| High school lacrosse injuries for boys and girls usually | | | | upper leg, and knee, which combined accounted for |
| involve strains and sprains, abrasions and contusions. | | | | 48% of all lacrosse injuries. This is due to the fact that |
| Believe it or not, a 2005 study published in the | | | | no pads are worn on the lower extremities. Knee |
| American Journal of Sports Medicine, concluded that | | | | injuries commonly happen in lacrosse because of quick |
| lacrosse at the high school level was a relatively safe | | | | pivoting to avoid an opponent by dodging or a cut step |
| sport. | | | | which strains the knees. |
| Lacrosse is listed by the NCAA as a "collision sport". | | | | Protective Gear |
| That's the same category as ice hockey and football. | | | | Regulations that require the use of protective |
| Though unlike those sports, lacrosse has a lower rate | | | | equipment have been set by both US Lacrosse and |
| of injury. This could be because Men's lacrosse | | | | the NCAA to help protect the upper extremities and |
| players have to wear chest and shoulder pads, groin | | | | head. Although Men's lacrosse is thought of as violent, |
| cups, helmets and padded gloves and elbows. | | | | NCAA injury statistics do not support this claim. About |
| Women's lacrosse injuries data doesn't show the need | | | | 40% of all lacrosse injuries are non-contact related. |
| for helmets, but mouth guards and eye protection are | | | | US Lacrosse data showed that 42% of insurance |
| required. | | | | claims dollars were issued for knee injuries and 50% |
| Common Injuries | | | | were paid to high school athletes. Statistics show that |
| Lacrosse injuries to the hands and wrists usually | | | | using helmets impedes irreparable brain injuries |
| happen because of a direct blow. Although lacrosse | | | | although concussions do happen. |
| gloves are padded they are not as cushioned as | | | | It isn't necessary for women's lacrosse athletes to |
| hockey gloves to give more flexibility to the fingers. | | | | wear extensive protective gear. The occasional |
| When the fingers are trapped against the shaft during | | | | contact in women's lacrosse makes equipment like |
| a blow, fractures can occur. | | | | helmets and chest padding unnecessary. Protection of |
| Shoulder separations and clavicle fractures often | | | | the face, eyes and mouth, are a necessity while some |
| occur from collision with another player. Falling onto the | | | | female players like to wear nose guards and a |
| shoulder is another common cause of injury to this | | | | non-padded style glove. |
| area. The high rate of shoulder injuries compared to | | | | It is important for coaches and parents to be familiar |
| other contact sports is due to the particular nature of | | | | with the most likely injuries to occur in practice or a |
| play. Actually, during game play, the shoulder is the | | | | game. Having an idea of which injuries are the most |
| most frequently injured body part. | | | | common can lead to better treatment and a shorter |
| The body parts most usually injured are the ankle, | | | | recovery for the athlete. |