Top 10 Most Common Sports Injuries

Playing sports can be exciting but there are always chances of getting injured. It is important for athletes and sports enthusiasts to know about the most common sports injuries. It will help them know about the causes, treatment and recovery for the injury. Here are the top 10 most common sports injuries, we see at our clinic:

1. Concussion

One of the most common sports injuries is a concussion. It is defined as an injury to the brain; with often a blow to the head being the cause of a concussion. It is a serious injury which requires immediate care. A doctor or physiotherapist will help treat a concussion.  Symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, headache, sensitivity to light, nausea, confusion and a delay in response to questions.

2. Hip Flexor Strain

Hip flexors are muscles which are found on your upper-front of the thigh. They help lift your knee toward your trunk and assist you with leg movement. Individuals who sit a lot would experience weak hip flexors. A poor sitting posture is another likely cause. Running, sprinting and activities that require quick turns are the main cause of the sports injury.

A symptom of hip flexor strain is pain when you raise the leg. You would also notice a mark in your hip or groin area. The best way to treat it by icing and rest, it should take 3 days to recovery.

3. Groin Pull

A groin pull is more common than one might think and also often referred to as groin strain. The job of groin muscles is to pull your legs together. Lack of flexibility and side-to-side movements are the main causes for the injury.  You might experience pain trying to fit into the car or coming out as well as bruising in the groin area. Icing and rest are recommended for recovery.

4. ACL Strain or Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament is the main stabilising ligament of the knee. An ACL strain is one of the most common sports injuries. Common symptoms include instability while turning or walking. Rest and ice can be used to recover the scar tissue of the ligament.

5. Patellofemoral Syndrome

Knee injuries are the most common sports injuries. Patellofemoral is the most common knee injury. When you slip or fall on your knees, it might lead a muscle imbalance or swelling of the knee joint. Rest and ice is necessary to heal the knee injury pain.

6. Sciatica

Sciatica is back pain which travels all the way down to your legs and even to your feet. The pain caused by sciatica can also lead to a burning, tingling and numbness feeling down your leg. It is caused by a bulging disc. Lying on your stomach, stretching your back and hamstrings, and rest can help relieve you of the pain. If the pain continues, then it is advised to make an appointment with a physiotherapist.

7. Shin Splints

Shin splints cause pain in the lower leg bone. Runners or athletes that run a lot experience shin splints. Rest, icing and a gradual increase in running activities help treat shin splints and even prevent them. Make sure to buy shoes which have a good arch support to reduce any pain and help with the recovery.

8. Hamstring Strain

A pulled hamstring causes strain. A common early treatment method is rest and icing. Physiotherapy might be needed if the pain persists after 2 weeks.

9. Golf or Tennis Elbow

It is caused by gripping activities. When you repetitively do a certain action, it leads to pain in your hands or wrists. Once again, icing and rest will help you recover. Anti-inflammatory medication can also be taken.

10. Shoulder Injury

Dislocations, strains on muscles, misalignments or sprains of ligaments are common shoulder injuries. The shoulder is the weakest joint. It is also most prone to injuries. Hence, if you experience a shoulder injury, rest and icing will help. If the pain persists, then you will need to make an appointment with a physiotherapist.

If you’d like to know more about these, or any other conditions, call NDPE 02 9874 8410 and book an appointment.