It is important to understand the injuries that can occur when there is a lack of balance of safety and fun. There are many injuries that can occur while playing field hockey. Here are just a few that you must be aware of:
First, The Hand, Radius, Ulna, and Metacarpal Fractures (Bone is cracked or broken). Metacarpal and Hand Fractures can occur when the player is hit by the stick or the ball. Symptoms of a broken metacarpal/hand/wrist: 1. Immediate pain 2. deformed finger at the joint 3. swelling/redness 4. Numbness if swelling is massive or if metacarpals are immobilized. 5. If injury has laceration Diagnosis of this injury is done by looking at the mechanism of the injury as well as getting it examined by a doctor and taking an x-ray. Treatment/Rehabilitation includes: Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate, Control swelling, Splint or cast may be necessary, Surgery may be required for serious injuries, If surgery is required- screws/plates may be inserted into the place of injury to stabilize the bone.
A second common injury is the Facial Injuries, where the ball, stick or piece of equipment hits the face, eye, nose, mouth, teeth. This can result in: Eye Injuries, Broken Teeth, Fractures, mandible(jaw), Minor abrasions/fractures Symptoms include: 1. Pain 2. Swelling 3. Bruising 4. Tenderness 5. Deformity 6. Nosebleed 7. Malocclusion 8. Jaw pain 9. Laceration 10. concussion Diagnosis you may need an X-ray or CT scan Treatment/Rehabilitation includes: PRICE, Pain medications, seek medical care (surgeon)
A third injury is a Concussion, which is a Brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body. Symptoms include: 1.Amnesia 2.Nausea 3.Confusion 4.Headache 5.Loss of consciousness 6.Sensitivity to light or noise 7.Balance problems/dizziness 8.Slow reaction time 9.Concentration/memory problems Diagnosis can be determined by receiving and taking: 1.Neurological exam performed by doctor 2.Imaging tests (CT Scan) 3.Observation 4.IMPACT Test Treatment/Rehabilitation: PRICE, Do NOT return to play until fully cleared by doctor. Returning to play before being cleared could result in death!! Stay away from computers/television/cellular devices. Doing so could interfere with brain healing time.
A fourth common injury is ankle, foot Injuries. These occur if the player trips over the ball, lands the wrong way, or is wearing improper shoes. It can be a slight inversion of the ankle and extreme plantar/hyper flexion of the ankle or foot. Some injuries include: ankle sprain, ankle fracture, turf toe, achilles tendonitis, great toe sprain, arch sprain Symptoms may include: 1. If only ligaments give way and tear, a lateral ankle sprain is present 2. An ankle fracture is present if a bone gives way and breaks. 3. Pain 4. Deformities of bone 5. Laceration of the skin 6. Numbness 7. Unable to bear weight on fractured area 8. Discoloration Diagnosis can be made after determining where it hurts, a physical examination, and x-rays. Treatment/Rehabilitation all depends on the severity. 1. P.R.I.C.E. 2. Bracing or taping the ankle can help prevent further injury 3. Anti-inflammatory medication- Advil 4. Cast/Crutches 5. Physical Therapy depending on severity of injury
The fifth common injury is the Tibia, Fibula, Femur Injuries. This could mean a Torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) or even a Quadriceps/Hamstring Muscle Strain Symptoms of Quadricep/Hamstring Muscle Strains 1.Popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. 2.Sudden, severe pain 3.Tender to the touch 4.Visible bruising if blood vessels are broken Diagnosis is determined by 1.Examining the thigh for tenderness or bruising. 2.Bending or straightening your knee and/or hip 3.Doctor will scale the injury; Grade 1 strain is a mild, readily healed tear Grade 3 is a severe tear that can take many months to heal. Treatment P.R.I.C.E and Pain relief medication Symptoms of a Torn ACL may include 1. Swelling 2.Intense pain in the knee 3.Bruising 4.Loud "pop" 5.Unable to walk Diagnosis can be determined by 1.Physical examination (evidence of knee joint fluid) 2.Lachman Test 3.Stability 4.MRI 5.X-rays Treatment/Rehabilitation 1.Surgery is required to repair the ACL 2.Medications to reduce the pain after surgery 3.Physical Therapy
It is hard to prevent such injuries because they are very unpredictable; however, with proper physical conditioning and appropriate gear, along with following the rules, it should be easy to avoid an injury. Additionally, taking immediate care of an injury will speed up the healing process and prevent it from getting worse.
High school athletes account for an estimated 2 million injuries and 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year.
More than 3.5 million kids under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year.