Knees! Knees!

Don’t Run? A Lacrosse Player? RIGHT!

I recently heard from one of my players, that she has had knee pain. She was not aware that I have been working with this type of thing since I was in college. If I had only known she had the problem, I could have actually helped her with it. Instead: She had gone to her family doctor and had been told to “stay off her knees, don’t run!” The doctor didn’t even give her a diagnosis! It was such a simple problem, and she could have done so much to help herself! Instead, she suffered!

I have no problem with seeing a family doctor for a problem. But, I am interested in simple solutions, and if you want to keep your daughter on the field, then you should be too. If your daughter has complained about knee pain, maybe you should read on.

Chondromalacia Patella or Patellar Tendonitis…

Chondromalacia Patella/Tendonitis is very common in young athletes, and particularly girls. It is the wearing away or softening of the cartilage behind the knee cap. There are several theories on why this takes place: 1.When growing fast, bones change shape or length, and the muscles and tendons sometimes don’t do so quite as quickly. 2. Everything we do is involving the lateral (or outside of the quadriceps). This leads to over development of that muscle. This causes the knee cap to track up and out when the quads contract. This takes it out of its normal track, and causes it to wear away faster than it should. 3. There may be some misalignment of the hip causing external rotation of the hip, and thus the femur, resulting in an altered Q angle at the knee. This changes the tracking too. » Read more: Knee Pain And Chondromalcia Patella In Girls Lacrosse Players Knees!

Ride-on toys come in a variety of models. Whether you choose a bike, trike, wagon, or scooter, it is important to ensure you choose a model suitable for your child’s age. Your child should wear protective gear including a helmet, elbow and knee pads whilst riding on it or in it, though naturally minor incidents may occur regardless.

Many people are not aware that ride-on toys are not just limited to bikes and trikes but incorporate several other styles, makes, and models to consider. The following provides a basic guide to what’s available on the market today:

Foot to Floor Ride-Ons
Suited particularly to toddlers, this ride-on toy is perfect for developing both hand and leg muscles. All you need to do is put your child in the driver seat then let him push the toy around with his feet. The safety concerns for this toy include checking the quality of materials used in the body of the vehicle and ensuring that the plastic is strong enough to support the weight of your child. » Read more: Bikes and Trikes – Which Toy Models Offer the Safest Ride For Boys and Girls