Frankie Colletta, the area’s leading running back from Delaware Valley High School sustained a season-ending ankle fracture on October 9th against West Scranton High School at Scranton Memorial Stadium. Over the past week, I have received several inquiries from athletes, parents and coaches about the impact of the new FieldTurf at Scranton Memorial Stadium on his injury. Some readers feel that the injury would not have happened on natural grass while others feel old-style artificial turf is better.
Old-style artificial turf is the indoor/outdoor, green, low-nap carpet, laid on top of a hard surface, such as the field surface at Lackawanna County Stadium. New FieldTurf is a new and improved artificial surface with longer artificial grass-like fibers filled in with dirt like tire chips. This is the surface-type at Scranton Memorial Stadium. Natural grass is good old-fashioned grass such as the surface at Abington High School.
A recent 5-year prospective study, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, compared football injuries sustained on artificial surfaces and natural grass. In 240 games over 5 years 353 injuries were reported. Injuries were classified as minor, substantial or severe, based on the amount of time lost from the game.
The results found that old-style artificial turf had the highest injury rates for all types of injuries, especially contusions and abrasions when compared to other surfaces. FieldTurf had a slightly higher incidence of minor injuries such as muscle strains, muscle spasms/cramps (possibly due to increase in speed) and skin abrasions. Natural grass had slightly more ligament strains/tears than FieldTurf.
Substantial and severe injuries were comparable on both FieldTurf and natural grass as found in previous studies. No differences were found between offense or defense positions. However, the type of severe injury was different. For example, muscle/tendon overload injuries such as strains and tears were higher on FieldTurf, while cranial and cervical injuries were higher on natural grass.
In summary, most football injuries are caused by collisions with other players, the equipment, the ground and shoe/surface traction. Artificial surfaces were introduced in the mid-1960’s with mixed reaction. The quality of the artificial surfaces continues to improve. Newer artificial surfaces such as FieldTurf offer significant improvement over the previous types. While injuries may vary when comparing the new FieldTurf to natural grass, both offer advantages and disadvantages with similar injury risk. While Frankie Colletta’s injury was very unfortunate, the research suggests that the playing surface was not a factor.
Jean Kowalski, MS, ATC, head athletic trainer at Scranton Prep, offers the following tips for different playing surfaces that she recommends to Prep football players:
Ms. Kowalski reports that local student athletes are very pleased with the new FieldTurf. They feel it is softer and more forgiving, while still allowing adequate traction.
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an affiliated faculty member at the University of Scranton, PT Dept.
Congratulations to the participants of Sunday’s 14th Steamtown Marathon. Most of you woke up this morning having difficulty walking down the steps for your morning coffee. The stiffness in your joints, coupled with severe muscle soreness, makes you walk like an arthritic octogenarian. In spite of stiff hip, knee and ankle joints you should feel good about your accomplishment. I am sure that your well-meaning wife, parents, friends, and coworkers, (especially those who don’t like to run) are telling you how foolish you are to run 26.2 miles. They will say that you are ruining your knees and it is time to grow up. Many will say that you will regret this someday when you can’t even walk without pain.
Up until recently, your well-intended family and friends had reason to be concerned. Many previous studies indirectly supported their point of view. A British study found that almost 50% of former elite soccer players had crippling, bone-on-bone knee arthritis by middle-age. Similar findings were reported for elite weight lifters and retired NFL football players. However, the good news for runners is that they may be different. The lean, light-weight runner, who trots like a deer, light on his feet, in perfect alignment, and with good form, may not be doing so much damage to his knee joints after all.
Therefore, I hope to add to your euphoria after completing a 26.2 mile journey by sharing wonderful news based on recent research about runners and knee arthritis. You may not have done as much damage to your joints as previously theorized. Last year an article in Skeletal Radiology received significant attention for disproving “current wisdom” about running and knee arthritis. Researchers from Austria used MRI imaging to examine the knees of participants before the 1997 Vienna Marathon. Ten years later, runners received an MRI before the 2007 race. Scans of those participating in both races were compared for changes. The results were very surprising. No major changes regarding new internal damage to the knee joints of the runners in both marathons were discovered.
A 2008 Stanford University study supported the findings in the Austrian study. In 1984, Stanford researchers followed runners who began running in their 50’s and 60’s and continued to run for 20 years and compared them to the same age group of non runners. While 7% of the runners began the study with creaking and crackling associated with mild arthritis under the knee caps, none of the non runners had such findings. However, 20 years later, only 20% of the runners had advanced arthritic changes compared with 32% of the control group. Furthermore, only 2% of the runners had knee arthritis requiring surgery when compared to 10% for the control group.
Therefore, current wisdom suggests that running may not cause advanced and progressive knee arthritis. Moreover, running may actually offer protection by grooving the surfaces through motion and creating demands on the cartilage in the joint to rebuild, repair and protect. Keep in mind that the joint requires optimum conditions to benefit from the stresses associated with running. Some suggestions purported are:
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body. If you missed them, you can go back and read Part I and Part II in this series dedicated to the Steamtown Marathon runners.
It is one week away from the 14th Steamtown Marathon. This is the second of three columns dedicated to those dedicated runners preparing for the big day, October 12, 2009.
I would like to take this time to congratulate and thank Bill King, race director, and his band of brothers, for their tireless efforts organizing and sustaining a great race that instills pride for all people of NEPA. It has inspired many people, myself included, to transfer the discipline and determination required to complete a marathon, to improving the quality of each day by conquering life’s challenges one mile at a time.
Therefore, I thought it fitting to share information regarding the prevention of dehydration for the marathon and recreational runner:
Dehydration is a major cause of fatigue, loss of coordination, and muscle cramping leading to poor performance. Prehydration, (drinking before exercise) is the first step in preventing dehydration. Marathon runners, other long distance runners and cyclists often prehydrate1-2 days before a big event. Rehydration, (drinking during or after exercise) is the second step in preventing dehydration. While athletes may be more vulnerable to dehydration, all persons engaging in exercise would benefit from increased performance, delayed muscle fatigue and pain by maintaining adequate hydration. Proper prehydration would include drinking 12-16 ounces of water 1-2 hours before exercise. Athletes with other health issues should consult their family physician before engaging in long distance endurance sports.
American College of Sports Medicine Hydration Recommendations:
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
If you missed it, go back and read Part I of this series, "Prevention of Running Injuries."
Contributing Author: Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS
This is the 1st in a series of 5 Steamtown Marathon Columns. This article was written in response to an email from Joan.
If you really want to get to know someone, run 26.2 miles with him or her! With each passing mile one becomes less and less inhibited. I remember training with for the Steamtown Marathon with several women who had concerns about the health and safety of their breasts while running 26.2 miles.
Twenty years ago, two women who were experiencing painful discomfort from excessive breast movement their exercise, sport, and recreational activities decided to by two jock straps, sew them together, and create the world’s first sports bra! These early sports bras were uncomfortable and unattractive! However, with today’s innovative designs and new fabrics, the sports bra offers a cost-effective way of breast protection during exercise!
Traditional bras provide breast support, but a sports bra is designed to reduce breast movement. In an article from the journal Physician And Sports Medicine, Dr. Stanford states that vigorous physical activity causes a women’s breasts to bounce, which can compromise the skin and delicate ligaments that are the fragile support structures for the breasts, resulting in sagging (small breasts can sag too!). Since breasts are not composed of muscle tissue, no amount or type of exercise will tone them. Therefore, constant motion will disrupt the ligaments and erode breast support and positioning. However, a good sports bra can reduce breast movement by at least 56%!
If you plan to start on an exercise regime, make sure you protect your breasts and alleviate discomfort with a sports bra. An effective, well-designed sports bra will offer many benefits:
Selecting the correct sports bra is as important as choosing the proper running shoe! To maximize comfort and motion control, there are several crucial aspects to consider:
If a sports bra is used 3-4 times per week, it usually needs to be replaced within 6-12 months due to the loss of elasticity in the bra’s support materials. Because of the high elasticity content, a sport’s bra that is hand washed and hung dry will typically last longer than a bra that is machine washed and tumbled dry.
Keep in mind that not every bra will fit every woman. Proportions and contours should allow freedom of movement without shifting, binding, twisting, or chafing. It is important to try on various styles to find the bra that feels comfortable and supportive when you are in motion.
NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
It is two weeks away from the 14th Steamtown Marathon. This is the first of three columns dedicated to those dedicated runners preparing for the big day, Sunday, October 11, 2009.
I would like to take this time to congratulate and thank Bill King, race director, and his band of brothers, for their tireless efforts organizing and sustaining a great race that instills pride for all people of NEPA. It has inspired many people, myself included, to transfer the discipline and determination required to complete a marathon, to improving the quality of each day by conquering life’s challenges one mile at a time.
Therefore, I thought it fitting to share information regarding the prevention of running injuries for the marathon and recreational runner:
(RunningTimes)
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Next week read Part II of III on the Steamtown Marathon.
Last week I attempted to answer an email from Don Loftus, a teacher a Scranton Prep and former athlete who suffers from arthritis in his knees. An overview of the symptoms and causes of osteoarthritis in athletes was discussed based on a recent long-term study of thousands of Division I college athletes. The study discovered that the athletes had significant differences in lifestyle due to arthritic pain when compared with the general population. This study found that these athletes experienced more pain in daily activities and required modification in lifestyle, often rendering them less active at an earlier age, than their contemporaries who did not participate in Division I college athletics. This week will discuss the treatment options available to former athletes and others for the management of knee arthritis.
In the early stages your treatment will be a conservative, nonsurgical approach, which may include; anti-inflammatory medication, orthopedic physical therapy, exercise, activity modifications, supplements, bracing, etc. You and your family physician, orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist will decide which choices are best.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling in the joint.
Topical Agents: pain relievers in cream or gel form containing wintergreen oil or camphor can provide temporary relief. Also, a gel form of the NSAID VoltarinR is now available for use with a physician’s prescription. It is applied 3-4 times per day and patients report good temporary relief.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy: such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, partial weight bearing aerobic exercises.
Activity Modifications: such as eat well and lose weight, doubles tennis instead of singles, sitting or lying leg exercises instead of standing, walk instead of run, soft bed treadmill instead of hard surfaces, avoid squatting, kneeling, and bending.
Supportive Devices: such as knee sleeves, light bracing, use good running shoes for exercise and walking, use good quality supportive shoes for work/dress.
Corticosteroids: stronger anti-inflammatory medications than those above which are injected directly into the knee joint.
Viscosupplementation: a type of synthetic fluid, injected into the knee joint and designed to imitate the joint fluid of the knee to promoted healing and mobility.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: supplements taken orally to control the pain of osteoarthritis and promote healing.
When conservative measures no longer succeed in controlling pain and deformity, improving strength and function then more aggressive treatment may be necessary.
Arthroscopic Surgery: uses a scope to clean and repair damaged tissues inside the knee joint.
Osteotomy Surgery: cuts one of the knee bones to realign the joint for less wear and tear
Total or Partial Knee Replacement: replaces severely damage joint surfaces with metal or plastic.
Cartilage Grafting: is performed on rare occasions, usually at teaching facilities, when young healthy cartilage with minor damage needs to be repaired.
SOURCES: Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body. And, if you missed it, read Part I of II on Knee Arthritis in Athletes
Some of you may know Don Loftus, teacher at Scranton Preparatory School and former high school and college athlete. Don, who suffers from knee pain due to arthritis, recently asked me if I had come across any new information regarding knee arthritis in athletes that might be helpful to him.
Unfortunately, I did recently read a study that did not offer encouraging news for him and other former athletes. A recent long-term study of thousands of Division I college athletes in all sports found significant differences in lifestyle due to arthritic pain when compared with the general population. This study found that these athletes experienced more pain in daily activities and required modification in lifestyle, often rendering them less active at an earlier age, than their contemporaries who did not participate in Division I college athletics. What does this mean? What is arthritis? How does it occur? How do I know if I have it?
All joints suffer from wear and tear over time. Weight-bearing joints such as the hip, knee and ankle, tend to wear out faster than others. Moreover, trauma, from sports, overuse, occupation, or accidents, will expedite this process. This form of arthritis is called, osteoarthritis. It is also known as degenerative arthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is usually a gradual, slow and progressive process of “wear and tear” to the cartilage in the knee joint which eventually wears down to the bony joint surface. It is most often found in middle-aged and older people and in weight bearing joints.
Your family physician will examine your knee to determine if you have arthritis and rule out other diseases. In more advanced cases you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist for further examination and treatment. X-rays will show if the joint space between the bones in the knee is getting narrow from wear and tear arthritis. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, blood tests and an MRI may be ordered. The diagnosis will determine if you problem if minor, moderate or severe.
SOURCES: Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Next week, read “Knee Arthritis in Athletes – Part II of II”
This is the third of three columns dedicated to healthcare for college students inspired by my son John who leaves home to begin his freshman year at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in this week.
Please find the “10 Tips to Keep Yourself Healthy in College” helpful. However, no discussion regarding the health and wellness of college students would be complete and thorough without addressing what health care and university experts consider the two most dangerous behaviors on college campuses across the nation: binge drinking and unprotected sexual activity. While it is not my intent to offend the religious and moral values of any reader, it is my purpose to provoke direct and meaningful conversation between parents, religious leaders and students. To prevent serious health problems in college, parents must share their experience and discuss their values regarding sexual activity and alcohol consumption with children before they leave home to live independently in college.
(American Academy of Pediatrics)
SOURCES: American Academy of Pediatrics
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body. Keep moving, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
If you missed them, read Part I and Part II in this three-part series Health Tips for College Students.
This is the second of three columns dedicated to healthcare for college students inspired by my son John who leaves home to begin his freshman year at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in a few short weeks. As part of my preparation for becoming an “empty –nester,” my wife and I started to think about a first aid kit, health care history, insurance file and other health related tips that I thought would be worth sharing with my readers. Once you finish with these preparations, plan to take dance, art history and conversational Italian classes to occupy your time as an empty-nester. Life goes on!
Remember, in living a large community and sharing close quarters makes the development and spread of disease a natural progression. College life can be very unhealthy for many reasons: lack of sleep, poor eating habits, poor hygiene and stress.
(American Academy of Pediatrics)
Last week we discussed common illnesses among college students, how to manage and when to seek professional help. Below you will find a list of symptoms that should never be ignored. The college health services department should be contacted if you have any of the following symptoms:
(American Academy of Pediatrics)
Get a small/medium plastic storage box and use it to keep all of the following health care items together in one place.
SOURCES: American Academy of Pediatrics
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.
Keep moving, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly
Next Week: Read “Health Tips for College Students – Part III.” And if you missed it, go back and read "Health Tips for College Students - Part I."
A few weeks ago, my son John and I attended parent/student orientation for incoming freshman at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. The presentations were informative and interesting. One lecture in particular, presented by the director of campus health services, caught my interest. I immediately began to research this topic further for those readers preparing to send a child off to college this fall.
To fully appreciate the importance of this topic, one must keep in mind that living in a large community and sharing close quarters is the first ingredient in the development and spread of disease. College life can be very unhealthy for many reasons. Lack of sleep, poor eating habits and stress add spice to the recipe for disease. Lastly, poor hygiene added to the equation, will really get the Petri dish cooking up some nasty germs.
These are caused by viruses. While both are similar, flu symptoms are typically more severe.
Cold Symptoms: coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, mild fevers
Flu Symptoms: high fever (above 102 degrees), body aches, dry cough, upset stomach or vomiting.
Treatment: rest, plenty of fluids, and treat symptoms. Consult your physician or college health services for the best medicines to control your symptoms. Caution should be used when taking excessive flu meds containing aspirin because an increase in complications (Reye Syndrome) are associated with the flu in college students.
Prevention: While it is not possible to prevent getting a cold or flu, you can take precautions, such as washing your hands and getting a flu shot.
caused by bacteria
Symptoms: very sore throat, pain in the ears or sinuses, persistent fever
Treatment: These symptoms require a visit to the college health services department. You may need to take antibiotics. If so, take as directed and take all of them or you may have a relapse.
Prevention: Avoid close contact with infected people – no kissing, sharing drinks or eating utensils. Wash your hands, get plenty of rest.
Meningitis is a common form of this disease that can infect the brain, spinal cord and/or blood.
Symptoms: high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, a flat, pink or purple rash, nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light.
Treatment: Immediate medical treatment is required. This disease is serious. It can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage.
Prevention: It is strongly recommended that all teens, especially incoming freshman college students, receive a vaccine to prevent the infection of most, but not all, strains of bacteria that cause this disease.
Mono is caused by a virus and is also known as the “kissing disease.” It is very common among college students.
Symptoms: fever, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck, extreme fatigue.
Treatment: If a sore throat or flu symptoms do not resolve in 7- 10 days, see your doctor for a blood test called the “monospot.” While there is no specific treatment, plenty of rest and a healthy diet are essential. Medication to control symptoms can also be used.
Prevention: Plenty of rest, healthy diet, good hygiene
These are very common in healthy, active college students and are rarely serious.
Symptoms: Bruises: a bump or bruise can cause the skin to turn purple, brown or red in color.
Strains: are injuries to muscles or tendons from overuse or sudden overstretching.
Sprains: are injuries to the ligaments which connect the bones. It can be caused by a twist or fall or awkward sudden movement.
Treatment: RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
If the pain or swelling is not improved in 1-2 days, or if you cannot bear weight on the extremity, visit the college health services dept.
Prevention: While it is important to be physically active, one must do so intelligently:
Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body. Keep moving, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
SOURCES: American Academy of Pediatrics
NEXT MONDAY – Read "Health Tips for College Students – Part II”
