Common Sports Injuries: Prevention and Treatment
Sports injuries are not just for athletes. After a week at the desk, even weekend golf can cause injuries. And treating and preventing sports injuries can often become difficult.
So, what are the seven most common sports injuries and what should you look out for?
Most common Sports Injuries
- Groin pull
- Ankle sprain
- Hamstring strain
- Shin splints
- ACL tear (knee injury)
- Tennis elbow
Knee injury (patellofemoral syndrome) – This occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thigh bone repeatedly.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent these injuries. You can learn how to treat them too.
Strains and Sprains
Sprains and strains are the most common sports injuries. Sprains are injuries to ligaments, and ligament bands connect joints to bones. Stretching them past their limit causes tearing. When sprains occur, it injures the muscle fibers and tendons. And these attach muscles to the bones. However, overusing a muscle stretches and will tear the fibers.
Ligaments, muscle fibers, and tendons are like springs. They can lengthen to accommodate movement. But they should return to normal. However, when they are overstretched, they are pulled out of their normal range. Therefore, causing tears and pain.
Preventing Sports Injuries
In some cases, prevention is out of your control. Although, most of the time, you can prevent sports injuries. Though being improperly conditioned is a common mistake. And by being regularly active, you reduce the risk of injuries and are in better overall health.
Workouts need to start with gentle warmups. All medical professionals and trainers advise this. Warming up increases blood flow and flexibility, which your body needs for the upcoming activity. And before you start being active is always important.
Overuse is another common cause of sports injuries. You want to lightly work the muscles that will be active. The more conditioning you do, the less risk of injury you have. Do not just jump right into hitting the ball 100 times. Or running the marathon. Do some pre-participation training the weeks before your activity.
You also need to know when it is time to quit. If you are fatigued, you need to stop. Muscle fatigue lessens the protective mechanisms in your body. This increases the risk of injury. So, recognize when you need to stop and rest or quit for the day.
Treating Sports Injuries
Most sports injuries are mild or moderate. There is some damage, but it can be treated. The PRICE method is the best way to treat these injuries. If anything is broken or out of place, medical attention is needed. But, for mild sports injuries, this method will work. Some injuries can take a few months to properly heal. More severe injuries may require surgery.
The PRICE Method
Swelling is a normal response to injury. If this becomes excessive, though, it can restrict movement. Additionally, it can also impair healing. The PRICE method is vital to reduce swelling.
P ~ protect from further injury. You can use a pad, splint, or crutches depending on severity.
R ~ restrict activity. Limit activity for the injured area.
I ~ ice therapy should be applied immediately after the injury. Ice reduces inflammation and swelling. Use an ice pack for 20 minutes every 2 hours for the first 2 days.
C ~ compression with an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling.
E ~ elevate the injured area above the heart. This also reduces swelling.
You can also use over-the-counter medications. These can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. If this therapy does not help or pain gets worse, see your doctor.
If you are looking for a top orthopedic who treats sports injuries, call us at 888-409-8006. Our award-winning specialists are here to help!
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