Roller Skating Injury Prevention

Article by https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/

Each year, more than 11 million Americans, from young children to older adults, will go roller skating. This includes skating with: Inline skates, which have 4 wheels aligned front to back like a blade 2x2 wheel skates (also commonly referred to as "roller skates" Or Quads), which have 2 wheels in front and 2 in back Whether skating fast or standing still, you can get an injury — from fractures or dislocations to more serious injuries to the head, like concussion — if you do not follow the rules of the sport. The key to remember is that many roller skating injuries are preventable if you follow these safety tips:

• Learn the basic skills of the sport — especially how to stop properly — before venturing into traffic or onto a crowded path.

• Wear a helmet, wrist protectors, and knee and elbow pads. Choose a helmet that is appropriate for skating. Make sure the pads fit properly so they don't slip out of place or fall off while you are skating.

• Always put on protective gear before putting on your skates.

• Perform warm-up exercises before and after skating.

• Obey traffic signals, stay on the correct side of the road, be on the lookout for stopped cars, and don't weave in and out of lanes.

• Avoid skating on crowded walkways.

• Stay alert — watch out for curbs, potholes, rocks, broken glass, cracks in the pavement, open car doors, pedestrians (including people on bicycles, skates, skateboards, or scooters), animals, and other potential obstacles.

• Don't walk your dog while skating — if the dog yanks the leash hard or suddenly takes off running, it will be harder to keep your balance, and you will be more likely to fall.

• Don't wear headphones or ear buds while skating; you won't be able to hear if something is coming toward you or someone is trying to get your attention to warn you about an obstacle.

• Do not skate on wet or icy surfaces.

• Stay cool when it's hot outside. Skating may not seem like a strenuous sport, but it's easy to get overheated or dehydrated when skating in hot, humid weather. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after skating. Get more tips: Heat Injury and Heat Exhaustion

Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver Helmet delivers premium head protection for skateboarding, BMX, roller derby, roller skating, inline skating, scootering, and biking.

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187 Killer Pads Wrist Guards – Ideal for Skateboarding, in-Line Skating/Rollerblading and Roller Derby

When it comes to roller skating wrist guards, there are several solid options available, but I personally recommend 187 Killer Pads wrist guards based on real skating experience. They offer a fit and feel similar to Smith Scabs wrist guards but with superior comfort and support. I’ve worn 187 wrist guards before, and they remain comfortable, secure, and well-designed without restricting movement or causing thumb strain.

Unlike some other skate wrist guards that feature a rounded thumb loop, 187 Killer Pads use a more ergonomic thumb placement that prevents pressure and binding. Other brands I’ve tried placed excessive strain on my thumbs, making long skating sessions uncomfortable. 187 Killer Pads have been trusted by skaters for decades and are a go-to choice for roller skating, inline skating, skateboarding, and roller derby—proving their durability, comfort, and long-standing reputation in the skate community.

187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set is a complete skate protective gear set designed for maximum safety, comfort, and durability. This 6-piece pad set includes knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, making it ideal for roller skating, skateboarding, inline skating, roller derby, BMX, and scooters.

Built with high-impact protection, 187 Killer Pads are trusted by skaters worldwide for their ergonomic fit, secure straps, and long-lasting materials. The contoured design allows for full range of motion while helping reduce injury from falls.

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CRS Cross Padded Figure Skating Shorts deliver discreet, lightweight impact protection for skaters and riders of all levels. Designed as low-profile crash pad shorts, they help absorb falls and reduce injury to the hips, tailbone, and butt during figure skating, roller skating, inline skating, ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing. Breathable, flexible padding fits comfortably under clothing, making these protective skating shorts ideal for training, beginners, and confidence-building sessions on the rink, street, or slopes.

Bodyprox Protective Padded Shorts for Snowboard,Skate and Ski,3D Protection for Hip,Butt and Tailbone.

For me having crash pads (That's what I call these) can reduce the risk of injury. I have fallen without pading and I wish I had been wearing these.

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