Anyone who plays sports is at risk for sustaining a sports injury. Therefore, it’s important to be familiar with the most common sports injuries that affect people. If you or someone you know sustains an injury while playing, getting medical attention early will increase the chances of full recovery. Learn more about the most common sports injuries and their symptoms.
Read on for a quick guide to preventing these injuries. We will also discuss some of the most common sports injuries and how to avoid them.
How to Avoid Common Sports Injuries
While the physical demands of sports can be high, you can also prevent some common sports injuries by warming up, stretching, and listening to your body. Though sports are physically demanding, they can also cause various pains and injuries. With the right precautions, you can enjoy playing your favorite sport without pain. Listed below are some of the most important steps you should take to avoid common sports injuries. Read on to learn more. Once you know the risk factors, you can follow these steps to prevent injuries.
Make sure to listen to your coach when instructing the team. Always follow the instructions of your coach, even if it is a novice. Wear proper protective gear to avoid injuries, such as helmets and shoulder pads. Drink lots of water and hydrate after every activity. If you are already injured, stop playing immediately. Continuing to play after an injury may result in more damage or worsening it. Be sure to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
1 – Knee Injury
Knee injury is a common occurrence in most sports. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it experiences a great deal of wear and tear during most sports. Common injuries include fractures, dislocations, and tears of the kneecap’s tissues. In some cases, an injury may even necessitate surgery to correct the damage. While no one wants to suffer from a knee injury, there are steps you can take to avoid knee pain and discomfort.
Dislocations occur when the knee is suddenly and unexpectedly moved in a twisting or extending motion. A blow to the knee can cause the patella to fracture. Other common fractures around the knee include the femur and the tibia. Fractures can be caused by high-energy trauma, such as a car crash or a fall. Dislocations occur when the bones in the knee are knocked out of place.
2 – Shin Splints
While autumn brings a return to our favorite sports, this activity also increases our risk of injuries. Shin splints are one of the most common sports injuries, and they often develop after vigorous activity, especially for new athletes and sudden increases in intensity. Overuse of the body’s same parts causes overuse of the lower leg. Overuse causes pain and inflammation, and proper treatment is key to avoiding reoccurrence of shin splints.
The causes of shin splints are many, but they are typically related to overuse. The muscles and tendons of the shinbone are put under too much stress through frequent exercise, causing inflammation and pain. Overuse injuries are often the result of an abrupt change in training program or bad running shoes. As a result, the most effective treatment is to rest the area and reduce the frequency of the symptoms.
Initially, you should rest and use supportive shoes. If the pain persists, reduce the intensity of your workouts, and return to your regular exercise program gradually. Afterward, gradually increase your activity level and intensity. After two weeks, you can resume normal activities at a low intensity. Make sure you warm up before exercise and use a cold pack if you’re not sure. Also, avoid wearing tight shoes for at least one day until the pain resolves.
3 – ACL Tear
While ACL tears occur in both sexes, they tend to affect female athletes more frequently than male athletes. In sports that require high amounts of jumping or contact, female athletes are at three to five times more likely to tear their ACL than male athletes. However, even athletes who do not play contact sports are at increased risk of ACL injuries. Female athletes are often rushed to the hospital after sustaining this type of injury.
The frequency of ACL tears has increased over the past two decades, mostly because athletes have become stronger. However, the ligaments themselves are not bigger or weaker than they were twenty years ago. In fact, two-thirds of all ACL injuries occur in games. Age, gender, race, and sport are among the risk factors. Even if you have a relatively low risk, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of ACL tears.
4 – Groin Pull
A groin pull can be an acute or chronic injury. If the pain persists or if you’re unable to perform normal activities, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Usually, you can recover from this injury by stretching and strengthening exercises. If the pain is severe, however, surgery may be needed. If you’re still playing sports and want to play as soon as possible, here are some tips to prevent a groin pull:
The main cause of groin pulls is overextension of the adductor muscle. The adductor muscles pull the leg back towards the midline and control the pelvis. Often, these muscles get stretched to extreme limits during sports, such as sudden stop and turns in soccer or running. As you can see, symptoms of a groin pull tend to mimic each other, making it important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a pain.
5 – Tennis or Golf Elbow
Tennis or golf elbow is one of the most common sports injuries. This condition is typically associated with older adults, but can affect people of all ages. In fact, it is as common in men as it is in women. There is no definite cause of tennis elbow, and both men and women are equally susceptible to this injury. If you experience symptoms like pain when twisting or extending your arm, see your doctor. A diagnosis of tennis elbow requires a physical examination to rule out other causes, such as arthritis, fractured bones, and muscle damage. Electromyography may also be ordered to determine whether your pain is related to a compressed nerve.
Another cause of tennis or golf elbow is overuse. Overuse occurs when the tendon attachments undergo repeated stress. This stresses the muscle-tendon unit, causing microscopic tears in the tendon. The pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow is the result of these microscopic tears. Overuse is generally defined as a high activity level at least three times per week, lasting 30 minutes or more. Poor overall fitness can also contribute to this problem.
6 – Hamstring Strain
The hamstring muscle group consists of three muscles in the posterior thigh: biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Hamstring strains may be mild or severe, depending on the severity. Mild strains may cause minor pain and bruising, while a partial or complete tear of the hamstring muscle can result in difficulty walking and limping.
Surgical treatment for a hamstring strain is usually needed if the tendon has been completely torn. A surgeon can repair the torn tendon or reattach it to the bone, depending on the location of the tear. A patient with a hamstring strain should avoid overdoing things and returning to sports too quickly. A physical therapist can also evaluate the patient’s biomechanics to determine how to modify their running technique and strengthen their muscles to prevent future injuries.
Rehabilitation of a hamstring injury involves gradual increases in activity. The longer a person feels pain and limited range of motion after an injury, the longer it takes to heal. The goal of returning to sports is to regain full strength and range of motion in the injured hamstring. Generally, patients are advised to take a few weeks off after a hamstring injury, although this can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
Sports Injuries Summary
Sprains and strains are among the most common sports injuries. They can cause swelling and inflammation and pain with use. Strains result from overstretching a ligament or muscle. A sprain can be mild or severe, depending on its severity. The symptoms of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty applying weight to a joint. Both acute and chronic strains can be painful.
A fracture occurs when a solid bone breaks. Fractures can be oblique, spiral, or comminuted. Injuries caused by repeated stress are called stress fractures. The injury will often be visible and will require treatment. Injury-related pain and inflammation are the leading causes of pain and disability in sports. Here are some of the most common sports injuries:
Athletes can suffer a sprain by shifting directions, jumping, tackling, skating, or throwing. The symptoms of an ankle sprain can be debilitating and can keep a player out of active play for days or weeks. Stretching before physical activity is crucial to prevent injury. While this may seem like a basic concept, it is imperative that you always seek medical attention in case of any sports injury.
