Sports are recreational activities with essential benefits to our overall health. Participating in sports facilitates blood flow, burns calories, and helps in weight management. However, even with all the benefits, it still poses serious risks. Participants may trip and injure themselves in the process. Facing a threat does not prevent people from engaging in sports activities. Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado practices sports medicine in Colorado Springs to treat patients and get them back on their feet. Book an appointment online today.
Below are the most common injuries likely to affect people in sports:
Sprains
Sprain injuries occur when ligaments pull and tear when they turn the wrong way. Ligaments are tissues that connect one bone to another. They are some of the top injuries common in athletes. Sprains are very painful, require rest to prevent further damage, and take longer to heal. Some people suffer from sprains in practice and warm-ups when they stretch more than they should. Doctors recommend that those with a history of such injuries should wear braces when playing to prevent recurrent injuries.
Strains
Sprains affect ligaments, while strains affect muscles. They are also very common among athletes during exercises or in actual games. Strains mostly occur when moving parts stretch more than they should, leaving the victim in excruciating pain. The most known strain injuries include hamstrings and strained quads. Players are advised to stretch and warm up adequately before engaging in strenuous activity.
Fractures
Substantial impacts on players during games can sometimes result in fractures that take very long to heal completely. Fractures mostly affect the arms and feet and can be very painful. Players should wear pads in workouts and games to protect muscles against forceful impacts. Also, players should not engage in activities if they have existing pain as some sprains could advance to fractures.
Knee injuries
Knees can be said to be the most useful joints in sports. They also wear out and endure a lot of impacts, making them very complicated. Most common knee injuries include cartilage tears, fractures, and dislocation. Some knee injuries can be very severe that they require surgery immediately to correct. Like in all the other injuries, players should warm up adequately before games.
Back injuries
A human being’s back endures a lot of stress during any activity. The stress may accumulate over time to cause injuries or dislocation of back discs. In severe cases, back problems could keep players off the field for a very long time. Depending on the condition of the injury, doctors will use the best treatment option. To keep muscles healthy, it is essential to exercise them and maintain a proper healthy diet.
Concussion
A concussion occurs when the head suffers a severe blow that damages tissues of the brain. They are common in contact sports such as football and could range from mild to more serious issues. Mild ones should heal on their own, while the severe ones require medical attention.
Injuries are inevitable as long as you are engaging in sports. The most important thing is not to resume practice before the symptoms have completely gone away. Doctors evaluate the condition to know the right treatment to use. Book an appointment today with Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado advanced surgical and invasive treatments.
They are some of the top injuries common in athletes. Sprains are very painful, require rest to prevent further damage, and take longer to heal. Some people suffer from sprains in practice and warm-ups when they stretch more than they should. Doctors recommend that those with a history of such injuries should wear braces when playing to prevent recurrent injuries.
