Since the recent release of the oh-so-cool hoverboad in December 2015 a spike of high impact injuries including concussions and fractures have made their way into the Orthopaedic offices.
“In fact, hoverboard injuries have increased so rapidly, that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning to users about fall risks.”(handcare.org)
The hoverboards can reach a nauseating speed of 16 mph with your body movements as the only form of navigation. Losing control at that speed can cause serious, life altering, injuries to the body specifically speaking the hips and wrists.
Cyclists travelling at much less speeds not only have both hands and legs navigating a two-
wheeled structure designed for the road, but also helmets, gloves, shoes and other gear designed for safety and the sport. This is also true of rollerbladers and skateboarders.” (anationinmotion.org)
If you must experience the wonders of hovering slightly above the ground on wheels, using only the weight of your body to propel you into any given direction; then either wear protective equipment or update your insurance for you will surely be visiting an Orthopaedic and most definitely a physical/occupational therapist.
Ultimately falling happens. So, how to fall gracefully and lessen your chances of breaking something?
Stay Loose: You can put your arms and legs out slow your fall but keep them loose but don’t let either of them become fully extended or straight. If you stiffen up or become rigid, that’s when injuries happen.
Roll out of the fall: In other words, turn as you fall so your are keeping your body in motion and absorbing the energy. Once your arms or legs absorb some of the impact, roll out of the fall. By rolling, you send the energy of the fall into the roll, rather than having your body absorb the impact.
Use your whole body when you fall: Falling on a single arm or leg focuses all the energy to that one area. By sprawling your body out like a starfish you could reduce the chance of seriously injuring a single body part.
By: Stephanie Jones, AT
Sources:
http://handcare.org/blog/advice-from-a-certified-hand-therapist-on-foosh-hoverboards-beyond/