How Do Lacrosse Injuries Happen?
by: KalynnAmadio | Total views: 15 | Word Count: 455 | View PDF | Print View
High school lacrosse injuries for boys and girls usually involve strains and sprains, abrasions and contusions. Actually, a 2005 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, concluded that lacrosse at the high school level was a relatively safe sport.
Injury data hasn't demonstrated the need for female lacrosse players to wear helmets though eye protection and mouth guards are necessary. But, male lacrosse players are required to wear helmets, elbow pads, padded gloves, groin cups, chest and shoulder pads. While lacrosse is categorized as a "collision sport" by the NCAA in the same league as football and ice hockey, it has lower injury rates.
Potential Injuries
Injuries to the wrist and hand nearly always occur from a direct blow. Although the gloves are padded, they are softer and more flexible than hockey gloves to allow for greater dexterity of the fingers. Fractures are relatively common from the entrapment of the grasped fingers against the metal shaft of the player's own stick.
Shoulder separations and clavicle fractures often occur from collision with another player. Falling onto the shoulder is another common cause of injury to this area. The high rate of shoulder injuries compared to other contact sports is due to the particular nature of play. Actually, during game play, the shoulder is the most frequently injured body part.
The body parts most usually injured are the ankle, upper leg, and knee, which combined accounted for 48% of all lacrosse injuries. This is due to the fact that no pads are worn on the lower extremities. Knee injuries commonly happen in lacrosse because of quick pivoting to avoid an opponent by dodging or a cut step which strains the knees.
Proper Equipment
Men's lacrosse is often perceived as a violent sport. NCAA injury statistics, however, don't support this. Both the NCAA and US Lacrosse set regulations that require the use of protective gear designed to protect the upper body, especially the head. Around 40% of lacrosse injuries are non-contact.
United States Lacrosse insurance data showed that 42% of all claims dollars were paid for knee injuries and 50% of the claims were paid out to high school players. Statistics show that the use of Lacrosse helmets deters catastrophic brain injuries though concussions do occur.
Statistics bear that Women's lacrosse does not need extensive protective gear, including helmets, because the contact is incidental. However, the face, eyes and mouth, definitely need protection. Some athletes like to use non-padded gloves and nose guards.
It's important for parents and coaches of lacrosse players to become familiar with the common injuries of the sport. Understanding which injuries are the most probable will lead to better immediate treatment and a shorter recovery period for the lacrosse athlete.
About the Author
Kalynn Amadio is a Lacrosse enthusiast. See her comprehensive informational site, Lacrosse-Information to learn more valuable tips on How to Play Lacrosse. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
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