Even though this year may look a little different, football and cheerleading are back! While most of the fans are cheering on the team at home, our cheerleaders are out on the field tumbling, doing the splits, and doing gymnastics. This acrobatic sport can lift spirits but can sometimes result in injury. We discuss the top cheerleading injuries below, along with a few tips to prevent injury.
If you or a loved one does sustain an injury while cheerleading, come by one of our orthopedic clinics in either Knoxville and Athens for orthopedic treatment. Walk-ins welcome!
Most Common Cheerleading Orthopedic Injuries:
It’s possible to twist or rotate the ankle when landing, such as after a tumbling pass, which can result in a hairline fracture on your ankle. The sports medicine specialists at ORTHOKnox offer conservative or surgical treatments for ankle fractures, depending on the severity.
Rolling your ankle after jumping and landing awkwardly in the grass can result in a sprained ankle. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are recommended for ankle sprain treatment, as well as physical therapy to restore your range of motion and strengthen your ankle. The physical therapists on-site at ORTHOKnox can help you develop the best treatment plan for your rehabilitation.
Suddenly shifting direction during a stunt or landing incorrectly could result in an ACL tear. There are several options for ACL reconstruction at ORTHOKnox.
Falling during a stunt or tripping while tumbling can result in a fracture in your hand or wrist if you try to catch yourself on the ground. At ORTHOKnox, your orthopedic doctors will determine if you need surgery for your fracture and offer minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery that allows the quickest recovery time, so you can get back to your sport as soon as possible.
Cheerleading Injury Prevention:
- As always, warm up!
- Use your spotter
- Practice over mats or soft ground
- Allow yourself plenty of room to move around
- Practice your landings
- Make sure you have an empty space to move around in. Check for sweatshirts or water bottles that may be in the way.
- Do dynamic stretches
- Wear shoes that fit well
- Train gradually and listen to your coach
Where should I go if I get injured while cheerleading?
With its board-certified surgeons and Urgent Orthopaedic Care Walk-in Clinic that is available without an appointment, ORTHOKnox has got you covered with locations in Knoxville and Athens, Tennessee. For more information about how the orthopedic doctors, sports medicine specialists, and physical therapists at ORTHOKnox can help with your cheerleading injury, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!