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The Top 5 Most Common Trampoline Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Introduction

Trampolines are a great way to get some exercise and have some fun, but they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 100,000 trampoline-related injuries in 2015, many of which could have been prevented.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the 5 most common trampoline injuries and how to prevent them. We’ll also provide some tips for staying safe while jumping on your trampoline.

brown and white bear plush toy depicting common trampoline injuries
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The 5 Most Common Trampoline Injuries

You might be wondering what the most common trampoline injuries are. I’m glad you asked! Here are the top five:

1. Sprains and strains: These are usually caused by overstretching or overexertion and typically affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

2. Fractures: These can be caused by a fall or landing on the trampoline incorrectly. The most common fractures are of the arm or leg.

3. Dislocations: Dislocations occur when the bone is moved out of its socket. This can happen if you land on the trampoline awkwardly or if you fall off of it.

4. Cuts and scrapes: These are usually minor injuries, but can be more serious if they involve a lot of bleeding. They’re typically caused by landing on the trampoline with bare skin or by landing on something that’s sharp.

5. Concussions: Concussions are caused by a blow to the head and can lead to serious health problems if not treated properly. They can occur if you fall off of the trampoline or if you’re hit by something while you’re on it.

Sprains

One of the most common injuries sustained while trampolining is a sprain. A sprain is caused by overstretching or tearing of a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones together. The ligaments in your ankles and wrists are particularly vulnerable to sprains.

There are a few things you can do to prevent sprains while trampolining. First, make sure you warm up before you start jumping. Second, jump in the center of the trampoline and avoid jumping on the edges. Third, wear proper shoes—preferably shoes with good ankle support—to help absorb some of the impacts. And finally, don’t try any tricks or flips unless you’re an experienced jumper.

Fractures

Fractures are the most common type of trampoline injury. They can be caused by either falling off of the trampoline or landing on something hard, like the frame or springs.

The best way to prevent fractures is to make sure that you’re using the trampoline properly. That means bouncing in the center of the mat, not on the springs or frame, and not doing any flips or other stunts that could cause you to land awkwardly.

If you do happen to fall off, try to land on your feet so that you can absorb the impact with your legs. And finally, make sure that there’s a safety net around the trampoline so that you don’t go flying completely off if you do fall.

Strains

Strains happen when you overstretch or tear a muscle. They’re usually caused by doing a move you’re not ready for, like a flip, or landing wrong.

The best way to prevent strains is to warm up before you start jumping and to take it easy at first. Don’t try any crazy moves until you’re sure your body is ready for them.

If you start feeling pain during your jump session, stop immediately and rest. Don’t try to push through the pain, because that’s when serious injuries can happen.

Dislocations

Dislocations happen when your bones are forced out of their normal position in your joints. Dislocations commonly happen in the shoulders, elbows, or fingers, but can also occur in the hip, knee, or ankle.

Dislocations occur more often than cen be envisaged on a trampoline and are most commonly caused by a hard fall onto the trampoline mat or landing on an arm or leg that is not properly padded.

To prevent dislocation injuries, be sure to always land in the center of the trampoline mat and to avoid landings on your arms or legs. If you are attempting flips or other stunts, be sure to have a spotter nearby to help you avoid injury.

Concussions

Concussions are one of the most common trampoline injuries, and they can be serious. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur when you hit your head or body hard. Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If you think you or your child has a concussion, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent concussions:

– First, make sure the trampoline is in good condition and that all the parts are securely in place.

– Second, use proper safety gear, including a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.

– Finally, make sure there’s always someone supervising when people are using the trampoline.

How to Prevent Each Type of Injury

There are a few things you can do to prevent each type of injury:

– Sprains: To avoid a sprain, be sure to jump in the center of the trampoline and use your legs, not your arms or back, to control your jumps.

– Strains: To avoid a strain, be sure to warm up before you start jumping and cool down when you’re finished. You should also take breaks if you feel any pain or fatigue.

– Fractures: To avoid a fracture, be sure to jump in the center of the trampoline and use your legs, not your arms or back, to control your jumps. You should also avoid landing on your head or neck.

– Dislocations: To avoid a dislocation, be sure to land in the center of the trampoline and use your legs, not your arms or back, to control your jumps. You should also avoid landing on your head or neck.

– Concussions: To avoid a concussion, be sure to land in the center of the trampoline and use your legs, not your arms or back, to control your jumps. You should also avoid landing on your head or neck.

What to Do if You or Your Child Gets Injured on a Trampoline

If you or your child gets injured while using a trampoline, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the injury, you might be able to treat it at home with over-the-counter medication and ice, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a professional.

If the injury is more serious, you might need to go to the emergency room or see a doctor for follow-up appointments. Once you’ve been cleared by a medical professional, you can start thinking about ways to prevent future injuries.

Common Trampoline Safety Mistakes

Now that you know the most common injuries, let’s talk about how to prevent them. The first step is understanding the trampoline safety rules that you should be following. But even if you follow all the rules, there are still some common mistakes people make that can lead to injury.

Here are the top three safety mistakes people make on trampolines:

1. Not using mats: A lot of people think that trampoline mats are an unnecessary expense, but they actually help to absorb impact and protect you from injury if you fall.

2. Not clearing the area around the trampoline: It’s important to keep the area around the trampoline clear of any objects that could trip you or cause you to fall.

3. Not checking for damage: Before you use a trampoline, it’s important to check for any damage that might have occurred since the last time it was used. This includes tears in the mat, loose bolts, or anything else that could cause injury.

By following these safety tips, you can help to prevent common trampoline injuries and have a safe and fun experience on your trampoline.

Conclusion

Now that you know the top 5 most common trampoline injuries, you can take the necessary precautions to prevent them. Always make sure to have a spotter when attempting stunts, use the proper padding for falls, and take breaks when necessary. With the proper safety measures in place, you can avoid these painful (and sometimes serious) injuries.

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