Every year, some of the most extreme athletes from around the world compete in the X Games. Not everyone is an extreme athlete, but they can still experience injuries that affect their performance. Here are some of the most common X Games injuries.

Skateboarding

The X Games hosts some of the most difficult and extreme skateboarding competitions in the world. Athletes will navigate ramps, jumps and half-pipes, all while performing tricks. Because of the intensity of the activity, elbow, knee, hand, finger and wrist sports injuries are common among skateboarders. These usually occur when one tries to break a fall with their hand or knee. This reinforces an important lesson for skateboarders of all ages and abilities: fall the right way. If you are going to fall, just fall. It isn’t helpful to try and break your fall. This increases the chances of injury. If you want to try and absorb some of the impact, try to tuck and roll. This will spread the weight across your body, lessening the likelihood of injury.

BMX

BMX is an extreme form of off-road bike racing over different jumps and terrain. As riders fly across the various jumps and tracks, wipe-outs are inevitable, and the injuries can be serious. Some common injuries are broken collarbones, concussions, severe bruising and other types of trauma. BMX riders wear special helmets, body armor, and neck braces to make sure they stay safe.

Moto X

Moto X is a form of off-road motorcycle racing across uneven terrain, and off ramps. Athletes will perform freestyle routines on their motorcycles that can include flips and tricks on an 80 foot ramp. As these riders fly over jumps and ramps, there is potential for injury. Moto X injuries are similar, and often more severe, than BMX injuries. Broken collarbones, bruising, and concussions may occur in a crash. Broken bones are more common when collisions and accidents occur at high speeds.

Our orthopedic urgent cares in Bloomington, Maple Grove, Burnsville and Woodbury are open seven days a week. We provide walk-in care for athletes of all ages and abilities. No appointment needed. Our physicians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists are here to get you back to what you love.