Though there are tremendous benefits to exercising and playing sports, there are risks as well. It is possible to incur injuries such as shin splints, sprains, strains and tendinitis. To help prevent an injury, stretch and warm up before exercising or engaging in sports. If you suffer an injury on the playing field, consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Shin Splints
If you experience pain in your shin when you start physical activity, but the pain subsides during activity and returns when you rest you may have shin splints. A shin splint is an inflammation of the muscles surrounding your shin bone, the weight bearing bone in your lower leg. Shin splints are caused by abnormal movement or training errors. Wearing inappropriate shoes during sports or exercise, a quick increase in training and running on hard surfaces can also cause shin splints. If you feel you are suffering from shin splints, rest your legs, apply ice to the area and stretch your lower legs. Consult your physician if the pain continues.
Sprains
A sprain is another common sport or exercise related injury. A sprain occurs when you tear a ligament. Ligaments are bands that connect your bones and keep your joints secure. Ligaments can tear completely or partially. Excessive stretching usually is to blame for a sprain. If you fall and twist your leg, foot, arm or wrist and you experience pain and rapid swelling, you may be suffering from a sprain. If the pain is intense or accompanied by a fever higher than 100 degrees Farenheit, call a physician or go to an emergency room right away. MayoClinic.com notes that ankles and knees are the most commonly sprained areas.
Strains
Similar to a sprain, a strain involves a tear. With a strain, however, a muscle or a tendon connecting muscles suffers a tear. In some strains, the muscle or tendon is simply overextended. Treat strains with rest and ice, as well as elevating the affected area. If the strain is causing severe pain, you can't move the affected area or you have numbness or red streaks in the area, contact a physician or go to an emergency room. In some cases, surgery is required to repair torn muscles or tendons. Hamstring muscles and muscles in the lower back are commonly strained areas.
Tendinitis
At the end of every muscle is a tendon connecting the muscle to the neighboring bone. Tendons are stiff and denser than muscles, however they lack elasticity. If tendons are pulled excessively they can develop microscopic tears. These tears can become inflamed and irritated. This condition is called tendinitis. Tendinitis is common in sports that have heavily repeated motions, such as a tennis swing. Areas of the body that can be affected include, but are not limited to legs, knees, hips and wrists. If your joints seem stiff or achy or if you feel a burning sensation during or after physical activity, you may be suffering from tendinitis.
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