3 Most Common Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Taking part in one or more sports is an important component of leading a healthy, active lifestyle that has many benefits, including being beneficial for the heart, and the lungs, the development and maintenance of strong muscles, etc. Anyone who has ever done any form of athletic activity can expect to have experienced at least one injury. Sports may be hard on the body, forcing us to deal with a wide range of stress and injuries.

There is a wide variety of commonly experienced sports injuries. Even if you exercise regularly and eat healthily, the probability of getting hurt is high. Injuries from exercise and sports activities are common. These injuries are more common in children, but anyone might suffer from them.

You are at a higher risk for sports injuries if you fail to adequately warm up before exercise, engage in contact sports, and have no history of regular physical activity

3 Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them1-4

  1. Fracture and Dislocation: Bone fractures (most commonly in the arms, legs, and feet) are common in high-impact and high-contact sports and can be excruciatingly painful, need weeks of immobilisation, and in rare cases necessitate surgical intervention. Most intense and/or contact sports come with an increased risk of fractures, however, this risk can be mitigated by taking precautions such as wearing protective gear, getting warmed up, working out to maintain muscular strength and flexibility, perfecting one's technique, etc. Furthermore, you shouldn't "play through the pain," as the discomfort may indicate a sprain or strain that, if left untreated, might lead to a bone fracture.

    Bone ends might be dislodged from their normal positions if you suffer an injury to a joint. A fall or hit, sometimes sustained while engaging in a contact sport, is usually to blame. The ankle, knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and mouth are all vulnerable to dislocation. Joints in your fingers and toes are also vulnerable to dislocation. It is common for dislocated joints to be swollen, painful, and obviously out of place. It's possible that you won't be able to shift it.
  2. Knee injuries: Due to the knee's complexity and the fact that it takes a lot of punishment during most types of athletic play, it has its own subset of potential injuries. An incorrect technique, lack of conditioning, or lack of flexibility are common causes of a knee injury. Knee injuries may be more common in those who have certain foot types, such as those who have foot problems or high arches. Anterior cruciate ligament tears, dislocations, and fractures are all quite common among athletes. Knee injuries are notoriously painful and often disabling, necessitating medical intervention. Additionally, performing warm-ups, stretches, and maintaining excellent posture, in addition to wearing the appropriate cushioning and bracing, can help lower the risk of sustaining a knee injury. Knee injuries can occur as a result of an abrupt change in mobility, similar to how sprains and strains do. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
  3. Sprains and Strains: Since we engage so many tendons and muscles when we work out or play sports, strains are without a doubt the most prevalent of all ailments associated with these activities. All of these flexible parts can be ripped, injured, and made uncomfortable by extending beyond their limits or movement in ways they shouldn't. Hamstring strains, groyne strains, and quadriceps strains are the most common types of muscular injuries. The vast majority of strains are of the mild variety and can be remedied by simply resting. Warming up and stretching before participating in a strenuous activity is the greatest strategy to lessen the possibility of muscle and tendon strain.

    When ligaments are strained, it feels similar to when a muscle is strained. Bones are joined by ligaments, which are connective tissues. These ligaments are vulnerable to tearing if they twist in the wrong direction. Among athletes, sprains of the ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, etc., are among the most common injuries. A sprain may be more uncomfortable than a strain and take longer to recover, and it may be necessary to immobilise the affected area to prevent further damage. Sprains can be avoided through proper warm-ups and stretch before a workout, as well as through consistent work on one's sport-specific technique. If you have a history of reinjuring a particular joint—the ankle or knee, for example—it is wise to wear a brace to protect that area while you play.

    4. Reference:

    1. Care, A. U. 10 Common Sports Injuries: Prevention and Treatment. Amory Urgent Care Learn more (2018).
    2. Sports Injuries. Learn more.
    3. Sports Injuries: Types, Treatments, Prevention, and More. Learn more.
    4. The 5 Most Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them. Learn more.