With natural grass sometimes providing an uneven and slippery playing surface, artificial turf is the choice of many high school and youth sports programs. Today's turf is created with long fibers -- designed to look like grass -- planted into rubber. This rubber is placed on top of stone and a drainage system. According to the "American Journal of Sports Medicine," those playing on artificial turf fields experience 40 percent fewer injuries than those playing on grass. However, injuries -- including those to the head and knee -- still occur in youth sports played on artificial turf fields. If you suspect an injury related to an artificial turf field, consult your physician.
Concussions
According to Dr. Mark Drakos, a sports medicine fellow at the Hospital for Special Surgery, physicians and athletic trainers have noticed an increase in concussions as the result of artificial turf fields. Concussions can range from mild to severe. A concussion affects the way your brain works. Concussions can affect your memory, balance, speech, coordination, judgment and reflexes. Severe concussions can even result in a loss of consciousness. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns and sensitivity to noise and light. Youth players who sustain concussions are not permitted to return to the playing field until symptoms have subsided.
ACL Injuries
Drakos also reports an increase in anterior cruciate ligament tears as the result of artificial turf. Your ACL is one of the ligaments that connects your knee to its surrounding bones. Your ACL runs across the middle of your knee and provides your knee with stability. ACL injuries can range from sprains to tears. ACL injuries are caused by rapid changes in direction, sudden stops or direct collisions. ACL treatment can range from bracing and therapy to surgery.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are also more commonly seem on artificial turf fields, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. Ankle sprains commonly occur as the result of abnormal ankle movements, including twists, turns and rolling the foot, according to the American Academy of Sports Medicine. Ankle sprains affect the ligaments -- elastic structures -- in the ankle. When your ankle ligaments are stretched out of their normal range of motion, a sprain occurs. Sprains can range from mild to severe, which can actually cause a tear in the ankle ligaments. The healing process for an ankle sprain can take up to six weeks. During this time, youth athletes are encouraged to rest and possibly engage in modification of their physical activities.
Turf Toe
The phrase "turf toe" reflects the frequent toe injuries that occur as the result of sports played on artificial turf fields. Turf toe is an upward bending of your big toe. This occurs when your shoe is firmly planted on a surface and sticks. Sticking causes your body weight to be transferred forward. As a result, your big toe bends upward. Turf toe can take a player off the field for up to a month. Rest is important so that a player does not develop arthritis later in life.
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