Overview Show
Sports injuries occur during exercise or while participating in a sport. Children are particularly at risk for these types of injuries, but adults can get them, too. You’re at risk for sports injuries if you:
Read on to learn more about sports injuries, your treatment options, and tips for preventing them in the first place. Different sports injuries produce different symptoms and complications. The most common types of sports injuries include:
The RICE method is a common treatment regimen for sports injuries. It stands for:
This treatment method is helpful for mild sports injuries. For best results, follow the RICE method within the first 24 to 36 hours after the injury. It can help reduce swelling and prevent additional pain and bruising in the early days after a sports injury. Here’s how to follow RICE, plus a recovery timeline. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat sports injuries. Most of them provide relief from pain and swelling. If your sports injury looks or feels severe, make an appointment to see your doctor. Seek emergency care if the injured joint shows signs of:
Also seek emergency attention if you experience any of the following after an injury:
Serious sports injuries can require surgery and physical therapy. If the injury doesn’t heal within two weeks, contact your doctor for an appointment. The best way to prevent a sports injury is to warm up properly and stretch. Cold muscles are prone to overstretching and tears. Warm muscles are more flexible. They can absorb quick movements, bends, and jerks, making injury less likely. Also take these steps to avoid sports injuries: Use the proper techniqueLearn the proper way to move during your sport or activity. Different types of exercise require different stances and postures. For example, in some sports, bending your knees at the right time can help avoid an injury to your spine or hips. Have the proper equipmentWear the right shoes. Make sure you have the proper athletic protection. Ill-fitting shoes or gear can increase your risk for injury. Don’t overdo itIf you do get hurt, make sure you’re healed before you start the activity again. Don’t try to “work through” the pain. When you return after letting your body recover, you may need to ease yourself back into the exercise or sport rather than jumping back in at the same intensity. Cool downRemember to cool down after your activity. Usually, this involves doing the same stretching and exercises involved in a warmup. Resume activity slowlyDon’t be tempted to nurse your injury for too long. Excessive rest may delay healing. After the initial 48-hour period of RICE, you can start using heat to help relax tight muscles. Take things slowly, and ease back in to exercise or your sport of choice. Sports injuries are common in younger adults and children. More than 3.5 million children and teens are injured as part of an organized sports or physical activity each year, estimates Stanford Children’s Health. One-third of all injuries in children are related to sports, too. The most common sports injuries in children are sprains and strains. Contact sports, like football and basketball, account for more injuries than noncontact sports, like swimming and running. A 2016 study found that 8.6 million people, ages 5 to 24, have a sports injury every year in the United States. Researchers note males ages 5 to 24 make up more than half of all sports injury episodes. The lower body is most likely to be injured (42 percent). The upper extremities make up 30.3 percent of injuries. Head and neck injuries combine for 16.4 percent of sports injuries. Deaths from sports injuries are rare. When they do happen, they’re most likely the result of head injury. Anyone may find themselves coping with a sports injury, regardless of the last time they suited up for the baseball diamond or squared off with a linebacker on the gridiron. But some factors put you or a loved one at an increased risk for injury. ChildhoodBecause of their active nature, children are especially at risk for sports injuries. Children often don’t know their physical limits. That means they may push themselves to injury more easily than adults or teenagers. AgeThe older you grow, the more likely you are to experience an injury. Age also increases the odds that you have sports injuries that linger. New injuries may aggravate these previous injuries. Lack of careSometimes, serious injuries start off as small ones. Many injuries that result from overuse, such as tendonitis and stress fractures, can be recognized early by a doctor. If they’re left untreated or ignored, they can develop into a serious injury. Being overweightCarrying around extra weight can put unnecessary stress on your joints, including your hips, knees, and ankles. The pressure is magnified with exercise or sports. This increases your risk for sports injury. Children or adults who plan to begin participating in sports can benefit by having a physical examination by a doctor first. Many sports injuries cause immediate pain or discomfort. Others, like overuse injuries, might be noticed only after long-term damage. These injuries are often diagnosed during routine physical examinations or checkups. If you think you have a sports injury, your doctor will likely use the following steps to get a diagnosis. These include:
If your doctor suspects you have a sprain or strain, they may recommend you follow the RICE method. Follow these recommendations and keep an eye on your symptoms. If they get worse, that can mean you have a more serious sports injury. Call your doctor if there are signs of swelling or if it hurts to place weight on the affected area. If the problem is in the location of a previous injury, seek medical attention right away. Contact a healthcare provider if you don’t see any improvement after 24 to 36 hours of RICE. Because a child’s skeleton isn’t fully developed, the bones are weaker than an adult’s. Take extra precautions with a child’s sports injuries. What looks like a tissue injury may in fact be a more serious fracture. Don’t ignore your symptoms. Remember, the earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment, the sooner you’ll recover and get back in the game.
Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand. There are two kinds of sports injuries: acute and chronic. An injury that occurs suddenly, such as a sprained ankle caused by an awkward landing, is known as an acute injury.Chronic injuries are caused by repeated overuse of muscle groups or joints. Poor technique and structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of chronic injuries. Medical investigation of any sports injury is important, because you may be hurt more severely than you think. For example, what seems like an ankle sprain may actually be a bone fracture. Types of sports injuriesSome of the more common sports injuries include:
First aid for sprains, strains and joint injuriesSuggestions on immediate treatment for sprains, strains and joint injuries, to prevent further damage include:
First aid for nose bleedsSuggestions include:
First aid for dislodged teethIt may be possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out with prompt dental treatment. Rinse the tooth in water or milk, and see your dentist immediately.Emergency situationsCall an ambulance for:
Treatment for sports injuriesTreatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Always see your doctor if pain persists after a couple of days. What you may think is a straightforward sprain may actually be a fractured bone.Physiotherapy can help to rehabilitate the injured site and, depending on the injury, may include exercises to promote strength and flexibility. Returning to sport after injury depends on your doctor’s or physiotherapist’s assessment.Trying to play before the injury is properly healed will only cause further damage and delay recovery. The biggest single risk factor for soft tissue injury is a previous injury. While the injury heals, you can maintain your fitness by choosing forms of exercise that don’t involve that part of your body, if possible.Prevention of sports injuriesYou can reduce your risk of sports injuries if you:
Where to get help
Things to remember
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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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