Hockey Injuries

A concussion is a brain injury usually caused by a sudden jolt or a blow to the head or neck. This can occur from a puck or stick to the head, whiplash injury or when the head strikes the ice during a fall.

An athlete does not need to be knocked out or have memory loss to have suffered a concussion. In fact, most athletes who suffer a sports-related concussion do not lose consciousness. Concussion remains the most common injury suffered by hockey players and can occur with vague symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and emotional irritability.

Using mandatory helmets and face masks protect players from the risk of brain bleeds and skull fractures. Parents should also ensure that equipment fits well and is properly fastened. Teaching your athlete to follow the rules with “safe play” and avoiding direct head contact can also help to minimize risk.

Injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is the second-most common injury in hockey. The MCL injury occurs when the ligament on the inner part of the knee stretches or tears. Although painful, this injury usually does not require surgery, and a player can typically return to the ice within weeks to months depending on the severity.

Growing athletes should be checked by a pediatric sports medicine physician to rule out an injury to other ligaments within the knee. Athletes with a damaged MCL often experience pain, which can be followed by swelling within 24 hours. For sudden knee injuries, athletes should see a pediatric sports medicine physician.

Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) and clavicle (collarbone) frequently occur when a player is “checked,” shoved against the boards or falls on the ice. Fortunately, these injuries do not commonly require surgery but should be evaluated by a sports medicine physician to determine the appropriate treatment and minimize lost playing time.

Seek immediate medical care when the collarbone appears deformed or if the athlete indicates the shoulder is “out of socket.” These indicate serious joint abnormalities that require immediate treatment or rehabilitation.

A burner or stinger is an injury to the nerves that travels from the neck down the arm. Also known as brachial plexus injuries, stingers usually are caused by stretching the head away from the arm. This injury happens in hockey when a player attempts to make a hit on another player and turns the head at the last second – causing a stretch in the nerves of the neck and shoulder.

Symptoms on one side of the body* include:

• Intense pain from the neck down the arm

• Burning or stinging

• Numbness, and/or tingling down arm

• Weakness

*If symptoms ever occur on both sides of your athlete's body, seek immediate attention by a health care provider.

The one-sided symptoms may be obvious or subtle, lasting a few seconds or a few minutes, or in some cases, much longer. While symptoms are present, also watch for possible signs of concussion. Do not allow your athlete to return to play until symptoms have completely resolved. This would include full range of motion and strength on the injured side matches that of the non-injured side. If the symptoms persist, your athlete should see a pediatric sports medicine physician before resuming practice or competition.

Although the height of an athlete's hockey skate offers protection against the typical “ankle sprain,” the high speeds and rapid direction changes that occur while skating places the ankle at a higher risk for torque injuries and “high ankle sprains.” This injury often leads to the greatest loss of playing time due to the long-healing process. The high ankle sprain may need a walking boot or cast and can be associated with fractures. The sprain should be evaluated by a pediatric sports medicine physician.

Bumps, bruises, twists and muscle strains can affect all areas of the body. Recommended treatment includes:

• Protect the area with a sling or crutches, if necessary.

• Rest the injured area.

• Ice the injury for 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply the ice directly to the skin.

• Compress the injured area with a wrap. Do not pull tightly, as this can cut off circulation.

• Elevate the injured area above the heart, if possible.