Sports injuries occur during athletic activities and exercises. These injuries occur in both teenagers or kids and adults as long as involved in any sports activity. The various or commonest sports injuries include;

• Groin Pull

• Ankle Sprain

• Shin Splints

• ACL Tear (Knee Injury)

• Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis)

• Hamstring Strain

• Knee Injury

Generally, sports injuries are divided into two categories;

• Traumatic Injuries

• Soft Tissue Injuries

Though rare, brain injuries are also involved in sports and it’s a major cause of death among the athletes. Sports injuries may range from simple to major exerting various symptoms such as stiffness, bleeding, numbness, and tingling. Mainly, the vascular and nervous systems are the major victims of sports injuries

Whereas these are major concerns in the athletic sphere, physical and emotional stress associated with their performance and demands can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.

1. Sprains & Strains

Sprains are injuries that occur to the ligament (the tough bands that connect bones in a joint). Strains or Pulled muscles are injuries that occur in the muscle fibers and tendons, which connect muscles to bones.

Prevention of Sprains & Strains

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Always have a balanced diet

• Avoid training when tired

• Warm-up and stretch before exercising

Sprains & Strains Treatment

Focusing on the location of the injury is the first approach to treating sprains and strains. You may experience tenderness and pain. Visit a physical therapist or an orthopaedic doctor to recommend the right exercises as you get better. An X-ray may be necessary and medications to control pain

2. Groin Pull

It is a common injury in footballers, hockey, and baseball players described as a tear to the adductor muscles of the thigh.

Prevention of a Groin Pull

• Warm-up before engaging in the actual practice

• Keep up your fitness by going to the gym

• Exercise regularly

• Increase exercise levels gradually

• Take a lot of water

Groin Pull Treatment

Immediate treatment includes rest, using ice compressions and see a doctor as soon as you can

3. Shin Splints

A Shin Splint refers to an injury to the tibia. Specifically, they are microtears that occur in the bone and muscle

Prevention of Shin Splints

• Toe Raises

• Consider soft playing grounds or running surfaces

• Get enough rest

• Increase your exercising energy gradually

• Use fitting shoes

Shin Splints Treatment

Rest, use ice compressions, over-the-counter drugs, and in case worsens, see a doctor

4. ACL Tear

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries are common injuries among players that occur in the knees. Partial or complete tears are possible

Prevention of ACL Tears

• Stretch before exercising

• Wear a knee brace during risky games

• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes

• Limit twisting levels during the games

• Avoid motions that may exert much stress on the knee

Treatment of ACL Tears

ACL injury treatment varies from one individual to another, mainly depending on the extent of the damage. Surgery may be considered in the case of extensive damage, whereas non-surgical treatments like bracing and physical therapy can be considered

5. Hamstring Strain

The hamstring is formed by three muscles in the back of the thigh. These injuries may re-occur since it may be difficult for an individual to take enough rest from the sports activities

Prevention of Hamstring Injuries

• Get enough warm-up

• Keep up the training programs

• Increase exercises gradually

• Rest in case of tenderness or tightness

• Maintain a balanced diet

Treatment of Hamstring Injuries

Treatments depend on the severity of the tear, and RICE is the immediate treatment while surgical approaches can take course at last

6. Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis)

Occurs due to repetitive stress or over-use of the arm. It commonly occurs in tennis players, though even other athletes are at risk

Prevention of Tennis Elbow

• Stretch your arm muscles before sports

• Warm-up before exercises

• Maintain a proper weight

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, rest, physical therapy, braces, and injections can treat epicondylitis. Surgical approaches such as an arthroscopic surgery can also treat it.

7. Knee Injury

Knee injuries can also occur accidentally in normal life. They result in pain, stiffness, and numbness. Injuries include fractures, dislocation, ACL, PCL, and Meniscal Tears.

Prevention

• Regular Exercises

• Maintaining a normal weight

• Warming up before exercising

Treatment of Knee Injuries

Surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches can be utilized to treat knee injuries