Being an amateur or a professional athlete, who participates in one or more sports is an important aspect of having an active and healthy lifestyle. There are a number of benefits that come with sports, namely improved heart health, respiration, muscular strength and many more. On the other hand, physical activity comes with a risk of obtaining any type of sports injury.
That being said, the risk of obtaining a sports injury should not hinder you from playing your type of sport. Making yourself aware of the most common sports-related injuries is the initial step to prevention.
Sports medicine in Boca Raton has listed 5 most common sports injuries and some ways in which you can prevent them.
Strains
Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched beyond its normal capacity. In worse cases, strains may result in a tear of the tissue, which is very painful.
Sprains
An injury that affects your ligaments and connective tissue in your joints is called a sprain. These usually occur from a sudden fall, twist or intense impact. You may not be able to feel the injury right away – at times it takes hours to notice the symptoms. A pop may be heard from which the injury occurs, this is an indication that the joint has acquired some damage.
Shoulder Impingement
A rotator cuff is a capsule that is combined with muscles and tendons to support the shoulder joint, and it allows the complex movements. In some sports, the shoulder may be overused due to frequent movements, such as extension, which can cause the shoulder to impinge on tendons resulting in inflammation.
Knee ligament tears
The knee has four ligaments, which are prone to sustaining some damage. The ligaments are: ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL. These ligaments help stabilize the knee and make it flexible. Knee ligament tears occur when the knee is twisted or exposed to a sudden impact from a strenuous activity.
Shin splints
Shin splints usually occur in the lower leg bone (tibia), the pain is caused by an inflammation of muscles, tendons, or bone tissue around the shin. This type of sports-related injury mostly happens to athletes who are runners or engage in sports that require a huge amount of running, such as soccer.
Symptoms of these sports-related injuries
- Gradual or delayed pain
- Bruising on the injury site
- Loss of motion
- Swelling of the joints
- Inability to carry heavy objects
- Greater pain when moving
- Weakness
- Muscles spasms
- Swelling
- Cramping
Prevention
- Condition your body before engaging in your sport
- One way to keep your muscles relaxed and ready for sports activity is to carry out proper stretching
- Take some breaks when tired or fatigued
- Wear proper footwear
- Eat nutritious foods
If you are experiencing any of these sports-related injuries, sports medicine in Boca Raton can help you properly treat the injury. We will help you recover from minor to severe types of injuries, so you can return to your game in the quickest time possible. Sports medicine is also designed to support athletes or weekend warrior’s overall health and wellness goals.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health