ice sports and health

What are the cons-indications to the practice of skating?

patinageDr Le Blond: There are no major cons-indications. Only some cons-indications may exist: foot malformation, balance disorders, problems vertebral level and patellar instability problems.

Doctissimo: What are the health benefits related to the practice of skating?

Dr. LeBlond: It is a sport which notably promotes development of balance and coordination. At the Ice Hockey team play also allows the development of human relations, group life and vision of the game.

Doctissimo: What are the most common injuries?

Dr. LeBlond: As for figure skating, there are several specialties. The pairs figure skating shows for example increased risk of fractures and sprains of the foot, hand (fingers) or wrist due to falling launched during or worn. In other specialties, problems also arise as a result of falls on ice: fractures or sprains wrist problems in the elbow or shoulder. One can also experience strain due to repeated jumps and receptions. The pad can sometimes cause, by friction, tendonitis or bring up calluses and bursitis in the foot. The ice hockey skate is less restrictive and foot pathologies are less common in this sport. However, we find in hockey injuries of upper limb, including shoulder, due to contact with other players or the railing.

Doctissimo: What are the age limits?

hockeyDr Le Blond: Children can begin to skate from 5 years. They can begin to wield a stick to the Hockey same age. As regards the upper limit, there is a veteran category Football. Good level of players continue up to 35 years. Skating, sports stop to 25 or 26 years and then become professionals up to about 30 years.

Doctissimo: What are the recommended protective equipment?

Dr. Le Blond: In skating, no special protections. In training, skaters can wear foam protectors, especially when trying new jumps. Ice hockey, mandatory protections are helmet, gloves and, for young people, the cervical collar and the grid. Players always add leggings, knee pads, shorts and a strengthened generally face protection. Finally, hockey skate is more rigid than that of figure skating.