Sports injuries are very common in people who are involved in physical activities like sports and exercise. Sports injury is seen in people of all age groups. Mostly youngsters are seen suffering with sports injuries. Sports injuries are curable and preventable if taken good care while playing and exercising.
There are two types of sports injuries: acute and chronic. Injuries like sprained ankle come under acute injury. Acute injuries occur suddenly. Repeated overuse of muscle and joints can lead to chronic injury.
Types of sports injury
The most common sports injuries include:
- Ankle sprain – The most common types of ankle sprain occurs on the lateral or outside part of the ankle. Ankle sprain is common in people of all age groups. Ankle sprain can happen either while doing exercise or while doing any daily household activities. The common symptoms of sports injuries include pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Concussion – It is a mild reversible brain injury caused from a blow to the head, which may be associated with loss of consciousness. The common symptoms include headache, dizziness and short term memory loss.
- Cuts and abrasions – Cuts and abrasions are very common among kids as it is usually caused by falls. Knees and hands are particularly prone to cuts and abrasions.
- Groin strain – Groin strain is caused by putting stress on muscles in your groin and thigh. Groin strain generally results in tear or rupture of an adductor muscles. The common symptoms of groin strain include pain and swelling.
- Knee joint injuries – Knee joint injuries generally affects the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. Injuries caused in knee joints show visible symptoms. The common symptoms include swelling, pain and stiffness.
- Nose injuries – Nose injuries occur due to sudden fall and when you get hit by a heavy object on the nose. Nose injuries lead to nose bleeding.
- Stress fractures – Repeated jumping or running on hard surfaces can crack the bone. Stress fracture is seen particularly in lower limbs.
- Bruises – Bruises are common in children and teenagers who are involved in sports and other physical activities. Bruises do not lead to severe bleeding and can be healed easily.
- Dental damage – Dental damage is not that common when compared to other sports injuries. Dental damage may result in cracks or dislodging the teeth.
- Hamstring injury – Hamstring injuries are common in athletes and it can be more painful. Runners, skaters, and soccer, basketball players are more pro to hamstring injuries.
First-Aid tips
The following first aid tips can be followed soon after meeting the sport injury.
- Rest for 48-72 hours that helps in relaxing your muscles and gives support to the injured area.
- Use ice packs on the injured areas for every two hours.
- Use a firm elastic bandage in case of sprain.
- In case of nose bleeding, sit with your head leaning forward. Try to breathe through your mouth and hold the nose for at least 10 minutes.
- Do not massage as massage increases swelling and bleeding.
Prevention of sports injuries
If you are an athlete you can reduce the risk of sports injuries by following these tips.
- Warm up sessions are must. Before beginning heavy weight lifting, running or any other sport you need to train your body with the warm up sessions.
- Wearing comfortable and sports footwear helps in reducing the risk of injury while playing and other work out sessions.
- Safety gear like mouth guards, helmet and pads can be used to protect you from injury.
- Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration. You need to drink water before and after the games.
- Stop exerting yourself beyond the level of fitness.
- Have regular medical check-ups to avoid any complications.
Atefa Noorain
Connect with Atefa NoorainAtefa Noorain, (Microbiologist) former Head of the Department of Life Sciences, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Sujatha Degree College for Women. She worked as an Associate Research Analyst at Thomson Reuters and an Associate Editor of two research journals. She has presented her research work in 3 International Conferences. She has written articles for national journals and international journals. She had been felicitated as a Young Speaker in the last conference. She has worked on Nanoparticles as a part of her research project and won the Best Scientist of the Day award.
