Over the past several years I have worked with many young female athletes that have suffered from injuries often associated with low body fat and poor bone density such as repeated stress fractures. In certain sports such as running and gymnastics this can be devastating. One thought that comes to mind is whether or not the young female athlete may also have an eating disorder.
Concussions occur when a person’s brain is violently rocked back and forth inside of the skull because of a blow to the head or neck. Severe concussion, although rare, can lead to brain swelling, blood vessel damage, and even death. There are serious repercussions of early return following even a mild concussion due to the long term effects of multiple mild concussions.
Cheerleading includes gymnastics, tosses, partner stunts, and pyramid building. These challenges pose increased risk of injury. Injury prevention and safety precautions are essential help prevent injuries.
Since 1980, cheerleading progressed to include highly skilled and competitive athletes. Increased injury rates occurred in response to this evolution. Research indicates that injuries increased 110% from 1990 through 2002, while participation increased only 18%.
Each year at this time, dozens of runners preparing for the Steamtown Marathon come to my office with severe shin pain known as shin splints. Unfortunately, in many of these athletes, this problem can lead to a much more severe and advanced problem with shin splints called a stress fracture. Some very good athletes have been hindered by this problem.
