“I broke my wrist a couple years ago doing rails in Central Park. It’s okay now, but when it rains I can feel it stiffen up. Do I need to wear any protective gear when I skateboard this summer?” —Robbie, 12, Tribeca
Robbie, if we are ever asked about wearing protective gear we have to say, “Yes!”
Sometimes athletes don’t feeling like wearing a mouth guard when playing basketball or eye protection during squash, but you have to think of it as just part of playing the game.
After a wrist fracture you may feel some lingering effects of the break, but when you are cleared by your doctor you can certainly skateboard.
Protective pads can’t prevent all injuries, but they certainly can help lessen the effects.
A helmet is always recommended.Wrist guards can also help protect your wrists and hands. When you fall often times your first reaction is to put your hands down to catch yourself. Your hands and wrists may not be as strong as you think they are when you land on them from a 5 foot fall. Just try to prevent injuries as best you can.
Bio:
Gene Schafer, MA, ATC, CSCS is the founder and owner of ARC
Athletics (www.arcathletics.com) on the Upper West Side. He is a
certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning
specialist. He has worked as an athletic trainer at Columbia University
and specialized in sports rehab for young athletes. Gene has run four marathons and knows the rigors of training for tough athletic events.