Skateboard & Scooter Injuries of the Fingers, Hand, Wrist & Arm
Skateboarding and scooter riding have become increasingly popular activities for children and teens in the Rochester Hills area recent years. However, with the increase in popularity of these activities, there has also been an increase in the number of injuries associated with them. In this article, board certified Rochester Hills hand doctor Uzma Rehman will discuss the most common injuries suffered by children and teens on scooters and skateboards, focusing on injuries to the fingers, hand, wrist, and arm, and offer tips that parents can use to help prevent these injuries.
Statistics on Scooter and Skateboard Injuries
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 96,000 injuries related to skateboarding and 67,000 injuries related to scooter riding among children and teens in the United States in 2020. Of these injuries, a significant number were related to the fingers, hand, wrist, and arm.
Common Scooter and Skateboard Injuries to Fingers, Hand, Wrist, and Arm
Fractures and dislocations are among the most common injuries associated with scooter and skateboard accidents. These injuries can occur when a child falls off their skateboard or scooter and lands on their hand, wrist, or arm. These injuries can be severe and require medical attention.
Sprains and strains are also common injuries related to scooter and skateboard accidents. These injuries occur when the ligaments or tendons in the hand, wrist, or arm are stretched or torn. These injuries can be painful and may require medical attention.
Cuts and abrasions are also common injuries related to scooter and skateboard accidents. These injuries can occur when a child falls off their skateboard or scooter and scrapes their hand, wrist, or arm on the pavement or other hard surface. These injuries can be minor but can also become infected if not properly treated.
Hand Doctors Tips to Help Prevent Scooter & Skateboard Injuries
One of the most important things parents can do to help prevent scooter and skateboard injuries is to make sure their child wears the appropriate protective gear. This includes a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. This gear can help prevent serious injuries if an accident occurs.
Parents should also be careful to choose age-appropriate equipment for their child. This means ensuring that the skateboard or scooter is the appropriate size for their child and that it is designed for their skill level. Many accidents occur when younger kids try to use older siblings’ skateboards or scooters that are simply too big or advanced for them.
Parents should always supervise their child while they are riding their skateboard or scooter. This means keeping an eye on them and making sure they are using the equipment safely and properly. Teens are especially more likely to engage in dangerous behavior or perform risky stunts when no adults are present.
Before allowing a child to ride their skateboard or scooter, parents should check it regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. They should also make sure that the equipment is in good working order and is not missing any parts or does not have any loose wheels, handle bars, etc.
Parents should also teach their child how to properly use the equipment. They should demonstrate how to use the equipment safely and explain the potential dangers of improper use. Watching YouTube tutorials together from a reputable source (such as the scooter manufacturer) can help ensure your child is operating their scooter or skateboard safely. Most scooter or skateboard stores in the Rochester Hills area also offer classes and clubs that can help kids and teens learn to ride safely.
Parents should also mandate that their child does not ride in areas with cars or traffic, not ride too fast, not ride in shopping areas or other pedestrian locations, and avoiding obstacles that may cause an accident. Parents should also dress their child in appropriate clothing and footwear for skateboarding or scooter riding. Loose clothing, hoodies with strings, jewelry (especially necklaces), or shoes with untied laces can get caught in the equipment and cause injuries.
Top Rochester Hills Area Hand Doctor
If you or your child or teen has suffered an injury or pain in the fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, due to a scooter or skateboard injury, contact board certified Rochester Hills area hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of hand, finger, wrist and arm injuries.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition so that you or your child can get back to enjoying their regular activities – and avoid long term complications or limits in mobility.