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| Q&A: Dr David Hartman on Head Injuries (824 Posts)
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Wray's Wrist
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On 7/1/2005
Ray
wrote in from
United States
(24.50.nnn.nnn)
Hi Dr. Dave,
Yup, that's exacty what he said. You might think you guys all went to the same schools or something..:)
Update: I had surgery wednesday because the radius wasn't aligning properly.
Isn't this cool?
"We can rebuild him. We can make him better."
The surgeon said it would have been much worse if that force at that angle had been applied to the wrist itself.
So, I'll be looking for some longer more padded wrist guards to maintain my skateboarder's sense of invulnerability..:) Sometimes a 42 y/o body with a 17 y/o brain needs to learn a lesson the hard way.
Thanks for this valuable resource Dr. Dave,
Wray
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WRay's Wristguards
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On 6/26/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Hey Ray,
Next time ask your ortho doc what would have happened to your wrist/hand bones if you hadn't been wearing the guard. If you have to break something, your forearm is much simpler to heal. There are 27 bones in your hand, eight of these in your wrist. They're little, and if they get messed up they interfere with anything you'd use your hand for. Use your imagination.
But you've discovered the Dirty Little Secret of Wrist Guards. In a very high impact fall (like an 8 foot drop), they will protect your wrist but transfer the shock upward, hence your broken forearm. So you're absolutely right about what happened.
The solution is to get the biggest, fattest wristguard you can find, to absorb as much of the shock as possible. Ditto for the rest of your pads too. Try not to fall with your hands at a 90 degree angle to your body since that means all the shock is hitting your wrists and arms.
So, I wouldn't take the stiffening out of the wrist guard. I personally like wrist guards that go a few inches up the forearm, but I don't have any data for you on how they work. I don't think a Coleman Slide is going to help you in pool and vert (readers, correct me if I'm wrong). Your best bet is a wrist guard with a big spring to absorb the maximum shock. Take a look at the Pro-Design guards for example.
If anybody has wrist guards they swear by, tell Ray about it on this list. He'll have plenty of time to look for them while he heals. . .
Dr. Dave
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Broken Wrist added
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On 6/26/2005 Ray
wrote in from
United States
(24.50.nnn.nnn)
I am a 42 y/o experienced vert/pool skateboarder. I didn't want to leave the impression I was a fruitbooter or a nebie..
Sorry
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Broken Wrist
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On 6/26/2005
Ray
wrote in from
United States
(24.50.nnn.nnn)
Hi Doc,
My father's day present to myself was a broken right arm. I broke both bones in the forearm about 2 inches up from the wrist, right about where my pro-tec wrist guards end. I'm not blaming the wrist guards, but I have to assume they were either worn wrong or improperly fitted. I was mainly wearing them to protect my palm. The way I fell I'm pretty sure something would have broken regardless of wrist protection, about an 8 foot drop from a vert ramp landing hand, head, back.
I'm going back to my ortho doc tomorrow to see if pins are needed. He said he sees a lot of these with first time inline skaters who are surprised that they have a break since the wearing wrist guards. He also the back splint on most wrist guards is too short and that is most likely why mine broken the way it did.
Now to my question, right now I'm leaning toward wrist guards with the back splint removed. comments? thoughts? I've also seen some wrist guards that extend higher up the arm. Thoughts? Commens?
Thanks,
Ray
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A Stent in Time. . . or Smitty Outskates the Reaper
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On 6/25/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Smitty,
Sounds like you're going to skate anyway, but several suggestions:
1. If you are on blood thinners (e.g., coumadin, Warfarin) check with your doc, because falling with thinned blood makes bleeding, internally and externally more likely. You don't want to trade a heart attack for a stroke. People on blood thinners are at risk for internal bleeding with impact accidents.
2. You're going to groan at the second suggestion, but think about it. Does BC have any of those radio receiver "I've fallen and I can't get up" companies out there? Wearing a lanyard with a button like that might not be a bad idea if there is a service in your area. It summons ambulances fast. Otherwise skate with a cell phone. Get a Rhinoskin aluminum cover for the phone.
3. And get your heart exams regularly. Stents can close up. Gotta watch 'em. Monitor your cholesterol. Keep your blood pressure in the normal range. Ask your doc about whether it's useful in your case to carry a couple of regular (not enteric) aspirin with you as an emergency de-clotter (And DON'T do it without asking your heart doc)
4. Stay away from Mad Cow Burgers. High fat diets make things harder on your heart and can increase plaque.
5. Don't smoke. Smoking and high fat diet together are much worse together than either is separately.
So check all this stuff out, Smitty. And since you're in B.C. think about Whistler in the Winter. . . Best of luck, hope you are always one hill ahead of the Guy with the Scythe. . . Let us know more about how it all goes.
Dr. Dave
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As a Matter of Fact...
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On 6/18/2005
Smitty
wrote in from
Canada
(154.20.nnn.nnn)
Heh...funny you should mention the family doctor. About eight years ago I had a series of heart attacks, and ended up with a stent placement as a delay tactic...the docs want to wait for laproscopic bypass to get more mainstream) Seems I have a heart defect nobody found for thirty years. Lost my dad early, and a brother in infancy to similar problems.
When they found it, they told me they were surprised I wasn't one of those perfectly healthy kids that just keels over on the soccer field. I was EXTREMELY active as a kid...high school soccer, marching band, waterskiing, fishing, hunting.
The transition to heart patient has been an emotional kick in the pants. Two years ago, shortly after arriving in the land of the big gnarly hill (British Columbia), I decided that if I am going, I am going while having fun. This is not a death wish...More of a life wish.
So, I may pitch over carrying my Drop Carve back up the street (we try and use a chase/safety car as much as we can), but by GOD I'll be smiling when I go!
Geronimo!
Smitty
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Face Time for Smitty
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On 6/17/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Hey Smitty,
Over 40 and longboarding is just fine. If you don't have osteoporosis,arthritis, balance problems or Alzheimer's, go for it. Well, get a clean bill of health from your family doc, just to be sure. And consider one of those new lightweight "body armor" jackets which have all the pads, and also protect the hips.
It's funny, no-one questions skiers in their 50's and over, but somehow longboarding is eyebrow raising. O.K., you probably won't hang out and make friends at the local skate park, but maybe you can set an example and gather a following of extreme adults. . .
If you do any kind of speedboarding, I would recommend a motorcycle helmet. I would specifically NOT recommend a BMX helmet, with the chin protrusions. You fall face forward on one of those and it could snap your neck or twist it into paralysis or worse.
People, if anyone is using a full face helmet, what would you recommend for Smitty? drdh
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Time to buy a full face helmet
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On 6/17/2005
Greg 'Smitty' Smithwick, CLBC
wrote in from
Canada
(154.20.nnn.nnn)
Hi Doc!
Hey, I just graduated from a transition long(ish) park board to a Landyachtz Drop Carve...and the easy speed difference has me thinking it is time for a full face. In reading some of the other columns, the debate for 'best helmet' seems to revolve around what is within the rules for different races.
Since I don't intend to race, what are my best SAFETY choices. I'd be fine with wearing goggles or safety glasses, in fact I like that better than a shield. What do you think?
Between you and Coleman, I am getting used to the idea that being over 40 and on a board is NOT bad!
Smitty
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Skateboard Army
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On 6/14/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Sammy,
Well, you would think that a kevlar helmet would be protective, but my guess it may be more protective for getting shot at, than falling from a skateboard. You might want to email the company and see if they have stats on shock absorbing properties of the helmet. It probably looks cool, but I would still go for a Snell or CPSC certified skate, snowboard or motorcycle (NOT BMX) helmet, because these are rated for falling, rather than being shot. You want a nice round helmet, no dangerous protrusions or points or wings anywhere.
Dr. Dave
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Helmet
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On 6/14/2005
Sammy
wrote in from
United States
(207.200.nnn.nnn)
Whats up Doc?
I recently got a really good condition kevlar british military helmet with lods of padding, and a helmet liner. I was just wondering if this would protect my noggon from a nice fall off the longboard.
Thankyou,
Sammy
P.S. It fits my head nicly:)
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It's all in the wrist
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On 6/13/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(68.251.nnn.nnn)
Justin,
Look up the following website: http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/ at the contoured keyboard. It has two wells that let your fingers fall just where they should with no wrist twist like conventional keyboards. They work on PC or MAC's. I have no financial relationship with the company but I type all the time and I own several of them. They absolutely do work to stop wrist pain and prevent further pain.
Dr. Dave
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wrist
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On 6/13/2005 Justin
wrote in from
South Africa
(196.25.nnn.nnn)
I work on a Mac doing colour retouching so my hands are pretty intune with the keyboard, so I would say its that. Cant blame skating for everything. Thanks for the insight.
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Good opportunity
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On 6/12/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Hey people, now that the Lords of Dogtown is coming out, it's a great opportunity to do a little helmet education for all the I-saw-the-movie sk8wannabees who think that imitating Jay Adams is a good way to show off.
Search this corner for info, or just ask me but don't be afraid to get on the helmet pulpit. You could save a life.
Dr. Dave
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When your mind makes a promise, your body can't fill. . .
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On 6/12/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Little Feat said it for both you guys. Bodies are the sum of their twists, breaks, aches, etc.
Justin, there there are two main reasons for wrist pain. A sudden event or an acute injury can break a bone or tear a ligament. Or repetitive activities, e.g., typing, can cause strain and pain. Repetitive strain injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, and DeQuervain's Disease. Other causes of wrist pain can include diabetes, thyroid disease, arthritis, and pregnancy. . .O.K., probably the last isn't much of a risk for most of you.
Finally, there's arthritis, which can be the result of trauma, or just your bad genes. Traumatic arthritis is a byproduct of the healing process when ligaments are injured or bones are broken. Bone surfaces tend to rub and wear out and the tissues and linings around the bone become irritated and swell, causing scarring. The end result is arthritis. Some people also get arthritis because their parents gave them bad genes. Talk to your parents. . .
If none of the above sound like you and the usual anti-inflammatories don't stop the pain, your friendly orthopedist should x-ray the area and see what you've got. Let us know.
And Mikez, I'd get a back x-ray from an orthopedist, just to see what you're dealing with. Remember though, there may not be much of a correlation between back pain and what's going on. Some people with blown discs feel fine, and others with more minor stuff feel like they're being hit with a cattle prod.
Chiropractors are good for stretching out and realigning the back, but see what's in there first. Let us know how it goes.
To keep those tendons and ligaments limber and tender, there's pretty good scientific evidence that taking glucosamine/chrondroitin which is available over the counter e.g., Cosamin, is good stuff. Talk to your doc about it.
Dr. Dave
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lower back pain
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On 6/11/2005 mikez
wrote in from
South Africa
(198.54.nnn.nnn)
hey doc,
I had a a bunch of blows to my lower back about a year ago, fall off a skateboard, tripped over a cats eye in the road while jogging(one of those little reflective things just incase the terminology is different over there) and twisted it surfing - all culminating in full blown back cramps that renedered me unable to move at all-i almost passed out trying to breath deep enough to call someone! a couple visits to the doctor and then physio and I was pretty much on my way, however it has slowly started coming back, especially in my car whilst driving or sitting for a long time. I really don't want to end up with chronic back pain. whats the next step? pyhsio? chiro? doctor? x-ray? lots of bubble baths?
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Sore wrist
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On 6/11/2005 Justin
wrote in from
South Africa
(196.25.nnn.nnn)
Whats up Doc Dave? Ive been skating for many years, more street sk8ing and only now for the past 3 yrs downhilling. Four days ago some odd reason my left wrist has started to pain (irrataiting pain) right where the arm meets the hand in the middle. Ive never broken or sprained it but I know when I was street sk8ing that I've fallen hard on it, but that was quite a few years ago. Winter is here in SA so I dont know if it is the cold that is bringing on the pain. My girlfriend even massaged my wrist but it did not help.
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Return of some stupid aussie
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On 5/9/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
SSA,
3 days of dizziness is worth a visit to an ER or a neurologist. Go for it.
By "handle" I meant the label "some stupid aussie" which is kind of asking for a social handicap, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, let us know what's going on with you. Think about cutting back on the alcohol a little for a while, so you don't burst into flames in the emergency room. . . . :)
drdh
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head
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On 5/9/2005 stupid aussie
wrote in from
Australia
(211.30.nnn.nnn)
yeah prolly right getting it checked tomorrow i'm still a little dizzy happened 3 days ago almost now. definitely feeling much better though. and change handle? if thats about wanting to maybe have a few beers and such i dont drink that often (maybe once a week on friday or saturday night) and even then usually only 6-8 beers.
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What's in a name. . . .
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On 5/7/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Hey, stupid aussie
You had a concussion. That's mild brain injury. Alcohol stops the brain from healing. And one thing about adding alcohol and marijuana to your addled brain is that you (or your doctor) won't be able to tell which symptoms are from your Head Bang, and which are from you playing Buds 'n Suds.
So let's just say you are developing a slow bleed inside your head. You see double, have a worse headache, and think 'Hangover.' You wait too long, and your friends think "Funeral"
Anyway, I wouldn't jump on the Blunt Bandwagon or do any Pan Galactic GargleBlasters until those concussion symptoms stop. AND if they don't stop within a few more days, or get worse, get to a neurologist or an ER.
Good luck and think about changing that handle. . . .drdh
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head owie
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On 5/6/2005 some stupid aussie
wrote in from
Australia
(211.30.nnn.nnn)
i finally had the head slam last night thats made me wear a helmet every time i skate now not just when i'm going fast. anyway i know that i shouldnt anyway but how long until i can drink beer and maybe have a smoke (spliff) i know its not a good thing to do but seeing as i'll prolly do it anyway can it cause problems? i have a major headache and a grazed head but luckily did not pass out. i'm dizzy and my vision is blury (it happened last night) but the doctor up at the hospitol gave me the all clear so i know that it should be the last of my worries but can i have a drink and a smoke? i have a big bbq/party on tomorrow.
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A New Head
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On 4/15/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(24.13.nnn.nnn)
Mike R.
Welcome to the boarding community! Getting that helmet is smart, so forget that your mom wants you to. What you may not know is that even with casual, "flatland" boarding, you can smash your head into a coma or worse. That's why getting the best helmet you can is a top priority. What's the best? Look for several factors (1) CPSC or Snell certification - which says that it will stand up to a fall (2) front, side and back of the head protection (so one of those weird lame bicycle hemets won't do) and most important - comfort, 'cause if it's not comfortable, you won't wear it. The helmet should fit comfortably with no rattling around, and conversely, you shouldn't have to hammer it down on your head with a rubber mallet. If you're in a warm climate, get a vented helmet.
And if you're a newbie, consider getting one of those new "body armor" vests that combine shoulder and elbow pads in one unit. Skate or slide gloves are important. Then look search this list under "coleman slide" and learn the technique that will save your life.
Let us know how things go!
Dr Dave.
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Helmet for n00b?
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On 4/15/2005
MikeR
wrote in from
United States
(68.226.nnn.nnn)
One of my friends got my friends in I into longboarding and we've all just purchased longboards. My mom is telling me that she doesn't want to see me riding without a helmet and I thought "but mom, I'll look like a dork"
After visiting this site's crash thread I've changed my mind. Sign me up! What's a good helmet for someone who is still learning how to longboard? I don't go fast at all and mainly stick to flat ground or a very very very small hill.
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ankle
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On 4/12/2005 aengus
wrote in from
United Kingdom
(193.113.nnn.nnn)
sure thing Dr, I'll go to the docs tonight and see if i can get a xray appt, its still a little swollen but theres no pain unless I prod it. bit late on the skating but I was carefull, I'll give it all a rest till i get it looked at and post back here. Cheers Dr Hartman
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Aengus's Aenkle
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On 4/11/2005
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
United States
(68.251.nnn.nnn)
Aengus
You could have a really bad sprain. You could have broken a bone in your ankle. Either way. Get to a doc, get an xray. NOW! You want to start walking like Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein? (Walk this way. . . ). You are talking damage here. Stuff like this doesn't just disappear with time. Don't board, don't jump up and down, don't skate. Get to either your family doc if he has an x-ray machine or an ortho guy. Let us know what they say.
DrD
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arg
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On 4/6/2005 aengus
wrote in from
United Kingdom
(193.113.nnn.nnn)
jsut realised the head injury refference.. doh. help would be appreciated tho!
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