The combination of stick use, intense physical contact, quick skating and flying pucks leads to a large number of hockey-related injuries -- including your knees. In fact, the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit indicates that 31 percent of all hockey-related injuries occur to the lower body. With the knee being one of the largest joints in your body, it comes as no surprise that hockey players can sustain a wide variety of knee injuries throughout the course of a season.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament -- or ACL -- is one of the four major ligaments in your knee. Located in the front portion of your knee, rapidly changing directions while on the ice can lead to a tear or complete rupture of your ACL.
Medical Collateral Ligament Injuries
The medial collateral ligament -- or MCL -- is located in the center portion of your knee and supports and stabilizes your knee. You are most likely to sustain an injury to your MCL as the result of a direct blow to your knee. This can occur as the result of a collision with another player or during a body check against the boards.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
The posterior cruciate ligament -- PCL -- is a major ligament that supports the back of your knee. A direct blow to the front of your knee will often lead to a PCL injury. You may also sustain a PCL injury from simply moving the wrong way on your skates.
Meniscus Injuries
A tear in the meniscus is another common injury of the knee. The meniscus is a tough rubber-like cartilage that is attached to the major ligaments of your knee. The meniscus absorbs shock as you place stress on your knees. In hockey, you may experience a meniscus injury as you suddenly twist, pivot or decelerate on your skates. A direct blow to your knee can also cause damage to your cartilage.
Patellar Tendinitis
Tendinitis of the knee is the result of overuse or repetitive injury to your knee. Intense training and participation in games can lead to tendinitis over time in hockey players. Patellar tendinitis causes pain, swelling, inflammation and limited movement in the knee.
Bursitis
Bursitis of your knee is the result of repetitive injuries or overuse. Bursitis causes an inflammation and collection of fluid in your knee. This condition causes pain, swelling and inflammation of the knee. Long-term training and participation in hockey can lead to bursitis.
Member Comments