Sports are fun and a healthy way to stay physically fit. However, athletes are susceptible to many injuries; these can be acute or chronic and may range from sprains, dislocations, concussions, etc. Sports injuries are not limited to athletes but can happen to any active individual. When these happen, it’s advisable to seek prompt medical attention. Treatment depends on the type and extent of injury, and some may require help from an orthopedic surgeon.
Here are common sports injuries that you should know
- Bone fractures
Bone fractures are common among individuals who participate in sports involving high-impact movements or contact. These may include minor stress fractures or more severe complete fractures.
There are various types of bone fractures; these are;
- Stress fractures:Stress fractures are tiny cracks that result from repetitive stress. They are common among people who participate in sports like basketball and gymnastics.
- Closed fractures: In closed fractures, the bone breaks but does not puncture the skin.
- Open fractures:The bone breaks and protrudes through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Avulsion fractures:In these fractures, the tendons or ligaments pull a small piece of bone away from the main bone.
- Greenstick fractures:The bone partially breaks or bends.
- Knee injuries
Knee injuries may occur due to improper training, inadequate warm-up, and collisions with other athletes. The common knee injuries include;
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: ACL tears are prevalent in sports requiring rapid deceleration, pivoting, or sudden stops and starts. They result from a non-contact twisting knee motion and can lead to significant instability.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears:MCL tears result from a direct blow to the outer knee and can be sprains or mild tears. You can incur such injuries when engaging in sports like football.
- Meniscus tears:The meniscus is a cartilage structure that plays the role of a shock absorber in the knee joint. You can suffer a meniscus after sudden twisting or hyperextension movements.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)- The condition results in pain around the front of the knee.
- 3.Tendon tears& sprains
Tendon tears and sprains are common among athletes participating in sports that require repetitive or intense movements. Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect or attach muscles to bones. They play a vital role in transmitting forces and allowing smooth joint movement. However, they are prone to injury, especially when subjected to excessive stress or trauma.
Tendon tears are common types of tendon injuries and occur due to overuse, degeneration, or a sudden traumatic event. In more severe cases, tendons can rupture, resulting in significant disability and need for surgery. Common tendon tears include Achilles, rotator cuff tears, patellar tendon tears, tendonitis, etc.
- Concussions
Concussions are a common concern among athletes and can cause long-term health complications. They are mild traumatic brain injuries that occur when your head is subjected to sudden impact.
Concussions are common among individuals who engage in high-impact sports. These may include football, rugby, ice hockey, soccer, and boxing. Concussions may happen after collisions with other players, falls, or after being hit by a ball.
The symptoms of a concussion include; dizziness, headache, nausea, memory problems, slurred speech, drowsiness, etc.
In summary, sports injuries can happen to anyone and require prompt medical attention. Some may not exhibit severe signs at first, but they may affect your life significantly. Therefore, consult an orthopedic surgeon for further examination if you notice any signs of the mentioned injuries.
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