More people are playing roller derby – here’s what that might mean for foot health

Roller Derby: The Fast-Growing Sport with a High Risk of Toenail Injuries

Popularised in the 2009 Drew Barrymore film, Whip Itroller derby is one of the fastest growing sports for women worldwide – particularly in the US.

While this roller speed-skating competition was originally established as a marathon race in the 1930s, the modern, kick-ass, punk-inspiredversion began in the early 2000s.

The Risks of Toenail Injuries in Roller Derby

Players wear four-wheeled “quad” roller skates and mandatory protective equipment, including a helmet, mouth and wrist guards and elbow and knee pads – but foot injuries are common. These often include bruising, torn ligaments, broken bones and toenail injuries – like the one featured in the image below.

Many roller derby athletes wear tight skates to improve responsiveness during quick turns and stops. Loose fitting boots can also increase the risk of ankle injuries such as sprained or torn ligaments and broken ankle and foot bones.

Under Pressure

It is not at all uncommon for people to have one foot longer than the other which will increase pressure in the roller skate, particularly on the big toenail. Silicone toe protectors can be worn to reduce this pressure; however, they may also reduce the amount of available room in the toebox – front of the shoe.

Foot Injury Prevention

As a podiatrist, I advise patients to use protective dressings before playing sport, wear cushioning socks to absorb some of the force, and keep toe nails short with regular trimming. Some roller derby athletes have been known to apply superglue or nail glue to re-attach lifted nails – but this practice is not advised. Supergluing lost nails could cause irritation, infection and further injury.

Keeping nails short and ensuring good roller skate fit and firm lacing are essential to prevent foot, ankle and toenail injuries. Whether a roller derby player or not, if you do experience foot and ankle issues, why not visit your friendly local podiatrist?

Conclusion

Roller derby is a fast-growing sport with a high risk of toenail injuries. As a podiatrist, I advise patients to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of injury. By keeping nails short, ensuring good roller skate fit, and firm lacing, players can minimize the risk of foot, ankle, and toenail injuries. If you experience any foot or ankle issues, visit your local podiatrist for advice and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some common foot injuries in roller derby?
A: Common foot injuries in roller derby include bruising, torn ligaments, broken bones, and toenail injuries.

Q: How can I prevent foot and ankle injuries in roller derby?
A: To prevent foot and ankle injuries, wear protective dressings, cushioning socks, and keep toe nails short. Ensure good roller skate fit and firm lacing.

Q: What should I do if I experience a toenail injury?
A: If you experience a toenail injury, keep the area clean and dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment. If the injury is severe, seek medical attention from a podiatrist or doctor.

Later, Skater.