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Gymnastics Injuries
The majority of gymnastics-related injuries are mild to moderate, with sprains, strains, and stress fractures being most common. Ankles and knees are the most frequent sites of injury, typically resulting from landings and dismounts. Injuries to the lower back are also common. Although acute injuries are rarely severe, as many as half of all injuries lead to chronic pain, and bone fractures in young athletes can cause long-term physical problems.
Floor exercises are the most common cause of injury, due to the large number of bends, twists, and landings required in those routines. Other factors that increase the risk of injury are trying moves that are too complicated for one's skill level, not using safety harnesses or spotters, getting over-tired, and spending long hours practicing.
Common Injuries
Some common injuries occurring to gymnasts include:
- Sprains, strains, tendonitis in all joints (Caused by poor running surfaces)
- Ankle and knee injuries resulting from landings and dismounts.
- Lower back pain (Causes are most often complicated and serious)
- Stress fractures
- Pulled muscle (Known as strains, these injuries can limit or end participation and may be caused by poor warm-up or fatigue)
Treatment
R.I.C.E.
- Rest- Stop using the injured part the minute it begins to hurt. Use a sling, crutches or splint
- Ice- The more blood that collects at the injury site the longer it will take to heal. Keep ice on for 20 minutes per half hour for the first 24 to 72 hours. Place a damp towel or dressing between the ice and skin
- Compression- Wrap an elastic bandage firmly over the ice and around the injured body part. If cramping or throbbing occurs, unwrap at once
- Elevation- Raise the injured part above your heart
All injuries to a joint or its ligaments should be examined by a physician. If they are not treated quickly, these injuries can become more serious