Sports are one of the best physical activities you can engage in to improve your health. It is exciting, refreshing, and keeps your body active. However, it is common to get injuries while playing sports or during exercise, which may even be severe at times. Physically rigorous activities like sports put a lot of stress on our bodies and subject them to multiple types of trauma. You are more likely to get injured if you have not been physically active for a long time, haven’t done warm-ups before exercise, or played contact sports. This article lists various sports injuries and their preventive measures.
Common Types Of Sports Injuries
Shoulder Injury
It is a very common injury in most sports. You may suffer from rotator cuff tendinitis, tears, shoulder dislocations, etc.
You can avoid shoulder injury by stretching your body before starting your activity. You should take breaks or use anti-inflammatories if you suffer from this injury.
Sprains
Another common sports injury that most people face is muscle sprains. It usually occurs in sports that require running or turning. This happens when the ligaments are overextended or torn. Sprains can hurt, take longer to recover than strains, and occasionally need to be immobilised to prevent further damage.
You need to strengthen your ankles and practice pre-workouts to avoid sprains. Try moving your ankles to boost blood circulation and use anti-inflammatories to provide relief.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Avoid Pain & Injury When Starting A New Exercise Regime
Concussion
This injury typically results from a blow to the head, which can cause dizziness and disorientation, among other symptoms. It is mostly seen in sports like football, and its symptoms may range from mild to severe. Always get checked out by a spine-and-brain specialist after a head injury because sometimes, more severe symptoms may appear afterwards.
You can prevent this injury by wearing protective sports gear like helmets when playing contact sports, biking, and skateboarding. It typically treats within a week or more.
Fractures
A fracture causes a break in the bone that can result from either a brief, one-time injury to the bone or prolonged, repeated stress on the bone.
You can prevent fractures by wearing protective padding, strengthening your muscles, and practising flexibility. You should also avoid playing when you feel pain, as it may indicate a sprain or strain, eventually making your bones prone to fractures.
Also Read: Hairline Fractures: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Muscle Pull
Athletes usually experience this injury due to muscle fatigue, inflexibility, muscle weakness, and lack of warm-up exercises. When the muscle is stretched beyond its tensile load, small tears within it cause a strain. Some muscle strains people face are pulled hamstrings, strained quads, and pulled groyne muscles.
You should do warm-ups and stretch your body correctly to avoid muscle strain. You should rest, apply ice to reduce swelling and visit a therapist to relieve pain.
Takeaway
Always do warm-ups before starting any physical activity, and practice stretching and strengthening your muscles to avoid injuries. The first treatment you should opt for is taking rest, applying ice and compression, and keeping the injured area elevated. You should consult with a physical therapist to seek treatment and necessary preventive measures.
