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by: KalynnAmadio
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High school lacrosse injuries for boys and girls usually involve strains and sprains, abrasions and contusions. Believe it or not, a 2005 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, concluded that lacrosse at the high school level was a relatively safe sport.

Lacrosse is listed by the NCAA as a "collision sport". That's the same category as ice hockey and football. Though unlike those sports, lacrosse has a lower rate of injury. This could be because Men's lacrosse players have to wear chest and shoulder pads, groin cups, helmets and padded gloves and elbows. Women's lacrosse injuries data doesn't show the need for helmets, but mouth guards and eye protection are required.

The Potential Injuries

Lacrosse gloves are padded, but they are more flexible than the gloves hockey players wear. Lacrosse gloves allow greater dexterity of the phalanges. Wrist and hand injuries usually happen from a direct blow. Trapped fingers grasping the lacrosse shaft are commonly the victim of a fracture from a direct blow.

Clavicle fractures and shoulder separations are most commonly seen from collision with another player or fall onto the point of the shoulder. Lacrosse has a relatively high rate of shoulder injuries as compared to other contact sports. In fact, the shoulder is the most frequently injured body part during games.

Because no pads are worn on the lower extremities, the body parts most frequently injured were the ankle, upper leg, and knee, which combined accounted for 48% of all lacrosse injuries. Knee injuries are among the most commonly observed in the sport of lacrosse because of the quick pivoting footwork to avoid an opponent with a dodge or cut which strains the knee.

Protective Equipment

Both US Lacrosse and the NCAA have set regulations that require the use of protective equipment designed mainly for the head and upper extremities. Men's lacrosse is often perceived to be a violent sport, but NCAA injury statistics do not support this claim. Approximately 40% of lacrosse injuries are non-contact.

United States Lacrosse insurance data showed that 42% of all claims dollars were paid for knee injuries and 50% of the claims were paid out to high school players. Statistics show that the use of Lacrosse helmets deters catastrophic brain injuries though concussions do occur.

Statistics bear that Women's lacrosse does not require extensive protective gear, including helmets, because the contact is incidental. However, the face, eyes and mouth, definitely need protection. Some athletes like to use non-padded gloves and nose guards.

It's important for parents and coaches of lacrosse players to become familiar with the common injuries of the sport. Understanding which injuries are the most probable will lead to better immediate treatment and a shorter recovery period for the lacrosse athlete.

About the Author

Kalynn Amadio is a Lacrosse parent. Visit her complete information rich website, Lacrosse-Information to gain insight and valuable tips on How to Play Lacrosse. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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