What are some of the most common figure skating injuries?
Figure skaters suffer both overuse and traumatic injuries. About half of all injuries are caused by overuse and are preventable. Singles skaters have a higher incidence of overuse injuries, while pair skaters and ice dancers are more prone to traumatic injuries.Common Overuse Injuries
- Stress fractures, most commonly to the foot or spine
- Stress reactions, such as shin splints and medial tibial stress syndrome
- Tendonitis – Achilles, patellar, or peroneal
- Muscle strains of the hip
- Jumpers knee or patellofemoral syndrome
- Apophysitis – Osgood-Schlatter (knee) or iliac crest (hip)
- Bursitis in the ankle
- Lace bite, an irritation of the tibialis anterior and toe extensor tendon
Common Traumatic Injuries
- Ankle sprains and fractures
- Dislocation of the patella or shoulder
- ACL and meniscal tears
- Head injury and concussion
- Labral tears of the hip
- Lacerations
How can injuries in figure skating be prevented?
- Reduce exposure to high—G—force landings by limiting the repetition of jumps—especially poorly mastered or new jumps—per training session.
- Increase proficiency with new jumps through off-ice training, use of a harness, and ensuring a proper conception of perfect form prior to on-ice repetitions.
- Avoid learning new elements during growth spurts, as this causes increased stress on the body.
- Warm up for 5-10 minutes prior to putting on skates and stepping on the ice.
- Properly fit and break in boots; adjust skate blades and sharpen appropriately.
- Inspect ice regularly for chips or gouges that might cause injury.
- Perform off-ice conditioning to improve core strength and fitness.
- Maintain adequate nutrition. Skaters, particularly girls, are at risk for eating disorders.
- Create conversation between coach, skater, and parents to minimize injury and avoid overtraining.
- Avoid skating with pain and see a physician if pain persists.
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