Skateboarding and Foot Injuries

For those who love flying through the air, skateboarding can provide a rush like none other. Being able to achieve a difficult trick, or for some, just be able to stay upright on a skateboard can bring happiness and pleasure. However, while in pursuit of catching the right air, foot and ankle injuries loom.
Foot and ankle injuries from skateboarding can vary from simple cuts and abrasions to serious bone fractures and contusions.
Virginia podiatrist Jennifer Purvis, D.P.M. says that skateboarders should be cautious and wear protective gear, including shoes, when skateboarding. "Skateboarders should be aware that the strain from repetitive, forceful motions can also cause painful foot and heel conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, and Achilles tendonitis, which may require more intensive, longer-term therapies," says Purvis.
Even the most minor cuts and abrasions can cause trouble. Dr. Purvis has treated in the past a 21 year old skateboarder for scrapes on his feet and ankles that were not healing. Test results indicated he had MRSA, a deadly staph infection that required surgery and four weeks of antibiotic therapy.
Karl Collins, D.P.M., who practices in St. Louis, says that the most important thing to do when you have a foot or ankle injury is to see a podiatrist to ensure you get the proper diagnosis and course of treatment. If you have to wait for an appointment, make sure to use the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and avoid activities.
"A common misconception about foot and ankle fractures is that if you can walk on the foot, there isn't a fracture. That's not always the case, and only a proper diagnosis can rule out a serious injury requiring an advanced treatment plan," says Dr. Collins.
Common injuries for skateboarders are:

• Fractures. When you take a bad fall, you can fracture your foot, toe, or ankle. You can roll over your toes, or a skateboard can land on your feet. You'll likely need a cast and be out six to eight weeks, or if the fracture is severe you'll need surgery.
• Sprains. If you have foot straps on your board, you're at risk for a sprain when your board is going one way and your foot is going to another. Sprains can actually be worse than fractures because fractures will heal predictably, but ligaments can be unpredictable and take a long time to heal.
• Cuts and bruises. If you fall off your board and scrape your foot or ankle, getting dirt, pavement, or debris in the abrasion, and don't take care of it, you'll end up like Dr. Purvis's patient. Bone bruises can be super painful too, and sometimes they can lead to stress fractures and fractures.

To prevent an injury while you're skateboarding, make sure you're using the right board for you. The big boards are for the big kids, even though smaller kids might want to ride on them. When you have an accident on your skateboard, make sure you pay attention to your body when it hurts.
Reference: Medical News Today and Healthy Feet Blog
If you are a skateboarder and have a foot problem, call our Newington, Kensington, or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Sports Medicine Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrist in Newington
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