Common Injuries in

Javelin

By Kelsey-Lee Roberts

Javelin Background Information

Event in Track and FieldWeight of the javelin

Men’s = 800g, Female’s = 600gNo “unorthodox” techniques are permitted.Use a runway with a foul lineTip of the javelin must strike the ground

firstBenefit from the agility and athleticism

typically associated with running and jumping events, also require considerable core and upper body strength. References; 1,10

Javelin History

On April 1st, 1986 the men’s javelin was redesigned so that the centre of gravity was moved forward

Same changes were made to the women’s javelin in 1999

Records Male – 98.48m Zan Železný (Czech Republic) Click here to view the Male World Record Throw

Female – 72.28m Barbora Špotáková (Czech Republic) Click here to view the Female World Record ThrowReferences; 10

Injuries An athlete becomes vulnerable to injury

without: Proper strength and conditioning training Good flexibility and joint range of motion Correct technique

Three main injuries: Elbow Shoulder Back

References; 1

Elbow Most common elbow injury:

Medial epicondylitis or “thrower’s elbow”

It is an overuse injury resulting from recurrent minor strains of the ligament

Common in junior throwers and unskilled or untrained athletes

Every javelin thrower will experience this injury at some point, no matter what their age or skill level Image: www.guardian.co.uk

References; 1,4,6,9

Elbow Imperfect technique plays a major role in elbow injuries

“Round arm” Delivered by a short, quick jerk of the arm

Treatment options: Reduce intensity and

frequency of throwing Complete rest Local anesthetic Hydrocortisone injections

Image: www.guardian.co.ukReferences; 1,4,6,9

Elbow Best way to prevent injury

Correct technique

Other elbow injures: Ulnar neuritis Tendonitis Medial collateral ligament (instability, tear

or rupture) Avulsion fracture of the epicondyle Spurs or ossicles.

Image: www.guardian.co.ukReferences; 1,4,6,9

Shoulder Anterior humeral head displacement

Occurs due to excessive external rotation of the shoulder during the throw without sufficient strength and range of motion

‘‘thrower’s paradox.” The balance between shoulder mobility and

stability

Image: sportsunlimitedblog.comReferences; 1,2,6,7,8

Shoulder Two treatment types

Non-operative (4 phases) Phase 1: reduction of pain and inflammation Phase 2: initiation of a progressive

strengthening program Phase 3: advanced strengthening Phase 4: return to competitive throwing. 10 Exercises:http

://www.worldofjavelin.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Throwers-Ten.pdf

Surgical Aimed at restoring the shoulder capsule and

surrounding musculature Image: sportsunlimitedblog.com

References; 1,2,6,7,8

Shoulder Ways to Prevent Injury

Increase shoulder strength Increase range of motion Correct technique Monitor volume of throws

Other shoulder injuries: Abnormalities of the acromioclavicular joint Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve,

(Proximal and distal) Snapping of the scapula

‘Little leaguer’s shoulder’ Image: sportsunlimitedblog.comReferences; 1,2,6,7,8

Back Muscle strains

Occur in the erector spinae Caused from a sudden violent

exertion Best treatment is rest

Spondylolysis ‘wear and tear’

Spondylolithesis Fatigue fracture that causes anterior sliding of the

vertebra Caused by alternating flexion, extension of the

lumbar area Range of treatment options (rest, physio, pain killers,

cortisone, back brace)Image: karapatterson.blogspot.com

References; 1,3,5

Back A high proportion of back

injuries occur in training, especially weights training

Lack of technique, supervision, and the need to push physical limits

Ways to prevent injury: Correct throwing technique Increase core strength Correct weights training Athlete supervision

Image: karapatterson.blogspot.comReferences; 1,3,5

Summary There are key factors that can be

applied to help prevent elbow, shoulder and back injuries associated with javelin

4 key factors Correct technique Strength and Conditioning Flexibility and joint range of motion Athlete supervision

Reference List 1. Bird SR, Black N, Newton P. Sports Injuries: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

Injuries in Individual Sports and Racquet Sports, Great Britain: Ashford Press; 1997. P. 200

2. Braun S, Kokmeyer D, Millett PJ. Shoulder Injuries in the Throwing Athlete. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009 Apr 2; 91: 966-978. doi:10.2106/JBJS.H.01341

3. Calhoon G, Fry AC. Injury Rates and Profiles of Elite Competitive Weightlifters. J Athl Training. 1999; 34(3): 232-238.

4. Ciccotti MC, Schwartz MA, Ciccotti MG. Diagnosis and Treatment of Medial Epicondylitis of the Elbow. Clin Sports Med. 2004; 23: 693-705. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.011

5. Davies JE, The Spine in Sport – Injuries, Prevention and Treatment. Br J Sports Med. 1980; 14: 18-20

6. Fleisig GS, Barrentine SW, Escamilla RF, Andrews JR. Biomechanics of Overhand Throwing with Implications for Injuries. Sport Med. 1996 Jun; 21(6): 4221-437.

7. Harrington L. Glenohumeral joint: internal and external rotation range of motion in javelin throwers. Br J Sports Med. 1998 Apr 1; 32: 226-228.

8. Meister K. Injuries to the Shoulder in the Throwing Athlete, Part Two: Evaluation/Treatment. Am J Sport Med. 2000; 28(4): 587-600.

9. Miller JE. Javelin Thrower’s Elbow. J Bone Joint Surg. 1960 Nov; 42B(4): 788-792

10. Nemeth Javelins [Internet. Budakeszi, Hungary; 2010 [cited 20 April 2013]. Available from:http://www.nemethjavelins.hu/home