Skateboarding is a popular and fun activity. But it's also a common cause of injury.
In many cases, skateboarding injuries can be prevented. The <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=ortho" target="_blank">American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons</a> (AAOS) offers these injury prevention tips: 
<ul>
 <li>Take good care of your skateboard. Check for loose, broken or cracked parts, sharp edges, a worn or slippery surface, and wheels with nicks or cracks. </li>
 <li>Wear safety equipment including slip-resistant shoes, a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and gloves. </li>
 <li>Ride on smooth pavement. Many falls result from obstructions such as small stones, sticks, bumps and holes. </li>
 <li>Avoid riding in traffic or on crowded walkways. Carry the skateboard when crossing the street. </li>
</ul>
Children under age 5 should not ride skateboards, according to the <a href="https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>&nbsp;(AAP). They do not have the physical skills needed to control a skateboard and ride it safely. An adult should supervise those ages 6 to 10, the AAP says.
For more information on injury prevention, visit the AAOS <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=ortho" target="_blank">website</a>. 
Reviewed 4/22/2024

Tips for safe skateboarding

A few precautions can help you avoid injuries.