About 1 out of 700 ice skaters will experience some form of injury, with most incidents involving falling on the ice. Ice skating is a fun and exciting winter activity enjoyed by many people. However, it can also be dangerous.
Here are six common ice skating injuries that can send you straight to the hospital for a CT scan and some serious treatment.
Hip injuries
Hip injuries are some of the most common ice skating injuries. The main cause? Falling on the ice. Luckily, hip fractures are usually only minor breaks that can heal within a few weeks. However, more severe fractures may require surgery to fix them properly.
Safety tip: People should wear protective gear when skating to help prevent injuries during an accident. This is especially true for people who have a history of hip injuries.
Ankle injuries
Ankle injuries are also common among skaters. They result from the constant pressure ice can exert on joints and ligaments (tissue connecting bones). This pressure often leads some people to sprain their ankles. Surgery might be needed for severe fractures that do not heal correctly after several weeks.
Safety tip: When ice skating, do not take sharp turns or go too fast because it could cause you to fall and sprain your ankle, or worse, break it. Learn to manage your speed when skating.
Fractured Tail Bone
The tail bone, also known as the coccyx, is one of the most commonly fractured bones in the body. It usually comes into contact with hard surfaces whenever people fall onto their backside. Ice skating rinks are one of those hard surfaces that you should avoid falling on at all costs.
Safety tip: Although there are no specific safety tips when it comes to avoiding fractured tail bones, you should always be careful when ice skating and actively avoid falling onto your backside.
Knee Injuries
Like ankles, knee joints can also become strained or sprained from frequent falls. Too much pressure can also cause them to swell and hurt. One of the more severe injuries is a broken kneecap which can take up to 6 months to heal. Surgery might even be required for this type of injury, depending on how bad it is.
Safety tip: If you are new to ice skating, let someone slightly more experienced accompany you so that they can teach you the correct techniques for taking turns and stopping. Never attempt moves or exercises that are beyond your capabilities.
Head Injuries
Ice skating is inherently dangerous because of the hard frozen surface. This makes head injuries a common thing among skaters. When you fall, you can hit your head on this hard surface causing a concussion, or worse, bleeding in the brain.
Safety tip: Always wear a helmet when ice skating, especially if you are still learning the ropes. Also, it’s best to avoid ice skating if you have a history of brain injuries or blood clotting disorders.
Skin Rips and Cuts
Skin rips and cuts are common among skaters because of the constant friction that occurs when you fall on the ice. The main problem with this is not the pain, but the risk of getting an infection. Treatment for both involves cleaning and dressing your wounds so they can heal properly.
Safety tip: Always wear protective clothing while skating such as elbow pads and knee pads to protect yourself against injuries that might occur. If you do get a cut, have it treated as soon as possible.
Safety First
It's no surprise that ice skating can be dangerous. The common injuries mentioned above just scratch the surface of possible dangers skaters face when they take to the rink for a good time. Always wear protective gear and prioritize safety every time you’re skating on the rink.
If an accident does occur, reach out to a doctor as soon as possible for further treatment or proper diagnosis.
Vista Health is an industry-leading healthcare provider that’s dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care possible. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, please contact us today. Our team would be glad to answer any of your questions.