Archive for sports injury
Sports medicine helps keep athletes in the game
Sports medicine specialist Dr. William Meehan sees a lot of sports injuries: everything from tennis elbow to concussions to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. But when he talks about sports, he typically leads with how sports benefit young athletes. “There’s so much publicity about injuries and risk,” says Dr. Meehan, a physician in the Sports ... Read More
Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): When athletes run on empty
The strength, skill, and speed of Olympic athletes help the rest of us understand human potential in a new light. But athletic glory can come at a high price. The quest to be the best can drive some athletes into punishing training routines, denying themselves of food and other basic needs. Whether training for the ... Read More
Fancy footwork: Two figure skating experts on injury prevention
Amazing costumes, breathtaking artistry, and outstanding athleticism. No wonder figure skating is a Winter Olympics must-watch for millions of people. With the 2022 games fast approaching, Dr. Ellen Geminiani of Boston Children’s Sports Medicine Division has some insights for aspiring athletes watching these spectacles on ice. “I hope young skaters will think about how much ... Read More
After two ACL tears, a skier reconnects with her body and her sport
The memory remains vivid in Sophia’s mind. Racing down a slalom course at top speed, she hit a patch of bad snow. “The next thing I knew, I was launched up in the air. My legs were above me and I lost sight of my right leg. I felt my right knee twist and I ... Read More
Fingers, shoulders, and everything in between: Three upper extremity surgeons and their relentless quest for solutions
It’s 6 a.m. and the surgeons in the Hand and Orthopedic Upper Extremity Program at Boston Children’s Hospital have logged on for their weekly meeting. “We meet first thing every Monday to discuss our complex cases,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carley Vuillermin. “It gives us a chance to talk through treatment options for our patients ... Read More
Not just a physical thing: The psychology of sports injuries and recovery
“Nobody plays sports expecting to get injured, but unfortunately, injuries are part of sports,” says Melissa Christino, MD. As a surgeon in the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children’s Hospital, Christino helps athletes recover from sports injuries, some of which keep her patients on the sidelines for weeks or months at a time. Key takeaways ... Read More
Gait analysis gives runners a window into their form
Why can some runners compete in marathon after marathon while others get injured? The answer often lies in the runner’s form. According to Dr. Kristin Whitney, co-director of the Injured Runners Clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital, many runners aren’t aware of subtleties like how hard their feet hit the ground or the angle of their ... Read More
Gearing up for sports? Call your child’s pediatrician
Every year, young athletes are required to get sports physicals, clearing them for participation in organized athletics. But, did you know that these physicals should be done by your child’s primary care provider (PCP)? Sports physical examinations give clearance for children to participate in the sports season safely and are a crucial part of pediatrics. ... Read More
Sports injuries: Why ignoring pain is bad for athletes
“No guts, no glory.” “No pain, no gain.” “Rub some dirt in it.” Sports clichés like these encourage young athletes to push themselves even when their bodies tell them to stop. But sucking it up raises players’ risk of sports injuries. If he could, Dr. Mininder Kocher, chief of the Sports Medicine Division, would erase ... Read More
Five running exercises you can do at home
Unlike a lot of athletes, runners haven’t had to take time off during COVID-19. In fact, a lot of athletes have been running until they can safely return to their sports of choice. Whether you’re a new or seasoned runner, strength training is an important way to reduce your risk of injury. These five running ... Read More