Inline skating is a fun and active sport that is good for your muscles, fitness and balance. You are outdoors, get plenty of exercise and enjoy the fresh air and surroundings. While rollerblading, you train your legs, abdomen, arms and balance. Sometimes you may suffer an injury, for example due to a fall or incorrect posture. Fortunately, you can prevent many of these injuries. In this blog you will read how to do so, so you can continue to skate safely and have fun.
Preparation and protection
From a report from Veiligheid.nl shows that as many as 64% of sports injuries in the Netherlands that end up in the emergency room are the result of a fall. In rollerblading it is no different, falling is also the main cause of injuries here, for example to your wrists, knees, ankles or back. It is therefore important to wear protective gear. This is especially true in rollerblading, where balance and technique play a major role. With good technique and wearing protective gear, you can reduce the risk of injury.
Below you can read which injuries are most common while rollerblading and how to avoid them.
1. Wrist injury from a fall while rollerblading
When rollerblading, you can fall, often reflexively extending your hands to catch yourself. This can cause a nasty injury to your wrist, such as a bruise or even a fracture. Wearing wrist guards can significantly reduce this risk.
2. Groin injury
While rollerblading, you may experience groin pain because you have to push off. Especially on a wet surface, this can cause symptoms, as you slip more easily. This can lead to a pulling or stabbing pain, stiffening or even a strain. It is therefore wise not to go rollerblading when it is wet outside.
3. Knee injury from rollerblading
Knee problems often result from incorrect posture or overuse. If you rollerblade too intensively without building up slowly, your knees become irritated faster. By gradually building up your rollerblading, your muscles become stronger and the risk of complaints decreases.
4. Ankle injury
Ankle injuries can result from overloading your ankles or from not wearing proper rollerblades. Tilting your feet inwards can also play a role. Make sure you have well-fitting inline skates and break them in well before you go longer distances.
5. Back pain during or after rollerblading
Back pain is often caused by incorrect posture. Staying in too deep or too upright a position for too long can strain your back. So change your posture regularly and stand up straight every now and then while rollerblading to allow your muscles to relax.
What can you do yourself?
To avoid injuries from rollerblading as much as possible, you can take some important measures yourself:
- Always wear protection
- Make sure to warm up properly
- Finish with a cooling down
- Build up rollerblading slowly
- Use good rollerblades and appropriate socks
- Avoid rollerblading on a wet road surface
- Pay attention to your posture and change positions regularly
- Practice safe falls
These tips will significantly reduce your risk of injury and allow you to skate with more confidence.
How can physiotherapy help with injuries caused by rollerblading?
Have you nevertheless developed symptoms or do you want to prevent them? Then physiotherapy can provide good support. With targeted guidance, you can continue to skate safely and move complaint-free. Feel free to contact with us for an appointment.
