The 10 Most Common Sports Injuries
When you’re trying to stay fit and healthy, the last thing you need is an injury. But sports injuries are common and can affect anybody, regardless of their level of fitness. The chance and severity of many of these injuries can be lessened by warming up properly beforehand, so make sure you stretch prior to exercise.
This blog reveals the 10 most common sports injuries and how they occur. For personalised advice regarding treatment, contact the Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports clinic team today.
Fractures
A fracture is another term for a broken bone. Fractures tend to occur most often in contact sports such as rugby league, AFL, boxing, and martial arts, but aren’t limited to just contact sports. Landing the wrong way after jumping is another way bones can break. Any fracture needs to be assessed by a medical professional.
Sprains
Sprains are when a ligament— the tissue that connects bone to bone— is pulled or teared. This usually happens in a joint like an ankle, knee, wrist, or elbow. The sprain can be mild or severe, and in more severe cases you may not be able to put any weight on the affected area.
Strains
Strains are caused by overextending the muscle, leading it to stretch or tear. These commonly occur in hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, and groins. Strains are usually minor and will heal with rest.
Knee Injuries
While most common in sports involving jumping or knee bending, knees take a lot of impact during most sporting activities. Sometimes referred to as runner’s knee, patellofemoral syndrome is the name for pain around the kneecap whether it is caused by running or another sport. You may feel a grinding sensation when bending your knee or experience swelling.
ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is in the knee and connects to the leg bone. ACL injuries happen most frequently in sports involving sudden changes in movement, jumping, and stopping and starting. You may hear a popping sound or joint swelling in addition to pain and knee instability.
Shin Splints
Most common in runners and basketball players, shin splints is a term meaning pain at the front of your lower leg. This happens after repeated stress to the area which can happen as easily as walking. The pain typically goes away after rest.
Tennis Elbow
While the name may throw you off, tennis elbow is a term for any injury to the elbow caused by repeated movement and overuse. This happens in golfers as well as tennis players, and causes pain to the outer elbow.
Dislocation
Dislocations happen when two connected bones slip out of a joint and commonly occurs in knees and elbows. This type of injury tends to be more common in contact sports such as soccer and basketball, and requires medical attention to put the bones back in place.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is the tissue in the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. After doing a lot of running or jumping this tissue can be damaged, causing plantar fasciitis. This typically causes sharp pain when taking a step, and can often be prevented by wearing supportive footwear.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury and should always be assessed by a medical professional. A knock to the head causing a concussion will often result in dizziness, balance problems, and headache. Even if you receive a blow to the head and don’t experience these symptoms, seek medical advice as sometimes the symptoms may be delayed.
Access Quality Treatment for Sports Injuries
If you’re experiencing any of these, or another sports injury, the team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic is here to assist in your recovery.
We service the Northern Districts area from our physiotherapy and sports clinic in West Ryde, and provide an assessment to determine the best course of treatment for you. For further information or to book an appointment with one of our experienced therapists, call (02) 9874 8410 or click the button below to book online.
