Central Health's top rugby tips for injury prevention and rehabilitation
This page gives a brief overview of injuries that may be suffered by cricketers together with a few ideas for prevention of these injuries. The list is in no way exhaustive.
Feet
Foot mechanics affect the forces through the whole body as the feet land on the ground. Pronated (flat) feet with low arches as well as rigid feet with high arches diminish the shock absorbing capabilities of the feet.
Related Injuries:
Stress fractures of the feet
Stress fractures of the shin/lower leg
Ankle, knee, hip, back pain.
Tendonitis
Prevention:
Well fitting trainers, shoes... not too old.
Orthotics i.e. insoles to support and cushion the foot.
Technical analysis.
Ankles
The ankle joint can often be a problem for fast bowlers. Impingement (pinching) in the ankle is seen due to the bones in the ankle impacting into each other and sometimes "squashing" a tendon.
Related Injuries:
Posterior Impingement
Anterior Impingement
Prevention:
Orthotics
Technique analysis e.g. length of delivery stride.
Ankle mobilisation and calf stretches
Shin/Lower Leg
Shin pain is commonly seen and sometimes referred to as shin splints. Hard ground and lack of rest often contribute to this.
Related Injuries:
Tenoperiostitis (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Bone Stress/stress fractures of the tibia or fibula
Compartment Syndrome
Prevention:
Orthotics
Ankle mobilisation and calf stretches
Adequate rest
Technique analysis
Knee
Knees can be injured due to explosive twists, dives, sprints and falls – wicket keepers and bowlers can be particularly prone.
Related Injuries:
Ligament sprains
Cartilage tears
Tendonitis
Prevention:
Warm up
General Conditioning
Core Stability
Thigh
The most commonly seen injuries around the thigh are muscle strains again usually related to explosive activities like sprinting between the wickets or diving for a ball.