With growing concern about the impact of sports injuries on long-term health, organizations across America have implemented injury prevention campaigns. These injuries can result from an accident or be caused by poor performance of warm-up exercises, improper equipment or overall lack of conditioning, notes the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, or NIAMS.
Most Common Sports Injuries
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, sprains and strains are the most common sports injuries. A sprain is a tear or stretch in a ligament, the band of connective tissue that keeps one end of the bone connected to the end of another bone. Sprains happen due to a blow or fall to the body in which the joint is knocked out of position; degrees vary from a simple stretch to a complete tear of the ligament. A strain is injury to the muscle or tendon. Strains are caused by overuse or repeating motions on the muscles and tendons.
A break to the bone occurs from a one-time injury or from repeated stress placed on the bone. Stress fractures happen most frequently in the feet and legs and occur on a regular basis in those sports that involve repetitive high-impact motion such as running.
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. According to the AAOS, it is the most frequently ruptured tendon. Achilles tendinitis occurs due to overuse and inflammation that develops at the tendon. The AAOS cites a rapid increase in the amount of running or speed and starting up too fast from a period of inactivity as two causes.
Dislocations are another common injury. When two bones that normally come together are separated, the joint is dislocated. Dislocations commonly occur in basketball and football, notes the NIAMS.
Treating Sports Injuries
Some injuries can be treated at home while others need immediate medical attention. If mild pain and inflammation symptoms exist, initial treatment should consist of the RICE formula; rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest the area, apply ice for a minimum of 20 minutes, compress the area with a soft bandage or wrap and elevate the injury above the level of the heart.
NIAMS notes that at the time of injury, chemicals are released from the damaged area, causing inflammation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen are recommended for pain and swelling reduction. If the injury is severe, surgery may be necessary.
Preventing Sports Injuries
There are things that can be done at all ages to help prevent injuries; playing smart and by the rules is one strategy. Using appropriate-size athletic gear and gradually increasing warm-up exercises and other athletic activities will help keep an athlete safe.
Acute vs. Chronic Sports Injuries
Acute injuries, which are sudden in nature, include a sprained ankles or fractured hands. Immediate pain, uncomfortable tenderness and swelling develop along with the inability to fully move the joint. Chronic injuries originate with repeated use or overuse of an area of the body. Swelling at the site, a dull ache at rest and pain when performing sports or exercise may be experienced, notes the NIAMS.
High Risk Groups
According to the NIAMS, children and adolescents, women and middle-aged athletes are at greatest risk for injury. Children play a large number of sports and sometimes they over-extend themselves, causing injury. Adults don't always consider they are not as flexible as they were when younger, thereby predisposing them to injury. The NIAMS reports women condition less than men, putting them at risk as well.
Member Comments