Athens, Ga. (August 28, 2023) — The Sports Medicine department at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center named Athens Academy freshman Harriett Bartell Athlete of the Month, an award given each month to a student athlete who has shown perseverance while dealing with an injury or illness.
Bartell is an accomplished equestrian vaulter who intends to try out for the USA Olympic team. Her endeavors were put to the test after suffering a second-degree left ankle sprain consisting of a complete tear of both the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), a partial deltoid sprain, multiple bone contusions, and peroneal tenosynovitis.
"Harriet is a very driven athlete and was determined throughout her rehabilitation to do everything she could to aid in her recovery," said Justin Stewart, a Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic Physical Therapist. "She was always asking how to modify her activity so she could continue training as much as possible. Her treatment plan focused on restoring range of motion and strength, which included advanced balance training on dynamic surfaces with movement to simulate gymnastics on a moving horse."
Four major ligaments, strong tissues that connect bones to other bones, hold the ankle together and can become injured when stretched beyond their normal range of motion. The partial or complete tearing of the ligament leads to the outcome, a sprain. Pain, swelling, and bruising are typical, as is difficulty walking. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include resting and avoiding pressure on the foot and ankle, applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, wearing orthotics or a brace, and then engaging in rehabilitation to increase the joint's strength, mobility, and flexibility.
"Harriet was always ready for the next progression throughout her rehab," said Cheek. "She did not let this injury derail her goal of competing, and now that her rehab is finished, she is back to equestrian vaulting, and she is planning to try out for the Olympic team."
The Piedmont Athens Regional Orthopedic Sports Medicine team established the Athlete of the Month program to recognize the dedication of student athletes in the area.
"The athletes we work with are truly amazing and have to overcome so much in order to play sports again after an injury or illness," said Katie Terrell, athletic trainer and outreach coordinator for the hospital’s sports medicine program. "The award was developed to celebrate their hard work in our sports medicine rehab program. Each month, we focus on one high school and meet as a committee, which includes the school’s athletic director, other members of their team, and members of the athletic training program."
As the Athlete of the Month, Bartell received a certificate and is featured in the Orthopedic Sports Medicine facility located on Piedmont’s Oconee Health Campus in Watkinsville, Ga.