SELF: Why Are So Many Women Athletes Tearing Their ACLs Now?
SELF recently interviewed Natasha Trentacosta, MD, a sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon in the Department of Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai, about why female athletes are at a greater risk for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries and how to help prevent them.
The ACL plays a key role in stabilizing the knee and allowing athletes—such as basketball and soccer players—to cut, pivot and change direction.
Trentacosta told SELF women may be more prone to ACL tears due to differences in landing mechanics. She explained that when men land from a jump, “they tend to bend into the jump, bending their knees and then their hips,” while women “tend to do it with a stiffer leg, so it puts more pressure on that knee.”
Hormonal fluctuations may also play a role. After ovulation, women’s bodies release relaxin, a hormone that loosens ligaments. This increased looseness can be harmful during movements that require quick pivots.
Trentacosta told SELF she has conducted research comparing 32 women athletes taking hormonal birth control, which regulates hormone levels, with 40 women athletes not on hormonal birth control. She found that the group using hormonal birth control experienced fewer ACL injuries.
Trentacosta emphasized she is not recommending women athletes take hormonal contraceptives to prevent an injury, but noted the findings underscore the connection between hormones and injury risk.
Experts say genetics, anatomy and access to resources also contribute to the different rates of ACL injuries among men and women.
Trentacosta advises her female patients who are athletes to incorporate Pilates into their workout routine and, overall, recommends strength training to help prevent ACL injuries. Other experts say women athletes should vary their workouts, monitor hormonal changes, eat a nutritious diet and allow time for rest.
Read the complete article from SELF.