Whether you are a professional athlete or just playing a sport for fun, there is always the possibility of injury. Sports are physically exhausting and can lead to injury even if you are in good health.
Sports injuries are common and can occur anywhere on the body to bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures. Most minor injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and pain relievers. However, some injuries may require treatment such as immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery.
Strains are the most common type of sports injury because most sports involve a large number of muscles and tendons. Tension occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn.
Tendons are connecting fibers that connect muscles and bones. Tension or twisting of these tissues can cause pain, spasms, swelling, or difficulty moving the affected body part. Tight muscles in the back and hamstrings are also common.
Sprains are also very common, mainly in sports that involve rapid twisting. Sprains occur when ligaments, the connective tissue that connects bones at a joint, stretch or tear. If the belt rotates in the opposite direction, it may be pulled or broken.
The pain associated with a sprain is severe and takes longer to heal than a strain. In some cases, immobilization is needed to prevent further damage.
Tennis elbow is a type of repetitive strain injury caused by excessive strain on the elbow ligaments. This type of sports injury is quite common in tennis and golf.
The best way to prevent tennis elbow is to do stretching exercises and take frequent breaks between movements.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the joint of shoulder. It holds the head of the humerus firmly in the shallow shoulder socket, providing movement and stability for the shoulder.
Injuries to this area are common in sports that require repetitive motion, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball. Swelling of the shoulder, discomfort when raising the arm, and pain when reaching behind the back are common symptoms.
Knee injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating, and in severe cases require surgical intervention. Warm-up exercises, stretching exercises, and the use of appropriate padding and support can help reduce an athlete's risk of knee injury.
Because the knee is a complex joint and is exposed to significant forces and wear during most sporting activities, a separate category of potential injuries exists.
Almost all sports place stress on the back and spine. This strain can cause inflammation in the vertebrae and back muscles, which can lead to disc damage and upper back or lower back discomfort.
Treatments for sports-related back pain can range from rest and physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity.
Shin splints are injuries to the muscles, tendons, or muscles around the tibia or shin bone caused by repetitive stress or high-impact movements associated with sprinting, dodging, or sudden stops and starts and other tissue inflammation. This type of injury is common in runners, soccer players, and basketball players.
Proper stretching, wearing good footwear, and regular rest are the most effective preventive measures.
A dislocation occurs when the end of a bone moves. Football and basketball are the sports that often cause this type of injury. Severe pain, swelling, and inability to move the affected limb are the common symptoms.
Contact sports can cause fractures most commonly in arms, legs, and feet. This is a more serious type of sports injury that requires immobilization for several weeks and may require surgery.
