Roller Skates Safety and Injury Prevention

Inline skating is a fun physical activity where individuals who partake in it wear shoes fitted with “rollers skates”, which essentially look like small tires. 

Roller skating has many health benefits, capable of toning muscles and even improving strength and endurance. But with all physical activities, there’s one thing we must never forget; safety.

Because even though you are out to have fun, just like everyone else, there can still be accidents. So then, how do we guard against these unplanned accidents and even ensure we don’t get into them?

If you are reading this, you are also curious about how you can have fun skating and still stay safe. You must adhere to specific essential rules to stay safe and keep others around you secure; the trick is knowing and obeying them. 

 

Safety Precautions And Checks

• Maintain your skates

The skates are the vehicles upon which you move when you’re in the skating rink or area; it would be wise to ensure it is reliable. A faulty pair of skates can lead to stumbling, hurting yourself or stumbling into others and hurting them as well.

To avoid going in with faulty skates, check the condition of the wheels. The wheels consist of bearings, nuts, heel brakes and axles. You must ensure that your skates are always in good condition for an enjoyable and safe experience.

• Wear Safety Equipment

Another helpful way to ensure your safety and that of the other people in the skating area is to wear appropriate safety equipment. Consider it excellent shielding from injury.

In general safety, this safety equipment is better known as “protective gear” and consists of vital pieces such as wrist guards, helmets, and knee and elbow pads.

The purpose of elbow and knee guards/pads is to protect those areas from cuts, scrapes, road rash and bruising. Gloves come in “handy” when you trip and fall and need to stop or soften the fall. This way, you will protect your hands from bruising. And lastly, you need headgear or a helmet to protect your head if your elbows and hands fail to prevent your head from colliding with the floor, wall or other skaters.

• Get The Right Sizes Of Skates

This might be funny and even ridiculous, but it is a reasonable and helpful safety precaution you will do well to remember.

Buying skates may not require a ton of research; you can already have a brand, colour and design in mind. But it is essential to remember one key part of the whole process, the size.

If the skates are not your size, you risk blisters, sprained ankles or undue pressure on your foot. Ask the staff at the store you are getting your skates to help you check if it fits you perfectly.

 

• Learn How To Fall Safely

We know what you are thinking; how does one intend to fall in the first place? Much more knowing to do so safely. Be patient; there’s a lesson here. It is all about knowing how your body works; when you notice you might be losing balance or if another skater hits you, you can take measures to minimise injury.

First, you must crouch down to reduce the height of your fall; secondly, cover your head with both hands, tucking your elbows in as you do. Next, roll so that you land on the soft portions of your body. Never fall on your knees or reach out with your hands to stop the fall; this can lead to bone fractures or muscle tears.

 

How To Guard Against Muscle Injuries

As much as emphasis is placed on bone and skin injuries, the more common forms of skating injuries are actually muscle related. 

Below are a few exercises or stretches that can help improve your body’s flexibility, loosen your joints and muscles and keep you injury-free.

Thigh Stretch (Use Resistance Band)

• Lay flat on your exercise mat, place your right foot inside the resistance band.
• With your right hand, grab and pull the band to add tension.
• Now slowly, lower your right leg outwards, towards the floor until you feel your inner thigh tighten and stretch.
• Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, change legs and do the same routine.

Back And Shoulder Stretch

• Sit on the mat or floor, with your legs stretched out and a resistance band firmly around your ankles.
• Grab onto your left ankle with your right hand, while your left hand goes on your right ankle.
• Slowly and gently ease and curl your back towards the wall.
• As you stretch out, you can grip onto the band and slowly increase the tension
• Do not bend too low, so as to engage your abs and inadvertently stretch your chest.
• Maintain this position for at least 15 seconds at most 30 seconds and then relax.

Hamstring Stretch

• Lay flat on the ground, both legs stretched out in front of you.
• Fit the resistance band just around the ball of one foot.
• Raise that same leg, pulling the band as a result towards you, ensure your knee stays straight.
• Pull on the resistance band until you feel the strain on your hamstring.
• Hold the strain for 15-30 seconds
• Gently drop the leg and do the same for the other.

 

Conclusion

Roller skating should be fun for everyone involved, but more importantly, it should also be safe. Safety is one aspect that we often disregard when it comes to recreational or leisure activities.

This can lead to a number of accidents that can harm oneself or others. It is as a result of negligence and a lack of awareness regarding firstly, personal safety and safety of others. 

Some roller rinks dismiss this part, and endanger their customers repeatedly. But not at Bladeworx, we take your safety and enjoyment very seriously and have staff on ground to make extra sure. For the best and safest skating experience, skate on over to Bladeworx today!