Common Sports Injuries and How They Develop

When you regularly take part in sporting activities, you’ll be reaping the benefits of improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, weight management and even better mental health. However, pushing your body to the limit doesn’t come without risks, and people who play sport often suffer from injuries. Whether it’s from a slip, trip or fall, sudden contact or something else, sports injuries can be mild, or they can have more serious consequences. 

It's a good idea to be aware of the risks and do what you can to help prevent them, or at least minimize your risk of getting hurt. Here are some of the most common sports injuries, how they develop and methods to lower the likelihood of developing them.

Strains

Strains are the most common of all sports-related injuries. There are countless muscles and tendons in our bodies and each of these could be overstretched in the event of an accident. This can cause micro-injuries that are painful and take time to heal. The most common strains are seen in the hamstrings, groin and quads. Ensuring that you warm up and cool down properly, including doing adequate stretching, can help to reduce the risk of strains.

Sprains

Sprains occur when the ligaments found in joints turn in the wrong way, causing them to hyperextend and/or tear. They can take longer to heal than strains do, and in some cases, it may be necessary to immobilize the joint to prevent further damage and improve the healing process. Sprains can affect any joint, but they are most often seen in the ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. Again, you can help to prevent sprains by ensuring that you warm up and cool down properly. If you’ve previously suffered from a sprain, you may be advised to wear a support on that joint for future sporting activities.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are extremely common in sport, largely because of the excess wear and tear placed on this complex joint. The most prevalent knee injury is called an ACL tear. ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament, which is found in the knee. Dislocations, cartilage damage and fractures are also common. Making sure to prepare ahead of your activity and paying close attention to your posture and how you move during your sport can also help reduce the risk of damage to your knee.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries occur due to repeated use of a certain joint, such as the elbow or wrist. They don’t only occur as a result of sport but can also be caused by other activities that also cause repeated motion, such as painting, woodworking or knitting. In sports, they are usually caused by actions like swinging a golf club or tennis racquet. It’s very hard to avoid repetitive strain injuries, but adequate warm ups, cool downs and regular changes of activity can lower your risk.

Plantar Fasciitis

Also known as shin splints, this common sports injury is characterized by inflammation of a tendon in the arch of your foot. This inflammation causes sharp pain whenever you try to place any weight on the foot and can make it impossible to move around, let alone take part in sports. It is most often seen in people who run, play soccer or basketball. However, it can affect anyone who does fast bursts of running. Correct stretching and regular periods of rest can prevent further damage and ease your discomfort.

Chiropractic Care for Sports Injuries

Many people who play sports either as an amateur or professional choose to make regular visits to their chiropractor. This is because chiropractors are trained specifically to identify, diagnose and treat issues affecting the musculoskeletal system, which is most affected by the majority of sport’s injuries. Chiropractic care focuses on realigning the spine so that it is in the optimal position for healing any injuries you have sustained. This is possible since when the spine is properly aligned, blood flow increases, sending nutrient and oxygen-rich blood around the body to the sites that require healing. Regular chiropractic treatments can naturally reduce pain, accelerate recovery and even help prevent future injuries.
 

If you would like more information about common sports injuries and how they develop, call The Spine Clinic at (530) 362-5555 to reach our clinic in Duffield, Virginia.