Common Injuries That Occur During Play
Several common injuries occur during play. They include knee sprains, ankle sprains, stress fractures, groin pulls, and more. In addition, a player may experience concussions, too.
Knee Injuries
The knee is a complex joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Its function is to bear weight and provide stability. However, it is also vulnerable to injuries.
Knee injuries vary in severity, requiring different treatments. Some may require surgery. But most knee injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and medications.
One of the most common knee injuries is an anterior cruciate ligament tear, which can be severe. ACL injuries are commonly seen in sports where sudden movements are required. If left untreated, this injury can cause instability and make walking difficult.
Ankle Sprains
Common ankle sprain injuries involve a torn ligament or tendon. The injury causes swelling and can lead to pain and instability. If the damage is severe, it may affect your ability to walk. It is essential to take steps to prevent ankle sprains and treat them when they occur.
An unbalanced planting of the foot often causes ankle sprains. These injuries are more common in sports than in the general population. You can also get an ankle sprain if you bump into a hard object or fall on an uneven surface. Several treatments for ankle sprains, such as topical ointment, are available at All Pro Sports Medicine and provide immediate pain relief.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Athletes and people with an active lifestyle can be at risk for Achilles tendon injuries. However, it’s also possible to injure this acromial band without any athletic background.
If you are unsure whether or not you have an Achilles tendon injury, you should visit your doctor. If you have a pop in your foot or feel pain when flexing your ankle, you may have an Achilles tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and involuntary movements.
Achilles tendon injuries can be mild or severe. Several factors can cause them. In most cases, they are the result of an overuse injury. This can be due to activities such as basketball, tennis, or track sports. Repetitive stresses or ill-fitting shoes can worsen the problem.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are injuries to the bones that occur during or after a particular activity. They typically involve the foot or lower extremity. These conditions can be caused by improper technique, training, or footwear. Symptoms may initially be subtle, but they worsen over time.
You should contact your doctor if you suspect you have a stress fracture. They can order diagnostic tests and give you a treatment plan.
Most stress fractures heal without any operative intervention. However, some may require surgery.
Concussions
Concussions are a common injury that occurs when an athlete is hit on the head. The severity of the damage depends on the angle of the hit and the force involved.
Most concussions are not life-threatening and often resolve without severe symptoms. However, they can cause problems with concentration, balance, coordination, and memory. In addition, they can also cause headaches and dizziness. If a concussion is suspected, a medical professional should be consulted.
Although concussions are often associated with sports, they can happen in any activity. The Mayo Clinic reports that 3 million people get concussions each year.
Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s knee is a common overuse injury in athletes. It occurs when the quadriceps muscle pulls on the kneecap. This overuse can lead to inflammation of the patellar tendon.
Jumper’s knee can be treated by resting, elevation and compression of the joint, and ice. Using a knee brace to support the injured area may be necessary. A doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain and swelling.
In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the patellar tendon. However, in most cases, the injury can be treated by conservative methods.
Groin Pull
A groin pull is a common injury in professional and recreational athletes. It is caused by sudden forceful movement of the front hip. Symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
Groin pull can be treated with rest and physical therapy. If the injury is too severe, surgery may be needed.
The recovery time depends on the severity of the strain and the individual’s fitness level. Some people must be out of activities for several weeks before returning to full participation.
Little Leaguer’s Elbow
Little League elbow is a painful injury to the inside of the elbow. It is caused by excessive pressure on the growth plate, which is the soft cartilage layer at the bone’s end. When a young baseball pitcher overuses his elbow, it can cause the growth plate to separate from the bone, resulting in pain.
This is one of the most common sports injuries. Baseball pitchers are particularly at risk for this disorder.
While this injury is most common in children between 8 and 15, it can also occur in younger athletes. Symptoms usually begin gradually. They may feel like a sore, aching pain when throwing. As the injury progresses, it may become more severe and cause swelling and deformity.