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submitted: Aug 23rd 2008 | by: KalynnAmadio | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 454 | |

Lacrosse is thought of as a relatively safe sport for high school athletes according to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2005. The majority of lacrosse injuries involve sprains and strains, contusions and abrasions.

Injury data hasn't demonstrated the need for female lacrosse players to wear helmets although eye protection and mouth guards are necessary. However, 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 reduced injury rates.

Common Injuries

Lacrosse injuries to the hands and wrists usually happen as the result of a direct blow. While lacrosse gloves are padded they are not as cushioned as hockey gloves to give greater flexibility to the fingers. When the fingers are trapped against the shaft during a blow, fractures can happen.

Clavicle fractures and shoulder separations are most commonly seen from collision with another player or fall onto the point of the shoulder. Lacrosse has a relatively high rate of shoulder injuries as compared to other contact sports. In fact, the shoulder is the most frequently injured body part during games.

Because no pads are worn on the lower extremities, the body parts most frequently injured were the ankle, upper leg, and knee, which combined accounted for 48% of all lacrosse injuries. Knee injuries are among the most commonly observed in the sport of lacrosse because of the quick pivoting footwork to avoid an opponent with a dodge or cut which strains the knee.

Protective Gear

Both US Lacrosse and the NCAA have set regulations that require the use of protective equipment designed mainly to protect the head and upper extremities. Men's lacrosse is sometimes perceived to be a violent sport, but NCAA injury statistics do not support this claim. Approximately 40% of lacrosse injuries are non-contact.

Insurance data of US Lacrosse showed 42% of claims dollars were paid out for knee injuries. Around half of the claims were filed for high school players. Statistics show that the use of Lacrosse helmets deters catastrophic brain injuries though concussions still occur.

The incidental contact in women's lacrosse has shown that the need for extensive protective equipment, including helmets, is not necessary. Protection of the face, eyes and mouth, are required. Some girls prefer to wear a non-padded glove and nose guards are often opted for.

It is important for coaches and parents to be familiar with the most likely injuries to occur in practice or a game. Having an idea of what injuries are the most common can lead to better treatment and a shorter recovery for the athlete.

About the Author

Kalynn Amadio is a Lacrosse enthusiast. See her complete informational website, Lacrosse-Information to gain insight and valuable tips on How to Play Lacrosse. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

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