Sports is a very popular in the United States with professionals, amateurs, and even coaches regularly seen in the news. Sports aren’t without their dangers however, in light of the fact that whether you’re practicing for fun or playing professionaly, there are risks in being injured. Below is a commencement of the 5 most widely recognized injuries in professional sports.
5. Sciatica
Sciatica, which is lower-back pain that reaches down into the legs, can affect athletes who participate in cycling, running, golf, tennis and baseball. Bulging discs and back spasms are other types of lower-back pain that athletes often endure. Sciatica is most commonly caused by improper stretching, but runners can also experience it if they have one leg that is slightly longer than the other. Sciatica and bulging discs require quick medical attention from a doctor, but back spasms can be treated with rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Hamstring Strain
A strain is a muscle or tendon injury. There are three muscles behind the knee that make up the hamstring. They are most often “pulled” when an athlete is overusing or overstretching the muscle. The pain is caused by tears in the muscles or tendons. Sometimes bruising can occur in pulled hamstrings. Activities like hurdling or falling forward while waterskiing are all common causes of a hamstring strain.
Forgetting to warm-up and lack of flexibility can lead to pulled muscles, especially in the hamstring. One way to prevent injury to your hamstrings is by learning to stop when you are tired. The mechanisms that protect your muscles stop working when your muscles are fatigued.
Hamstrings take a very, very long time to heal. Often between 6 and 12 months because walking causes a lot of stress to an injured hamstring. Gentle stretches can greatly help hamstring strains, as well as resting, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs. If you begin exercising again after pulling a hamstring, stop every once in a while to stretch the muscles. This tip goes for any pulled muscle, as well.
3. Tennis or Golf Elbow
Around 7% of all sports injuries are elbow injuries. Also called epicondylitis, tennis elbow is caused by a repetitive use of the elbow. This repetition creates tiny tears in the elbow’s ligaments. Pain can be experienced on the inside or outside of the elbow, but the outside is the most common. The condition happens in 30- to 60-year-olds.
Rest is the main way to heal this condition. In minor injuries, rest, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs can help improve the elbow. In more persistent cases, a doctor may be needed along with a break from the sport. Forearm strengthening exercises and elbow braces are the best way to prevent elbow injuries.
2. Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries, including dislocations, sprains and strains, make up 20% of all sports injuries. Shoulder injuries are caused by overuse. Sports that require overhead movement, like tennis, swimming, weightlifting, baseball, basketball and volleyball, are the most common culprits. Shoulder injuries should be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. You can prevent shoulder injuries by doing strength-building exercises in the off-season.
1. Patellofemoral Syndrome
About 55% of all sports injuries are knee injuries. Knee injuries also make up 25% of problems treated by orthopedic surgeons. Knee injuries or Patellofemoral syndrome, is caused by the kneecap repeatedly moving against the leg bone. This movement damages the kneecap’s tissues and causes pain. Basketball, cycling, swimming, football, volleyball and running are the most common sports where these injuries occur.
It can take up to 6 weeks for this injury to heal. Low impact exercises are recommended to keep the leg muscles strong. Wearing the right shoes can help reduce the chances of a knee injury. Softer running surfaces like indoor tracks are easier on knees than concrete. Knee injuries should be rested for two days, with ice and anti-inflammatory medicine to help speed the process. Post-injury knees should be properly warmed up before exercise begins and iced for 20 minutes afterward.
