly treat an injury helps prevent infection and further injury. It can also help to keep yourself or someone else comfortable and safe while seeking further medical treatment for more serious injuries.
Remember, the athletes you’ll be watching on their boards this summer in the Paris Olympics have inevitably suffered their fair share of bumps and bruises from their sport. But they also know the proper ways to care for injuries, the importance of safety gear, and proper warm-ups. Following these prevention tips and always wearing safety gear will keep you on your board longer.
“I see all ages skateboarding, from little kids to older adults,” Gee says. “It just requires some balance and protective gear, but it’s a sport that’s great for anybody to get out and do, and I’m really excited to see it in the Olympics.”
