Improper skating, one of children's favorite pastimes, can lead to cartilage damage. Attention families!
Skating, which is one of the favorite activities of children in the summer season, can cause cartilage damage when not used correctly. Experts warn to use skates that support the ankle, especially those that prevent the foot from turning inward and are suitable for the user's foot size.
Stating that they recommend all kinds of activities that will lead children and young people to movement, Üsküdar University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Defne Kaya said that one of them is roller skates, which are among the symbols of the summer season. However, emphasizing that if skates are used incorrectly, serious problems can develop, especially in the cartilages of the feet, Dr. Kaya stated that skating is a good activity that allows the heart and muscles to work and said, "When skating is used for more than 30 minutes, it accelerates metabolism, regulates blood pressure, improves reaction time and balance, reduces fear of movement and improves courage. In addition, it improves the immune system, provides strong bones and muscles, and improves flexibility by increasing joint movement."
FOOT SHOULD NOT TURN INWARD
Noting that the issue that parents should pay attention to in the use of skates is "how the skate grips the foot and how the skate is used", Dr. Kaya conveyed his warnings and suggestions about the use of skates as follows:
"It is very important how the ankle is gripped in both the daily shoes used by a person and the athlete's sneakers. If the foot turns inward when you look at the foot from behind, there is a danger for the leg and even the waist joints. When the foot turns inward, the walking style is disrupted, the leg bone turns inward, the thigh bone turns inward, the hip joint is shaped forward and the curvature in the waist increases. All these changes increase the load on our joints and start a frightening process that will cause cartilage loss with age.
SKATES SHOULD SUPPORT THE ANKLE
Of course, the first rule is the absolute use of protective equipment so that the positive effects of skating do not turn into sad consequences. Apart from that, it is very important to ensure the use of skates that support the ankle, especially those that prevent the foot from turning inward and are suitable for the size of the user's foot. The posture of our foot determines our leg shape. An inverted ankle sets the stage for injuries to all joints. If you think that your child's foot turns inward while skating or walking, the distance between his/her knees decreases and the distance between his/her feet increases, his/her thigh turns inward, he/she rubs his/her legs together or walks in a sickle style or penguin style, you should definitely consult a specialist. Corrective and protective exercises for leg joints and the use of insoles that will provide control of the ankle will ensure that your children do healthy sports and come to old age with healthy joints and cartilages."