Lacrosse players -- like many other sports players -- suffer from various friction injuries. Some of these injuries are avoidable and others aren't, but the friction can be minimized. Most friction injuries occur from the turf, shoes and the chinstrap that's connected to the helmet.
Turf Burn
One of the most painful friction injuries for lacrosse players is turf burn. Lacrosse requires a considerable amount of running and quick turns, which can result in falling and skidding the leg or arm across the turf; this can result in turf burn. Turf burn cannot be avoided; however, the full friction between your body and the turf can be avoided. Decrease the amount of injury obtained from turf burn by wearing elbow pads, gloves and long sleeves. Gloves can also help prevent friction between your hands and the lacrosse stick. Once you have a turf burn, have it treated immediately; turf burn left untreated can become infected.
Foot Friction
Friction blisters can appear almost immediately during or after long bouts of running. Friction blisters appear on the top, bottom or sides of your feet due to the frictional forces between your skin and your sock or shoe. According the Dr. Pribut website, foot blisters are the most common sports injury, and left untreated, they can result in excruciating pain and infection. To prevent friction blisters on your feet, break in your shoes and socks before playing in them, wear properly-fitting shoes and avoid wearing cotton socks. Wearing sweat-reducing socks can help prevent blisters.
Chinstrap Friction
Lacrosse players must wear helmets, which may also contain chinstraps. The friction between chin straps and your chin can result in a friction rash or friction burn. This may become further irritated by shaving. Some lacrosse players as well as players of other sports that utilize chinstraps may develop a condition known as acne mechanica, which is a form of acne that appears where the chinstrap rubs against the chin. The best way to prevent chinstrap friction or to reduce it is to use athletic body lubricant on your chin before putting on the chinstrap.
Considerations
If you've developed a rash, blisters or burn from friction on any part of the body, treat it appropriately using over-the-counter, wound-healing medications such as first aid ointments or creams. However, if the troublesome area is causing pain, or if it is too extensive to be treated using over-the-counter medications, see your physician for treatment to prevent infection.
Posted in: Lacrosse