Why Sportswomen Get More Injuries Than Men

Taking part in competitive sports is an enormously rewarding and thrilling experience. Nowadays, both men and women are allowed to play at all levels of various sports. But the risk of injuries is more prevalent for women.

It is a fact that women are more prone to debilitating injuries than their male counterparts. In sports that involves landing from a jump or changing direction at speed, women suffer from more injuries than men. Sportswomen are currently considered to be up to 8 times more likely to suffer from some kind of ligament injuries. The greater the level of competition in sports, the more they are at risk.

It is generally believed that alignment of the knee is a major indicator of an at-risk athlete. If the knee falls inward when bending, running or jumping - as is often the case in female athletes - the ACL is more likely to rupture.

Most common injuries  

• Ankle sprain: This is particularly common among women.
• Shoulder injury: Problems in the rotator cuff, tendon inflammation, tendinitis and instability.
• Knee injuries: They are the most common cause of disability in female players, accounting for up to 91% of season-ending injuries and 94% of injuries requiring surgery.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Girls are 8 times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than boys.
• Stress fractures: Risk of fractures in the lower leg is especially high due to inadequate nutrition, irregular menstruation and bone loss.
• Plantar fasciitis: Small tears in the tissue of the heel can appear due to misalignment of the foot.  

Why are women injury-prone?

We know little about how men and women are susceptible to particular injuries. Research is still being carried out into rates of concussion, joint injuries and even bone damage in women.

Probable causes:             

• Women's muscles become more flexible after puberty. Without sufficient muscle to stabilise them, joints can be at risk.
• Higher oestrogen levels.
• Less muscle mass along with greater body fat.
• Wider pelvis, which alters the alignment of the knee and ankle.
• Narrower space in the knee for the ACL.
• High risk of inadequate calcium and vitamin D.

What to do?

• Educating coaches is the first priority. They are usually geared to performance than injury prevention.
• Strength and conditioning programmes for vulnerable muscles.
• The rate of ACL injuries can be brought down if the muscles are strengthened.
• Train yourself to change direction using both feet.
• Learn how to land from jumps properly and safely.
• Sign up for weight-lifting programmes that target specific muscles like the hamstrings.
• Insert shoe supports to help prevent plantar fasciitis.
• Take the expert advice from a nutritionist in order to prevent nutritional inadequacies.
• There is no need to “play through the pain”. If you feel pain or weakness, stop immediately and consult the team doctor.
• Do stretching exercises at least 4 times a week to increase muscle mobility.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat injury.
• Take rest regularly. Plan to have at least 1 day off every week.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org