If you’re an athlete at the high school, college, or professional level or you play sports just for fun, it is important to know what injuries you may be at risk for and what you can do about them. Everyone knows that playing sports are an excellent way to keep you healthy and fit, but it’s always a good idea to play it safe and treat any injuries early on so that you don’t cause further damage. Read on to learn more about the different types of sports injuries and what you can do about them.
Shoulder Injuries
Did you know that among high school athletes, injuries of the shoulder are the fifth most common injury? In fact, shoulder injuries are so common that in 2006, approximately 7.5 million people visited a doctor because of a shoulder problem. Playing contact sports such as football or sports where you’re exerting your shoulders such as lacrosse and tennis can put you at risk for shoulder sprains and strains. If you are experiencing pain in the shoulders, do not wait! Make an appointment with a physician specializing in sports medicine to see what you can do to relieve the pain.
Knee Injuries
If play a sport that requires you to make sudden stops and changes in directions such as soccer or basketball, you may be at risk for knee injuries. A common knee injury among athletes is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). When the ACL tears, ACL reconstruction surgery is often required to repair it. An orthopedic surgeon can perform an ACL reconstruction by replacing the ligament with a piece of tendon from another part of your leg or from a donor. To avoid ACL tears and, consequently, ACL surgery, it is a good idea to stretch and warm up prior to playing sports.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
The risk of foot and ankle injuries is high among athletes as most sports require you to be on your feet. Runners, dancers, gymnasts and other athletes may suffer from strains and sprains in the feet or ankles due to overuse. Sprains and strains are very common in the feet and ankles. In fact, they account for about 60% of all foot and ankle injuries in Americans older than 17. Sprains and strains can be treated in many different ways including resting, icing, and elevation. When you get a sprain or a strain in the foot or ankle, don’t ignore it! It’s best to treat it right away as it may get worse if you wait.
While sports injuries can occur in various places on the body, one thing all injuries have in common is that they are best treated as soon as you notice the problem. Waiting too long or ignoring the pain while continuing to play sports may exacerbate the injury and put you at risk for more invasive and costlier treatments such as shoulder surgery and ACL reconstruction. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a sports injury, contact your physician as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment and get back to playing the sports you enjoy.
