Injuries are often simply a part of life. While one can get injured fairly easily walking down the street, it’s far more likely that one will sustain an injury during the course of exercise. While being active is always a good way to ensure one’s health, it is also the root cause of some of the most common injuries in the world.
Common sports injuries tend to be looked down upon for being simple, but the truth is that ignoring them can be dangerous. These injuries are common not because they are easy to deal with, but rather because they happen so often. There are certain motions undertaken during the playing of sports that make specific injuries far more likely to occur during the course of play than in other circumstances. Even then, these injuries can occur in daily life and are often just as severe – and may even have more dire consequences for those who are not in good physical shape.
The most common sports injuries range from what might be considered minor nuisances to career-ending problems. Each of these injuries can present as a simple problem, but most have more severe variations that require the help of a doctor. Understanding what causes these injuries and how they present is a good first step to determining whether or not you need medical help. At the very least, understanding exactly how common these injuries are can help anyone to have a good idea to expect when they are in pain. Below are six of the more common sports injuries.
1. Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are remarkably common. Most individuals will suffer from a sprain in their lifetimes, and in most cases, they are not terribly severe. In most cases, ankle sprains are caused by rapid shifting movement that occurs when the foot is otherwise planted. While you can often receive a sprain when you participate in sporting events, it’s not uncommon to suffer a sprain after tripping or even after an uncertainly-placed step.
Sprains happen when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle stretch farther than intended. In some severe cases, these ligaments can even tear. Pain and swelling start almost immediately, but there are some easily identified differences between normal sprains and those that need medical attention. When a strain isn’t severe, it’s possible – albeit painful – to keep walking. If a pain is more severe, your ankle might feel a bit wobbly and it might not be possible to walk steadily. It’s also common in severe sprains to feel something tear, often with an audible pop or snap. If that occurs, it’s usually a good idea to visit a physician to make sure that you aren’t dealing with something more severe.
2. Groin Pull
Few phrases are more immediately wince-inducing than the words groin pull. Another common injury suffered by active individuals, a groin pull tends to occur when one puts too much stress on the muscles of the groin region. These pulls can be incredibly painful, often identifiable by pain in the groin and by pain when moving the legs.
There are three different degrees of groin pull. The first two tend to be treated with icing, anti-inflammatory medication, and rest. The third degree, though, can be much more severe. Severe pain, coupled with a loss of strength, might be indicative of a muscle tear and could require the help of a physician.
3. Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries of the leg. A typical injury among runners, it’s often the result of over-training or poor running technique. It’s also common among basketball players and tennis players, especially when they play outdoor areas that are improperly maintained.
Hamstring strain is generally diagnosed after a sudden and intense pain in that region. Mild injuries can lead to pain, while moderate injuries might make it difficult to walk. The most severe injuries, though, can be indicative of a muscle tear and thus tend to require physiotherapy treatment in order to avoid re-injuring the area.
4. Shin Splints
Shin splints are interesting, at least from a medical perspective. They have little to do with the shins themselves, but rather refer to pain felt around the inner edge of the tibia. Shin splits almost always occur after vigorous exercise and can be a symptom of overtraining.
Shin splints don’t carry with them any particular danger, but it might be necessary to visit a physician if the problem doesn’t go away with rest. The same issues that indicate shin splints can also be indicative of a stress fracture, which can be much more problematic. Likewise, the same pain can be indicative of tendinitis, which tends to require more help.
5. ACL Tear
The ACL tear is perhaps the best confirmation that common injuries are not necessarily injuries that can be taken lightly. ACL tears have been the end of many athletic careers and they are quite common in athletes. The ACL is one of the four main ligaments within the knee and its injury is often caused by uncommon or out-of-control movements during the course of play.
The major issue surrounding an ACL tear is severity. While a minor ACL injury can be treated with rest and anti-inflammatories, a more severe tear may require surgery. This can be the kind of life-changing injury that really does require medical attention.
6. Tennis Elbow
Contrary to the name’s suggestion, tennis elbow often occurs in individuals who have never been anywhere near a tennis racket. Instead, the injury is often caused by repetitive stress on the wrist and arm. In fact, this is actually a rather common industrial injury, as the repeated motions that cause tennis elbow are often performed by those in the construction industry.
The good news is that most cases of tennis elbow get better on their own. If rest and anti-inflammatories don’t help, though, you may have to go through physical therapy in order to regain the full range of movement in your arm.
