Cancer Care
Heart Health
Bone Health
Brain & Spine Care
Transplant
Dr Yegappan Muthukaruppan
Orthopaedic Surgeon
-
-
Our Expertise
Source: Getty Images
Cycling and Skating Injuries: Prevention Tips to Stay Safe
Last updated: Friday, May 8, 2026 | 4 min reading time
Add as a preferred source on Google
Whether you cycle, rollerblade or skateboard, understanding common injuries and how to prevent them can help you enjoy these activities more safely.
More people are adopting active lifestyles, with activities such as cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding offering a way to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors.
Read on to learn about common injuries and prevention tips from orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Yegappan Muthukaruppan, so you can stay safe while having fun.
Common injuries from cycling, skateboarding and rollerblading
“Given the increased popularity of cycling in recent years, we are seeing an increased number of cycling injuries,” says Dr Yegappan Muthukaruppan, orthopaedic surgeon at Parkway East Hospital.
“In cycling, collar bone fractures are extremely common, followed by arm and wrist fractures. It is also usually the upper limb that is injured,” he adds.
As for skateboarding and rollerblading injuries, they tend to be injuries around the ankle from falls, or injuries to the upper limb when one attempts to break a fall with an outstretched hand.
Commons injuries from such sports also include:
- Sprains and fractures of the wrist
- Sprains and fractures of the fingers
- Sprains and fractures of the knees
- Tears of the ligaments in the limbs
- Tears in the cartilage of the limbs, such as the meniscus
- Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears and dislocations
- Head injuries
- Concussion
Treatment and recovery
Inevitably, injuries are part and parcel of sport. But how severe they are, can be managed with timely treatment.
Dr Yegappan shares that most injuries are usually minor, and not a cause for alarm. Treatment is also relatively straightforward.
“Fortunately, most of the injured are usually able to seek care on their own rather than having to call an ambulance. Most of them simply require rest, physiotherapy and medication,” he says.
Surgery is required in some cases, usually as a last resort.
“Especially with fractures of the upper limbs which are displaced, early fixation and mobilisation will allow earlier return to function,” he explains. “Even for patients who do require surgery, the prognosis (likely course of a medical condition) is good, and they will be able to return to the sports after recovery and rehabilitation.”
Prevention is better than cure
Injuries from sports and outdoor pursuits can be minimised with a little bit of good sense. Measures that can be taken include starting slow, engaging in warm-up exercises, using proper gear, and staying hydrated.
As parks and attractions in Singapore can get quite crowded in the mornings and late afternoons, especially on weekends and holidays, it is also important to be mindful and alert of your surroundings. Any distractions can cause painful accidents for both you and passers-by.
Dr Yegappan shares his personal take: “Especially for cycling, it is good to start slow and be aware of the road and weather conditions. It is advisable for those cycling on park connectors and in the parks to cycle slowly as they are sharing the path with those walking and running”.
Have fun, get fit, and stay safe!
While injuries are common, and often get better without the need for medical intervention, be watchful for signs that they are worsening.
“There will usually be soreness whenever someone starts a new form of exercise, and these should settle quickly with a day or two,” shares Dr Yegappan.
“However, signs such as persistent pain, swelling of joints and restriction of motion should not be ignored,” he adds.
If you find yourself hurt with a serious injury, do not hesitate to visit our 24-hour Urgent Care for medical advice and treatment.
Need urgent care?
Our Urgent Care Centre is here for you – around the clock, around the corner. Get timely treatment and support all day, every day of the year, including public holidays.
Find out more
Sports Related Injuries, Retrieved on 19 December, 2021 from https://gotoortho.com/sports-related-injuries/
Singapore sees cycling boom amid COVID-19, with increased ridership and bicycle sales, Retrieved on 19 December, 2021 from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-cycling-popularity-bicycle-sales-shared-bikes-631621
Singapore sees cycling boom amid COVID-19, with increased ridership and bicycle sales, Retrieved on 19 December, 2021 from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-cycling-popularity-bicycle-sales-shared-bikes-631621
Related Articles
View all
Sudden Cardiac Death in Modern Day Athletes
This is a phenomenon that has been rearing its head much more in recent years. Athlete or not, it is important to understand its possible causes.
Life Without Arthritis: Total Knee Replacement
Getting a new knee may have sounded like science fiction a few decades ago, but a total knee replacement is now a relatively common procedure.
Worst Sports Injuries
Not everyone who participates in sports knows about the risks involved – until they get hurt. Here are the top 5 serious sports injuries and how they can be treated.
Diabetes and Amputation: How to Save Your Leg
Complications arising from diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease often result in patients losing a limb, but it does not have to be that way.
Sports Heart Expert Tells All
It’s not unusual to hear of professional athletes suffering a heart attack at the peak of their game. Cardiologists can provide expert advice to athletes.
How Singapore Slinger Wong Wei Long Copes with Sports Injuries
Professional athletes collect a score of injuries during their career. Singapore Slinger Wong Wei Long shares how he minimises sports injuries on the job.
Latest Articles
View All
Ask our Doctor: What are Breast Cancer Risks and Early Signs?
Our breast surgeon explains how to understand your risk, warning signs to know, why screening matters even when you feel well, and what surgery can look like today.
Knee Osteoarthritis: What To Do When Knee Pain Gets Worse?
As knee osteoarthritis progresses, everyday activities can become more difficult. Our pain specialist and orthopaedic surgeon explain the treatment options available and how to find the right approach for you.
Weight Loss Has Plateaued. Does Your Treatment Need to Change?
Dr Edwin Chng from Parkway Shenton explains why weight loss can slow down during medical weight management, and when it may be time to review your treatment plan.
Ask Our Doctor: How Is Prostate Cancer Detected and Diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is common, often silent, and still diagnosed too late in Singapore. Urologist Dr Tan Yung Khan on what every man should know about screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
A Guide to Haze Season in Singapore: 8 Tips to Stay Healthy
We answer common questions about haze, and how this can affect common chronic lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 8 simple tips to protect ourselves against it.
Diagnosed With a Brain Aneurysm? Here's What Happens Next
Our neurosurgeon, Dr Vincent Ng, explains the factors specialists consider when deciding whether a brain aneurysm should be monitored or treated, and what the different treatment options involve.
