All athletes risk injury. What are some of the risks specifically associated with action sports and what are some of the most memorable recent injuries?
Injuries occur in every sport. Within the past decade there has been an increase in the awareness within the general population of the risks of sports-related injuries and safety measures to prevent them. For those who engage in action sports, or extreme sports as they are commonly referred to, injuries can be especially traumatic, even with the proper protection.
The most commonly occurring injuries in the action sports arena are as follows:
- Fractures- broken bones
- Strains/Sprains- injuries to the soft tissue including muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Lacerations- disruptions, or cuts in the skin
- Bruising- a pooling of blood beneath the surface of the skin
These injuries occur in one of two manners.
- Chronic/repetitive use injuries- examples of this type of injury are stress fractures and muscle tears.
- Acute injuries- result from trauma and commonly include injuries such as fractures and head injuries.
Some sports have injuries that are more common to them than to other sports. Among skateboarders and inline skaters for example, the incidence of wrist and elbow injuries is high compared to other sports. Mountain climbing is a sport for which chronic use injuries are common.
In action sports, pushing the limits is a continuous drive for most athletes. Regular conditioning and practice sessions frequently involve more risk than most traditional athletes face. With the continuous increase in physical achievements there has also been an increase in physical injuries. The following are some of the more shocking and memorable injuries that have occurred in action sports.
- Mat Hoffman- This BMX champion suffered an accident, which ruptured his spleen and led to cardiac arrest from which he was luckily revived.
- Brian Deegan- Years of MotoX riding have contributed to a long list of injuries for Deegan including a wreck in which he lost not only a kidney, but also four pints of blood.
- Danelle Ballengee- Adventure racer Ballengee was on a trail run when she slipped on a patch of ice and fell over a ledge. She suffered multiple injuries and was forced to spend the night alone in the Moab backcountry before being rescued the following day.
- Jake Brown- During X Games 13 he suffered one of the most dramatic falls in skateboarding history and walked away, albeit with numerous injuries, and the silver medal.
Injuries don’t just happen to professional athletes. Each year more people are joining the ranks of action sports devotees. Although there is no way to completely prevent injuries while participating in action sports there are several ways to prepare for, and minimize the damage caused. Of course, you should always wear protective gear (helmets, pads, etc) that is designed specifically for your sport. If at all possible, have a cell phone or radio with you so that you can call for help should you need it. Have a first aid kit nearby and consider enrolling in a First Aid course (either a standard course or one designed for wilderness survival). Also, if you are heading out alone or going into the country, tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back.
