High-flying routines make artistic gymnastics a full-impact sport for upper-level competitors. Gymnasts subject their wrists to tremendous force, more than double their body weight in many cases. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine notes that these athletes use their upper body as "a weight-bearing joint." Injuries to the shoulder and elbow are very also common.
Heavy Impact and Gymnastics Injuries
Gymnastics can take a heavy toll on competitors. A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital determined that U.S. emergency rooms treated nearly 426,000 gymnastics injuries from 1990 through 2005. "Many parents do not typically think of gymnastics as a dangerous sport," said Dr. Lara McKenzie, the study's senior author. "Many parents consider it an activity. Yet gymnastics has the same clinical incidence of catastrophic injuries as ice hockey." That study found that children between 6 to 11 years of age were more likely to suffer fractures and dislocations. Teenagers in the 12-to-17 age group were more likely to suffer strains and sprains.
Heavy Impact and Hand, Wrist and Forearm Injuries
The "gymnast wrist" injury refers to damage in the arm area where the radius bone meets the wrist. The radius absorbs heavy impact in the floor exercise and the pommel horse in boys. Radius fractures, irregular radius growth and growth plate damage are commonplace as a result. In extreme cases, the radius can become shortened; the growth plate may suffer early fusion. Research by radiologist Jerry Dwek also attributed hand inflammation, knuckle flattening and knuckle tissue death to the physical stress of gymnastics.
Impact and Sticking the Landing
Gymnasts propel themselves with much velocity and to considerable heights in various events. Then they must "stick" their landing cleanly. The impact with the mat creates considerable stress on feet, ankles and knees. Meniscus injuries may develop over time. Bad landings can result in anterior cruciate ligament tears.
Impact on Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
Both men's and women's gymnastics put a great deal of strain on the shoulder. The pommel horse and still rings create heavy upper body impact; these events are unique to men's competitions. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine notes that labrum tears are a common gymnastic injury; dislocated elbows are not unusual.
Gymnastics Precautions
A number of common-sense precautions protect the gymnast from many impact injuries. Wear protective braces or guards as needed on your ankles, knees and wrists. Warm up properly. Secure all equipment and mats. When possible, wear safety harnesses when learning new skills. Use a spotter when practicing new skills. Do not try to "play hurt" when injured; do not practice when extremely fatigued.
References
- Center For Injury Research: Study Finds Pediatric Gymnastics-Related Injuries a Concern
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Guideline for Pediatricians -- Gymnastics
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine: Prevention and Treatment of Gymnastics Injuries
- "Inside Science News Service"; Medical Imaging Shows Gymnasts Sustain More Types of Injuries than Previously Thought; Jason Socrates Bardi; Dec. 12, 2008
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