Surgeons Warn: Skateboarding Tough on Feet, Ankles

Board tricks, repeated foot impact can lead to serious injury

CHICAGO, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Children and young adults love the
thrill of skateboarding. They learn to master their skills of "riding the
rail" and "catching air." But according to the American College of Foot and
Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), such tricks, while fun, can be physically demanding
and cause serious foot and ankle injuries.

Foot and ankle surgeons around the country warn they continue to see serious
lower-extremity skateboard injuries among their patients. These injuries range
from minor bruises to open wounds or cuts to more serious foot and ankle
sprains and fractures, which may require surgical repair.

Virginia-based foot and ankle surgeon, Jennifer Purvis, DPM, AACFAS, advises
skateboarders to use caution and wear protective gear, including properly
supportive shoes, when skateboarding. "Skateboarding can be particularly hard
on your feet and ankles because of the impact caused when performing jumps and
tricks," Dr. Purvis explains. "Skateboarders should be aware that the strain
from repetitive, forceful motions can also cause painful foot and heel
conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bone spurs and Achilles tendonitis,
which may require more intensive, longer-term therapies," she said.

Even minor cuts or abrasions on your feet can cause serious problems. Dr.
Purvis recently treated a 21-year-old skateboarder for scrapes on his feet and
ankles that were not healing. Tests indicated he had contracted MRSA - a very
serious and sometimes deadly staph infection, which required surgery and four
weeks of antibiotic therapy.

Foot and ankle sprains and fractures are common skateboarding injuries. Karl
Collins, DPM, FACFAS, who practices in St. Louis, stresses the importance of
seeing a foot and ankle surgeon to ensure proper diagnosis and course of
treatment for these injuries. Until you can be seen by a doctor, it is best to
take a break from activities and use R.I.C.E. therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression,
and Elevation), which helps to reduce pain and control swelling around the
injury.

"A common misconception about foot and ankle fractures is that if you can walk
on the foot, there isn't a fracture," Dr. Collins said. "That's not always the
case, and only a proper diagnosis can rule out a serious injury requiring an
advanced treatment plan."

For information on foot and ankle injuries or to find a foot and ankle surgeon
near you, visit FootPhysicians.com.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of
more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College's
mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot
and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health
and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer Web site,
FootPhysicians.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click
appropriate link.
Jennifer Purvis, DPM, FACFAS
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=76190

Karl Collins, DPM, FACFAS
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=35879

SOURCE American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Melissa Matusek, Public Relations Manager of ACFAS, +1-773-693-9300, ext.
1306, melissa.matusek@acfas.org