Most Common Sport Injuries

Participating in regular exercise and sports activities helps muscles and joints perform better. Bones become stronger with constant use. When playing sports, it pays to be smart by training safely, choosing the right footwear and eating a healthy diet. Addressing early warning signs of overuse or injury will help the athlete overcome further complications.

Contusions

Muscle contusions, or bruises, occur when an object repetitively smashes muscle fibers and connective tissue. Most contusions are minor in nature. Sometimes blood accumulates in the injured area and pain, swelling and limited ability to move develop. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, recommends using the RICE formula as a way to control pain and inflammation. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. This method involves resting the injured area and using a protective device such as a sling or brace; icing the area for a minimum of 20 minutes; compressing the injury by applying a soft bandage wrap; and elevating the injured area above the level of the heart. This helps keep the swelling down.

Strains

An athlete's muscle or tendon can be strained through a simple stretch or more intense activity. Treating these injuries is similar to contusions with the RICE method being the recommended stategy. Overuse of the muscle or tendon with repetitive, long-term movement causes strains. Overweight people and those in poor physical condition are at highest risk for developing strains, notes the AAOS.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures account for one of the most common overuse injuries in sports. These occur when activity and intensity in the sport increases too fast. The AAOS states that athletes who participate in tennis, track and field, basketball and gymnastics are more susceptible in developing stress fractures. Also, females incur more stress fractures in comparison to males. Pain with activity is the No. 1 complaint with these types of fractures. Resting from sports for several weeks will improve the problem.

Stingers

Stingers commonly occur in contact sports. This stinging sensation caused in the arm happens because of damage sustained by the brachial plexus nerve that runs down the arm. For example, if a football player has his neck forcefully pulled sideways and down, this can result in damage to the brachial plexus nerve. According to the AAOS, these burning symptoms can last for a few minutes, a few hours or even days.

Concussions

Mild head injury is the No. 1 brain-related sport injury, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics website, Healthy Children. A concussion happens when there is a blow to the head and a subsequent disturbance of mental functioning. Football and wrestling account for the most head injuries sustained in sports. If a head blow is sustained while playing sports, the athlete should stop playing and rest. Most people recover fine after a minor blow to the head. A physician should be consulted, however, for any serious hits to the head.