02 Apr What Are The Most Common Lacrosse Injuries?
Lacrosse is a fast-paced game that is one of the most popular spring team sports in the country. However, the need for quick direction changes and contact creates the perfect environment for injuries. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we provide a complete array of orthopedic treatments to address lacrosse injuries and help athletes prevent them so they can stay on the field with their teammates. Continue reading to learn more.
Lacrosse Injuries
Lacrosse is an exciting spring sport enjoyed by male and female athletes across the country. While they share general concepts of play, men’s and women’s lacrosse are different regarding protective equipment, allowed contact, and injuries. For women’s lacrosse, intentional body contact is not legal, and stick checking must be directed away from their opponent’s head and body toward the end of the stick only. Protective mouthpieces and goggles are mandatory, but gloves and headgear are optional. Men’s lacrosse is higher contact and requires helmets with full face guards, mouthpieces, shoulder pads, and gloves. Overall, lacrosse is considered a moderate-risk sport in which the majority of injuries are minor. However, more severe injuries can occur. Here are some of the most common lacrosse injuries.
- Strains and Sprains – Running and cutting through the field during a game can lead to sprains and strains in the ankle, leg, or hips. Many lacrosse players also experience wrist injuries due to stick handling and fast passes.
- Fractures – Direct contact by stick checks or running into another player can lead to painful fractures in the wrist or hand.
- Concussion – While lacrosse-related concussions are infrequent, they can occur. Head-to-ground contact after a fall or accidental ball contact to the head can lead to a concussion. Since women are not required to wear helmets during lacrosse, they are more at risk of concussion injuries.
- Knee Injuries – Knee injuries like an ACL tear are the leading cause of lost practice and game time for lacrosse players.
Treatment for lacrosse-related injuries will largely depend on the type of injury sustained and its severity. For minor injuries, your body will heal on its own with rest, ice, and elevation. For more severe injuries, our specialists at New York Sports Medicine Institute will evaluate your injury and create a treatment to get you back on the field as quickly and safely as possible.
Preventing Lacrosse Injuries
While some injuries are inevitable, there are a few things players can do to protect themselves during the spring lacrosse season:
- Wear the right gear – Men’s lacrosse is a full-contact sport, so wearing the appropriate padding and guards is essential for reducing your chances of injury.
- Warm-up – Finding a warm-up routine that works for you can decrease your risk of gameplay injuries. Our team can help you find the proper routine to improve your flexibility and prepare your muscles for intense play.
- Off-season training – Being proactive in your preparation for the upcoming season is essential for all athletes. Practicing your passes, stickhandling, and agility during the off-season will keep your form in check and reduce stress on your body when it’s time to get back on the lacrosse field.
- Listen to your body – While you want to push yourself to become a better player, you should never push your body to the point of pain or exhaustion. Rest plays a critical role in injury prevention and recovery.
Contact Us
If you’ve experienced a significant lacrosse injury, our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute is here to help you in your recovery. Our sports medicine specialists employ the latest treatments to help our patients regain mobility and safely get back on the field. Be sure to contact us today to request an appointment and learn more about lacrosse injury treatment!