3 Foot And Ankle Injuries Lacrosse Players May Need To Deal With

Lacrosse is still a minority sport in Australia, but the activity is becoming more popular thanks to local and interstate competitions. The game is popular across all age groups, but, like any contact sport, lacrosse attracts a fair number of injuries. While a lot of these injuries are relatively minor, some problems can become more serious and will need specialist medical attention. Learn more about three common foot and ankle injuries that lacrosse players may suffer, and find out what treatment methods and preventive measures a podiatrist might recommend.

Ankle sprains

When playing lacrosse, key moves include cutting and dodging. Coaches train players to use lots of dodging moves to get a quick pass, and these movements often need short bursts of explosive energy. This type of motion puts pressure on your feet and ankles. For example, in a roll dodge, you plant your left foot in front of the defender and roll around to his or her right. Timed incorrectly, you can easily sprain your ankle while dodging. In school-age players, 21 per cent of all reported injuries in boys are ankle sprains.

You may need to contend with one of three types of ankle sprain.

A lateral ankle sprain is the most common form of this injury. This sprain occurs when you stretch or tear the ligaments on the outside of your ankle. Rest, ice and elevation for 24-48 hours after the injury will normally deal with this problem.

A medial ankle sprain occurs when the foot rolls forcibly outwards, stretching or tearing the ligaments. Again, treatment is normally quite simple, but you can also avoid the problem by carrying out strengthening exercises or using tape for added stability.

A high ankle sprain (or tib/fib ligament sprain) occurs when you stretch or tear the ligament that holds the two lower leg bones together. This injury will happen when you jam your foot upwards and force the bones apart. Serious high ankle sprains may need surgery.

In all cases, isometric exercises can help you regain strength after an injury. For example, pushing the foot against a wall allows full muscle contraction without moving the joint.

Shin splints

Lacrosse players are active throughout a match, and the sport demands a lot of running around, which puts a lot of pressure on the feet. Varying field surfaces can exacerbate this problem, and shin splints can often develop in lacrosse players. Shin splints also occur more often when you use old, worn running shoes.

With shin splints, lacrosse players experience pain and swelling in the front of the lower leg. This pain occurs because of ongoing pressure to the shinbone (or tibia). Joggers and tennis players also often experience the same problem.

You can generally deal with shin splints without specialist medical treatment. Rest, ice and leg elevation immediately after you notice the problem will normally ease the symptoms. Heel cord stretches can also help. Your podiatrist will nearly always recommend new shoes, too.

Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a flat band of tissue that joins your heel bone to your toes. This is a crucial part of the body, as this tissue supports the arch of your foot. When you strain the plantar fascia, the tissue weakens and becomes inflamed. You'll soon notice the problem when you try to walk or stand up.

The condition occurs when small tears appear in the ligament. Lacrosse players often suffer from the condition because they spend a lot of time walking and running on hard surfaces. Excessive pronation (where your feet roll inward too much) will also worsen the problem.

Podiatrists commonly see people with plantar fasciitis, and various treatment options are available. In mild cases, rest will often allow the ligament to heal. Some patients also benefit from anti-inflammatory medication. In more serious cases, you may need to wear modified footwear, night splints or special padding. Good footwear and special stretches before a match can help prevent serious plantar fasciitis.

Lacrosse injuries are generally mild, but it's important to understand the risks this sport can present. In all cases, talk to a doctor or podiatrist in your area for more advice.