Published on: 19-Apr-2024
You know that injuries can happen if you play sports, whether on the court or a track. It is an unfortunate reality in any sport. Even seasoned athletes or professional players have experienced varying levels of injury. Whether it’s a minor or major injury, it is essential to have it checked. Your doctor will request some medical lab tests, depending on the type and location of the injury.
Athletic trainers and physical therapists can also diagnose and manage sports injuries. Submitting the laboratory tests and providing a medical history, regardless of who will manage your injuries, is essential. Still, prevention is better than cure. In this article, we will give some guidance on common sports injuries and tips on preventing them.
Common Injuries in Sports
Sports injuries vary from individual to individual, and the symptoms and complications can also depend on their severity. Sprains, muscle strains, torn tendons and ligaments, fractures, dislocated joints, and head injuries are among the most common injuries you can get when you play sports.
- Head Injuries. A concussion is the most common head injury that an athlete may experience. It is an injury to the brain usually caused by a collision, a blow to the head, or violent shaking. This is a traumatic brain injury and often affects a person’s cognitive functioning. You must seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you or a loved one has a concussion.
- Shoulder Injuries. A torn rotator cuff and inflammation are the most common shoulder injuries in sports. You can also experience a labral tear, which often feels like having an injured rotator cuff.
- Elbow Injuries. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) are two of the most common sports-related injuries to the elbow.
- Wrist and Fingers. The wrist is among the most broken bones in athletes. For example, if you land badly on an outstretched hand, wrist fractures can occur. Meanwhile, the most common injuries to the fingers are dislocated joints and swelling – most seen with basketball and soccer players.
- Knees and Thighs. Knee pain caused by cartilage irritation is common with athletes as well. Thigh, hamstring, quadricep, and adductor muscle injuries are common in sports like football, track and field, soccer, and basketball.
- Ankle and Foot. Sprains and plantar fasciitis are among the most common problems in these areas.
Tips on Preventing Sports-Related Injuries
Generally, the way to prevent injuries is to use proper equipment, maintain appropriate technique, and have adequate rest. You should also stretch before and after exercises. Here are some tips to prevent injuries:
- Have a fitness plan. This should include strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and flexibility training to help decrease the chances of injury. You should also alternate your exercise activities between the different muscle groups in your body.
- Stay hydrated. It is essential to drink enough water to prevent dehydration, heat stroke, or heat exhaustion.
- Do cooldowns. After every exercise, you need to cool down properly. Make sure that it’s twice as long as your warm-ups.
- Don’t skip stretching exercises. Stretching helps improve your muscle’s ability to contract and perform, reducing the risk of injury. Start stretching slowly and aim to hold each stretch for at least 20 seconds. Remember that stretching should not be painful. Seek medical assistance or a trainer’s help if you experience pain.
- Use the correct technique and equipment. Always use the appropriate gear and shoes for the sports you’re playing. Your shoes should also be able to correct specific foot problems to prevent foot injury. Make sure to learn the proper techniques to play your sport safely.
- Rest. After playing or exercising or just when you’re feeling tired, make sure to listen to your body and rest.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Sometimes, an injury is unnoticeable, so athletes and players continue to play through those injuries, which will only worsen if you think the pain is not going away. See a doctor or physical therapist. Some signs that you need to seek professional help are:
- Having difficulty using an injured body part or placing weight on them – like walking or lifting arms
- Swelling or deformity of the injured area
- Joints have limited mobility
- Bleeding
- Having signs of infections like fevers, sweats, and chills
- Headaches, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness
How Are Sports-Related Injuries Treated?
Your injury treatment plan depends on the severity and location of the injury. A head injury will need more care, possibly hospitalization. However, in general, controlling inflammation is the most common initial treatment.
Remember RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). If you’ve been injured, you must stop all activity and rest. For injuries with swelling and inflammation, icing the injured areas will provide relief. The ice will also alleviate pain and discomfort. A compression bandage on the wounded area will also help; wrap it correctly and not too tight to avoid blood flow constriction. Elevating the injured hands or legs is sometimes necessary to reduce swelling or inflammation.