Tips to Limit Injuries in Fall Sports for Women

Loyola Sports Medicine Tips

Loyola University Health System sports medicine physicians are dedicated to enhancing sports performance and getting people back in the game. Each season a LUHS sports medicine expert from our facility in Burr Ridge will offer tips to keep you safe and active. Dr. Pietro Tonino, MD, is the director of the Sports Medicine program for Loyola University Health System and is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of ACL injuries both in male and female athletes and implementation of prevention strategies for ACL injuries.

Tips to Limit Injuries in Fall Sports for Women

Last week we talked about the great opportunities for women in sports. Along with the benefits comes an increased risk of ACL injuries.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers excellent tips for preventing injuries. Here are some quick tips from the academy for two fall sports played by females:

Soccer. Take time to warm up and stretch, especially your hips, knees, thighs and calves. Don't use leather balls on wet fields, because balls can become waterlogged and heavy. Wear shin guards to protect lower legs. Also, wear shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles. (But use screw-in cleats if more traction is needed, such as on a wet field with high grass.)

Volleyball. Knee pads can protect from injury when you fall or dive on court. Defensive pants, padded from hip to knee, protect from floor burns and bruises. To reduce the chance of colliding with another player, make sure to call the ball.

Next week we’ll talk more about preventing injuries while playing volleyball.