Lacrosse is a popular sport that involves a lot of running, jumping, and quick changes of direction, which can put a lot of stress on the feet and ankles. Some common foot and ankle injuries in lacrosse include:
- Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen when the ankle is twisted or turned too far, which is common in lacrosse.
- Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse or repetitive stress can cause the Achilles tendon to become inflamed and painful, which is known as Achilles tendonitis.
- Plantar fasciitis: The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Overuse or repetitive stress can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed and painful, which is known as plantar fasciitis.
- Turf toe: Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint that occurs when the toe is hyperextended, which is common in sports like lacrosse that involve running and jumping on artificial turf.
- Stress fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that occur when the bones are subjected to repetitive stress or overuse. They are common in the feet and ankles of lacrosse players, particularly those who play on hard or artificial surfaces.
To prevent these injuries, it’s important for lacrosse players to wear appropriate footwear and protective gear, warm up properly before playing, and stretch after playing. It’s also important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of training and to listen to your body and rest when needed.