Skateboard With Care

Skateboard groups are an American staple. Young teens in kneepads and helmets (sometimes, none at all) take a risk by doing amazing stunts with their boards, from midair flips to grinding. Constant practice created legends like Tony Hawk, Tony Alva, and Ryan Sheckler; but they're not exempted from the risks that come with the sport.

Of the thousands of skateboard injuries recorded every year, more than half of them happen to children under 15, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The injuries can range from cuts and bruises to torn ligaments and twisted ankles. Tony Hawk's injuries over the course of his career, in fact, has already forced him to consider retirement.

 Skateboarding will forever remain a sport for the youth, so banning it outright is ill-advised (to say the least). The least enthusiasts can do is to ride in appropriate places like open grounds, and not along crowded places. Wear complete safety gear to mitigate injuries; every skateboarder has at least fallen once. Above all else, if a trick proves to be too risky for your skill level, don't attempt it just yet.

In case of injury, however, don't delay rushing to an orthopedic center. The earlier you get there, the sooner your mangled arm or twisted foot can be reset, which should make you feel a whole lot better.