E-scooters have been popping up in major cities worldwide. From Edmonton, Alberta to Tel Aviv, Israel, it’s an efficient, convenient, and easy way to get around town. Not to mention, they’re environmentally friendly and a frequently shared mode of transportation. You don’t even need to own one in many cities to use them. You simply download the app and you’re off.
But unless you’re already a pro, you’re likely to have a learning curve in order to master the e-scooter. This means having your fair share of close calls and swerving last minute so as not to collide with obstacles and people in your way. It can make for a scary first ride.
With that being said, there is risk involved with using e-scooters. The injuries you can sustain can range from mild to severe. Undeniably, it’s important to be aware of how you can avoid injury and ride off safely into the sunset.
So, what are the Common E-Scooter Injuries?
Common E-Scooter Injuries
Well, as you might imagine, fractures and soft-tissue damage are up there, as well as head injuries.
Falling from an e-scooter can cause lasting damage, depending on the severity of the impact and the speed at which you are moving. Typically, the injuries sustained from falling tend to include sprains, lacerations, fractures, or sometimes worse.
Head injuries are the most serious of all e-scooter injuries. Despite recommendations and warnings, many e-scooter users opt to ride without a helmet. Just like when you ride a bike, it is recommended that you always use a helmet to prevent irreversible damage to the head should you suffer a nasty fall.
Whether it’s a concussion or a lesion, you don’t want to take the risk of causing damage to your head. Studies have shown that even intracranial hemorrhaging is a possibility. So don’t leave it to chance. Ride safely and always wear a helmet.
Broken bones, sprains, and soft tissue damage are also common injuries. If you go flying off and are lucky enough to not hit your head (or perhaps you opted for the safe option of a helmet), you’ll likely experience some bruising or other direct trauma injury
How Can You Treat Your E-Scooter Injuries?
Treatment varies on a case-by-case basis. It depends on the type of injury you have.
If you have sprained your wrist or ankle, then you should rest it for several days. Use ice packs to limit the pain, or compression sleeves to prevent further irritation from movement. Painkillers can help with the pain too. A splint may also be useful for a sprained wrist to keep it straight during the night especially.
If you think you have fractured a bone – something which typically occurs in the hips and wrists – then you’ll have to seek medical help. Most likely you will be treated with some kind of cast to help stabilize the bone; failing that, you may require surgery.
If you’ve cut yourself, you’ll want to stop the bleeding first by applying firm pressure to the laceration. Then, try to clean out the wound with some water and soap, to reduce the likelihood of it becoming infected. Finally, place a bandage over the cut until it fully heals.
Lastly, let’s look at your treatment options if you have suffered from a concussion or another form of head injury. In order to recover from a concussion, it’s advisable to spend some time resting in bed. Ice packs can be useful to reduce swelling, but you should also try to see your doctor and seek medical advice. Depending on the severity of your concussion or head injury, recovery time will vary.
As well as the aforementioned home remedies, you could also benefit from a massage from one of our fully licensed massage therapists at Athlete’s Choice Massage. If you have suffered an injury, like those described in this article, then we can help you with the recovery process and get you back on the e-scooter in no time. Book an appointment with us online today.
