Ultimate Frisbee is incredibly fun to play but like many other sports, there is some risk for injury. There is a lot of running, jumping and quick changes in direction during play. Players generally wear cleats and play on a grass surface.
Ultimate Frisbee was created at Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ in 1968. Initially started as part of the counterculture movement of the Vietnam War era. In the last 50 years, it has grown to an international scale with professional leagues and numerous bids to be put into the summer Olympics.
How to Play
Teams of 7 try to move the disc to the other’s endzone to score a point. Players are not allowed to move with the disc and can only pass. What makes Ultimate Frisbeee so much different from other sports is the officiating. There are no referees. Every foul call on the field is made by the players and can even be “contested” by the other team if they don’t agree with the call. Each year, peer-nominated players are recognized in the club and masters division while Team Spirit awards are given at all USA Ultimate Frisbee championship events
Common Injuries
Ankle Sprain Injury to the ligaments to the outside of the ankle from jumping and landing awkwardly on the ankle or twisting the ankle.
Peroneal Tendonitis- pain along the outside of the foot and ankle. One or both tendons on the outside of the ankle can become inflamed with repetitive excessive stress to the foot and ankle.
Achilles Tendonitis- inflammation of the Achilles tendon, pain to the back of the heel. Achilles tendinitis can present in 2 places, near the heel bone and as a painful nodule within the tendon. Inflammation occurs due to repetitive stress from jumping and lateral movements.
Subungual hematoma- blood underneath the toenail. Quick sudden stops and starts with tight shoes can cause injury to the nail bed causing blood to collect underneath the nail plate. Draining the nail may be required if more than 25% of the nail plate is involved.
Plantar fasciitis - heel pain on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can occur from excessive strain to the plantar fascia, a band on the bottom of the foot and inadequate stretching.
If you have any foot-related pain or discomfort, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.