Injuries Befall Sports Teams
October 25, 2017
Emma Heston (’18), said, “During my sophomore year crew season, I had to be on bedrest for two weeks because I overexerted my back. It was really frustrating because I couldn’t do anything about it.” Photo Credit: Sara Phillips/AchonaOnline
As the fall sports teams prepare for their respective State series, some devastating injuries have occurred. Many students hope that Academy’s long history of success in cross country, swim, and dance is not in jeopardy.
Due to the all-female environment, Academy has a higher rate of sports-related injuries than other schools. There is a “gender gap” between men and women in terms of the likelihood of injury. For example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are up to six times more common among women than men. According to Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Faculty Editor of Harvard Health Publications, “Stress fractures are especially common in the foot or lower leg (tibia) among women with the “female athlete triad,” a combination of inadequate calorie and nutrient intake, irregular menstrual periods, and bone loss.”
What Should You Check If You Get a Stress Fracture? (https://t.co/K0Wust1Pr9) #stressfracture pic.twitter.com/8xBSxrqypo
— Jeffery LaMour, DPM, (@DrJefferyLaMour) October 16, 2017
Cross-country runner, Greta Dieck (‘19), suffered a stress fracture three weeks ago. The first day she is cleared to run is the day of the state meet; until then, she has to wear a protective boot to allow her bone to heal.
Dieck said, “I am out for six weeks. Unless I’m wearing the boot, my foot hurts to walk on.”
Swimmer, Bella Kirkpatrick (‘18), also has been suffering from tendonitis, and dancer, Ella Jurusz (‘19), broke her leg.
Many fall athletes will also participate in winter and spring sports, so preventing future injuries is critical.
Weight training, shoe inserts to align the foot, and improving nutrition are steps athletes can take to prevent injury.