Some sports problems are acute injuries, the result of a sudden event that causes very noticeable symptoms.
This article discusses common types of sports injuries and how they happen.
It also covers how sports injuries are diagnosed and treated.
Watch Now: How to Treat a Sports Injury with R.I.C.E.
Here is a closer look at common injuries for different parts of the body.
Shoulder
The most common source ofshoulder painis the rotator cuff area.
Wrist
Wrist fractures are among the most common broken bones in athletes.
Finger
Sports-relatedfinger injuriesinclude fractures, dislocation of finger joints, and tendon injuries.
They are especially common in ball sports like basketball and soccer.
Back
Low-back muscle strainsare by far the most common back injuries in athletes (or non-athletes).
While less typical spine problems should be considered, lumbar strains are by far the most common of them.
The injury pops up if the muscle is stretched beyond its limit, tearing the muscle fibers.
Therapeutic exercises are almost always used in treatment, and other types of treatment may also be included.
Ankle
Ankle sprainsare by far the most commoninjury of the ankle joint.
Once an ankle sprain has occurred, repeat injuries can be common.
Proper rehab after these injuries can help prevent reinjuring the ankle joint.
Foot
Plantar fasciitisinvolves irritation of the thick, tough tissue that creates the arch of the foot.
Anacute injuryis the result of an incident or accident that results in noticeable symptoms.
For example, a slip, fall, tackle, or collision can result in an acute injury.
For example, playing soccer on wet leaves can lead to slipping and falling.
Many athletes play through pain, which can lead to chronic injuries.
What Are the Signs of a Sports Injury?
Symptoms from a chronic or overuse injury tend to develop over time.
However, acute flare-ups of old injuries can be common.
Symptoms of a sports injury include the following.
Pain
Pain is the primary symptom of a sports injury.
Other times, pain onset is delayed.
This is particularly common in overuse injuries.
Tenderness when pressure is applied to the area can be an important indicator that a serious injury has occurred.
While swelling is not necessarily a bad thing, it can cause discomfort.
Swelling often occurs gradually as healing blood and fluid are sent to protect and heal damaged tissue or bone.
A limited range of motion can be a clear indication of the severity of an injury.
See a sports doctor or physical therapist to assess and treat mobility problems prior to resuming sports activity.
Instability
An unstable joint feels loose or like it wants tobuckleor give out.
A concussion can have serious consequences and should not be ignored.
You will be asked to move the injured area to test its range of motion as well.
Additional testing to check strength and flexibility may be done.
Additional diagnostic imaging tests may be ordered to determine soft-tissue damage.
Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response.
The acronymR.I.C.E.is a helpful guide for the immediate treatment of most acute injuries.
This technique is known asP.O.L.I.C.E.
(protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation).
Acute injuries are due to an accident or incident.
Chronic injuries cause pain for a longer period of time.
Treatment for acute injuries may include the R.I.C.E.
protocol (rest, ice, compress, and elevate).
Other treatments may include splints, braces, pain medications, physical therapy, and surgery.
Mizobuchi Y, Nagahiro S.A Review of Sport-Related Head Injuries.Korean J Neurotrauma.
2016;12(1):1-5. doi:10.13004/kjnt.2016.12.1.1.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Sports Injuries.
