What it takes: Wrist fractures and sprains
Instinctively catching yourself on your hands is the most common way skaters get hurt. Broken wrists and forearms are among the most frequent skateboarding injuries.
Skateboarding
Hard concrete, high speed and a lot of falling while you learn.
Skateboarding builds balance, leg strength and creativity. Falling is part of learning, and most injuries come from landing on an outstretched hand, rolling an ankle, or hitting your head on hard ground.
What it takes and what to do
What it takes: Head injuries
Falling backward or getting thrown at speed can slam your head onto concrete. A helmet lowers the risk of serious brain injury and skull fracture.
What it takes: Ankle sprains and fractures
Landing tricks wrong or rolling off the board can twist or break the ankle. Weak ankles that have been sprained before roll more easily.
What to do about Ankle sprains and fractures
Practice standing on one legDailyA daily balance drill that trains your ankles, hips and reflexes. Move your ankles through their full rangeDailySimple ankle circles and point-and-flex moves to keep stiff ankles moving. Wear supportive shoesAs neededChoose shoes that fit well and suit your activity, and replace them when they wear out.What it takes: Scrapes and road rash
Sliding across pavement takes off layers of skin. Dirty scrapes can get infected and need cleaning and up-to-date tetanus protection.
What to do about Scrapes and road rash
Wear the right protective gearAs neededPut on a well-fitted helmet and the pads, guards or mouthguard your sport calls for, every time.When to see a professional
Get emergency care for a head injury with confusion, vomiting or loss of consciousness, or a limb that looks deformed. See a doctor for a wrist that stays painful after a fall, since some fractures don't look serious at first, and for scrapes that become red, hot or swollen.