Let's Talk Injuries: Broken bones, sprains, and tears

The unfortunate but inevitable side effect of roller derby. This article discusses the frequency of derby injuries as well as tips and resources available to injured skaters.

X-ray's from the author's derby-inflicted fibula fracture.

I wish it weren't true but injuries are bound to happen in roller derby. No practice is complete without at least a few bumps and bruises. Skaters wear their bruises like badges of honor. Unfortunately, derby boo-boos are not limited to these minor injuries.

During my three years in the sport, I've witnessed half a dozen ankle snaps, three broken ribs, a few fractured fingers, some back and shoulder injuries, and more twists, tears, strains, and sprains of ankles and knees than I can count.

In early 2020, WFTDA published the findings of their 2019 WFTDA Participant Safety Survey in which they assessed the:

• Probability of injury across participants in roller derby historically

• Use, awareness, and satisfaction with existing insurance products

• Demographics of research participants

Below you'll find two graphs showing the frequency of various injuries among roller derby players during practice (top graph) and during games (bottom graph) made with data retrieved from this survey.

On top of countless bruises, I experienced my own break only six months into my derby career, with less than 10 minutes left in the third and final game of my first tournament. It was a clean fracture of the fibula at the ankle. I was lucky, didn't need surgery and was back on skates three months later but it was still incredibly hard both physically and emotionally—it didn't help that I also caught covid and started my period that same weekend.

The author's splinted ankle and cut fishnets in the ER.

Fortunately, there are a number of support groups available to those forced to the sidelines including the private Facebook group Roller Derby Injuries - Blood, Sweat & Tears! which boasts more than 3,000 members. These forums offer injured skaters a place to ask for advice, hear about the experiences of people with similar injuries, and to rant about their situation without judgment.

My advice if you're injured?

Stick around. Keep coming to practice and games even if you can't skate. You'll continue to improve your skills by watching and listening. And perhaps more importantly, you'll maintain your relationship with your team. It's easy to feel isolated after an injury so you have to make an effort to surround yourself with people.

Occupy yourself. Splurge on craft supplies. If ever there were a time to start a project, this would be it. Watch some docuseries. I find that when I'm learning something, I feel less guilty and icky about watching TV all day. Work through that stack of unread books on your nightstand. Typically a 2-book-per-year reader, I read about a dozen during the 2 months I was in a cast/orthopedic boot.

Eat well. This one can be tricky as it's harder to grocery shop and cook for yourself when injured but it's so important. Leafy greens, omega 3, calcium, get all those good vitamins and minerals. (Bonus tip: a chair or two placed in the middle of the kitchen can help your maneuver between the fridge, counter, and stove without crutches)

Pockets. If you're on crutches, not only do you have a leg out of commission but both hands too. Pockets and crossbody bags are your new best friends. They'll keep you from relying on your mouth to carry things from room to room.

Take PT seriously. This is a big one. Physical therapy is what will get you back to 100% so you gotta do it. It rebuilds muscle and gets your mobility back. I also recommend working out the uninjured parts of your body when you have the energy for it, it boosts endorphins and helps with body image at a time when you probably don't feel your hottest.

Have you been injured during derby? Leave a comment with any tips you have to avoid or cope with injuries.

If you're currently dealing with an injury, Godspeed my friend.