Women’s sport injuries

Women are more susceptible to certain types of sports injuries than their male counterparts.

The most common sports injuries seen in women are ankle sprains, shoulder problems, knee pain and degeneration, ligament tears especially knees and stress fractures.

While there are far more anatomical and physiological similarities between males and females than differences, it is these slight differences in our bodies that are responsible for the increased injury incidence. Genetics and hormonal differences are the primary reasons for these differences.

The higher concentration of oestrogen found in the female body results in a higher body fat percentage.

The average female has a body fat of 26 percent compared to the male average of 14 percent, but in elite athletes, this may be as low as eight percent and four percent respectively. Oestrogen is also responsible for looser ligaments, allowing for greater joint flexibly. This increases the risk of injury but provides a performance benefit in many sports.

A wider pelvis, to allow for childbirth, affects female posture and the way the limbs are able to move as well as improving balance.

Females also have shorter limbs and therefore a shorter lever action which develops less power. When jumping, women will land more upright and with their knees closer together.

When changing direction, women will only do so on one foot, while men tend to use both feet. These minor differences are sufficient to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and ligament tears. Women are two to eight times more likely to have an ACL injury than men.

A mature male will outweigh a mature female by 11 kg due to increased bone and muscle mass. This is due to a lower concentration of the hormone testosterone in women. It also accounts for a woman’s smaller heart, which needs to beat up to five times faster to circulate blood to exercising muscle. While trained women may be comparable or even superior to men in fitness ability, they tend to have approximately 30 percent less strength. Lower testosterone is also responsible for a decreased production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body.

The Female Athlete Triad is a serious condition seen in female athletes. This may have lifelong consequences if left untreated. The triad consists of eating disorders, amenorrhoea, which is irregular or cessation of menstrual cycle and osteoporosis or osteopenia, which is loss of bone density. This results in an imbalance between nutrition and exercise. This condition is mostly seen in runners, gymnasts, ballet dancers and figure skaters. There is also an increased likelihood of inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake leading to the loss of bone density. If you have any of the signs and symptoms below, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor to discuss the best course of action.

Some signs and symptoms of the Female Athlete Triad include fatigue, hair loss, irregular eating, cold hands and feet, noticeable weight loss, dry skin, increased incidence of bone fractures, low self-esteem, depression and anaemia, often due to low intake of iron rich foods.

Correct training techniques and strengthening of the muscles can assist in the prevention of sports injuries. If you are currently training or intend on starting a new exercise programme and experience any injuries, its advisable to consult with a physiotherapist to assess and advise on preventative and rehabilitative treatments. A physiotherapist will be able to refer to additional health practitioners for the necessary advice to help you as the female athlete achieve all your performance and overall health goals.

r This information was provided by Groenewald Cox Physiotherapy & Associates.