Introduction
Lacrosse is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires players to run, pass, catch, and shoot a tiny rubber ball with a long stick. Lacrosse is an exciting and well-liked sport, but because of how physically demanding it is, players can sustain a variety of ailments. From small sprains and strains to more severe fractures and concussions, these injuries can range in severity. For the health and safety of players, it is essential to be aware of the typical forms of injuries that occur in lacrosse and to take preventative measures. This article examines a few typical lacrosse injuries, their causes, and effective preventative measures.
What Is Lacrosse and How Is It Played?
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History of Lacrosse: The North American Indian gave origin to lacrosse. It is regarded as America's first sport. The French gave it its name, and the Canadians modified and developed it. For more than a century, sportsmen and fans in the United States and the British Commonwealth have enthusiastically supported modern lacrosse. Lacrosse is a sport that combines elements of basketball, soccer, and hockey. Coordination and agility are required for the game and are rewarded. In lacrosse, speed and quickness are two highly desired traits.
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Method of Play: In this sport, long-handled, racket-like tools (crosses) are used by two teams of players to catch, carry or throw a ball along the pitch or into the goal of the opposition. A crossbar and the posts surround a loose net that forms the goal. The crosse (lacrosse stick), which players use to carry, catch, and pass the ball, is the game's defining characteristic. The crosse is a stick that is bent at the top to form a hook from which a thong is pulled and attached to the shaft, which is two or three feet. It forms an oval-shaped triangle. This is attached to a loose leather or nylon sheet to form a pocket in which the ball is captured.
What Injuries Are Frequent in Lacrosse?
Injuries that occur in lacrosse can vary greatly. Injury types vary with age. In order to minimize injury, contact is controlled by excellent teaching and officiating. Although mild contusions, sprains, and strains are the most common lacrosse injuries, more serious injuries sometimes happen.
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Concussion - It is a common lacrosse injury and can result from striking heads with sticks, getting hit in the head by the ball, colliding with other players, falling, or slamming the head on the ground. The incidence of concussion among both boys and girls is comparable, despite the fact that boys use helmets and girls do not.
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Facial and Dental Injuries - Due to the absence of a helmet in girls' lacrosse, facial and oral traumas are more of an issue. In order to prevent injury, one ought to have a mouthpiece and goggles.
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Shin Splints - Shin splints are frequent injuries caused by overexertion and shifting field conditions. Wearing and conditioning shoes properly might lessen these effects.
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Sunburns - Lacrosse played during summer frequently results in sunburn and heat exhaustion. During summer competitions, it is crucial to avoid the sun and stay hydrated in between games.
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Fractures - Fractures of the arms, wrists, and hands are also common.
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The most frequent injuries to the lower extremities (legs) in lacrosse are acute non-contact ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, hamstring strains, and ankle sprains.
How Can Injuries Be Prevented?
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Sports Examination for Athletes - To ensure athletes are prepared to start playing their sport safely, athletes should receive a preparticipation physical assessment (PPE). A PPE is best used four to six weeks before the start of the season. Athletes should also visit their doctors for annual well-child exams.
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Fitness - Both throughout the season and the off-season, athletes should keep up their fitness levels. Preseason workouts have to include time for both general and sport-specific fitness. Exercises for a good warm-up and cool-down are also crucial.
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Safe Technique - Athletes should put into practice safe performance methods for the fundamental abilities of their sport. In order to develop appropriate techniques, athletes need to consult with coaches and sports trainers.
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Equipment - All the players must wear safety gear without exception. The safety gear must be in good shape and fit appropriately into the players.
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Helmet With Face Masks - Male athletes and male and female goalkeepers must wear helmets with face masks.
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Eyewear for Protection - Eyewear customized for lacrosse has been developed, and the players are expected to wear it all the time. It has a metal cage that protects the eyes and the nose. It is developed particularly for lacrosse and has a metal cage that protects the nose and eyes.
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Additional Protective Gear- Goalkeepers also need to wear separate neck protection, protection for the chest, padded gloves, and arm, shoulder, and shin pads.
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Gloves and mouthguards are to be always worn.
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Ample Rest and Hydration - In the fast-paced sport of lacrosse, agility, fitness, and skill are valued highly. In order to avoid overuse injuries, it is critical to drink enough water and get enough rest. When numerous games are played over a weekend during the summer tournament season, this becomes very crucial.
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Reporting All Injuries - Athletic trainers are crucial in assessing injuries at competitions and events. When sports trainers are not available, any injuries are addressed to the team coaches. If pain or discomfort continues, it is imperative to reduce exercise duration and intensity.
How Are Injuries from Lacrosse Handled?
Before returning to play after an injury, players should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. The majority of minor injuries often heal with rest and ice. A transition back to lacrosse requires assistance from a doctor, physical therapist, and sports trainer for more serious injuries. Being properly assessed and treated for suspected concussions is essential. Players should not play again unless a doctor with experience in concussion treatment has approved them to do so.
How Do the Rules for Boys' and Girls' Lacrosse Differ?
The regulations for both men and women in lacrosse are very different, making it a unique sport. Men's lacrosse is considered a contact sport, and body and stick checking (interrupting a player's progress or kicking the ball away) are both permitted. In order to protect themselves throughout the game, male players use helmets with face masks, mouth guards, arm, elbow, and shoulder pads, as well as gloves. Technically, women's lacrosse is a non-contact sport; however, regulated stick checking is permitted. Women are obliged to wear mouthguards and eye protection but not helmets.
Conclusion
Lacrosse is a thrilling sport that challenges its participants with both physical and mental demands. However, it involves the same danger of injury as any contact sport. Due to the nature of the sport, lacrosse players can suffer from various injury risks, from sprains and strains to concussions and fractures. Players, coaches, and officials must put safety first and take precautions to lower the possibility of injury. A safer atmosphere for lacrosse players may be created by appropriate training, sound equipment, and sticking to the rules and regulations of the sport. The risk of injuries can be lowered by increasing injury awareness, putting safety rules into place, and cultivating a culture of player well-being.
