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Common Cheerleading Injuries

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Dance

By understanding the causes, properly diagnosing injuries, and following appropriate treatment protocols, cheerleaders can minimise downtime and return to their sport safely.

Common Lower Limb Injuries in Cheerleading

  1. Ankle Sprains:
    • Causes: Twisting or rolling of the ankle during landings, jumps, or stunts.
    • Diagnosis: Physical examination, X-rays to rule out fractures, and MRI for severe cases.
    • Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and possibly bracing or taping.
  2. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome):
    • Causes: Overuse, repetitive stress on the shinbone, improper footwear, and training on hard surfaces.
    • Diagnosis: Physical examination, evaluation of activity history, and sometimes imaging to rule out stress fractures.
    • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, proper footwear, and gradual return to activity with strength and flexibility exercises.
  3. Stress Fractures:
    • Causes: Repetitive impact activities, sudden increase in training intensity, and inadequate rest.
    • Diagnosis: Bone scans, MRI, or X-rays.
    • Treatment: Rest, avoiding weight-bearing activities, wearing a protective boot or brace, and gradual return to activity under medical supervision.
  4. Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee):
    • Causes: Repetitive jumping and landing, overuse of the knee joint, and improper technique.
    • Diagnosis: Physical examination, patient history, and sometimes MRI.
    • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stretching, and use of a patellar tendon strap.
  5. Meniscus Tears:
    • Causes: Twisting or rotating the knee with the foot planted, often occurring during stunts or landings.
    • Diagnosis: Physical examination, MRI, and sometimes arthroscopy.
    • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
  6. Achilles Tendonitis:
    • Causes: Overuse, repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, and improper footwear.
    • Diagnosis: Physical examination, ultrasound, and MRI.
    • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening, and use of orthotic devices if necessary.

Causes of Lower Limb Injuries in Cheerleading

  1. Overuse and Repetition: Continuous stress on the same muscles and joints without adequate rest.
  2. Improper Technique: Poor form during stunts, jumps, and landings.
  3. Inadequate Warm-Up: Failing to properly warm up before practice or performance.
  4. Poor Conditioning: Lack of strength and flexibility training.
  5. Unsupportive Footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support and cushioning.
  6. Unsafe Practice Conditions: Training on hard or uneven surfaces.

Diagnosis of Lower Limb Injuries

  1. Clinical Examination: Assessing symptoms, range of motion, and pain response.
  2. Imaging Techniques: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound to visualize bone and soft tissue damage.
  3. Patient History: Understanding the mechanism of injury and any previous injuries.

Treatment of Lower Limb Injuries

  1. RICE Method:
    • Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the injury.
    • Ice: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
    • Compression: Using bandages or braces to support the injured area.
    • Elevation: Keeping the injured limb elevated to reduce swelling.
  2. Physical Therapy:
    • Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the affected area to prevent future injuries.
    • Stretching: Improving flexibility to enhance range of motion.
    • Balance and Coordination Training: Enhancing stability to prevent falls and improve performance.
  3. Medications:
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Reducing pain and inflammation.
    • Pain Relievers: Managing acute pain.
  4. Surgical Intervention:
    • When Necessary: In cases of severe injuries like complete ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures that do not heal with conservative treatment.
  5. Rehabilitation:
    • Gradual Return to Activity: Slowly increasing the intensity of training and performance to prevent re-injury.
    • Ongoing Maintenance: Continuing strength and flexibility exercises as part of the regular training routine. 

Book an appointment now with one of our Dance Podiatrists by calling 9555 3044 or booking online.