All about sports injuriesAll about sports

Learn about the basics of sports injuries, their causes, treatment and prevention.

About sports injuries

Sports injuries are the injuries that one suffers while participating in a sport, exercise or related physical activity. Sports injuries are highly common among children, athletes or gym-goers. However, adults can also be affected by these problems. The branch of orthopaedics that deal with these injuries is known as sports medicine.

Sports injuries can impact any body part including tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones. Your knees and ankles are more prone to being impacted by an injury than other body parts.

Causes of sports injuries

Sports injuries can be caused by the following factors:

  • Accidents
  • Not warming up before doing extraneous exercise
  • Usage of improper tools or equipment
  • Applying incorrect techniques
  • Overuse or pushing yourself too hard than your capacity
  • Training errors such as doing an activity too quickly
  • Irregular physical activity
  • Being involved in contact sports such as football
Sports Injury
Common types of sports injuries
  • Ankle sprain - symptoms embody pain, swelling and stiffness.
  • Bruises - a blow will cause little bleeds into the skin.
  • Concussion -gentle reversible brain injury from a blow to the head, which can be related to loss of consciousness. Symptoms embody headache, dizziness and short term memory loss.
  • Cuts and abrasions - are sometimes caused by falls. The knees and hands are significantly prone.
  • Dehydration - losing an excessive of fluid can result in heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Dental injury- a blow to the jaw can crack, break or dislodge teeth.
  • Groin strain - symptoms include pain and swelling.
  • Hamstring strain - symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
  • Knee joint injuries - symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. The ligaments, tendons or cartilage are often affected.
  • Nose injuries - either blood nose or broken nose, are caused by an immediate blow.
  • Nose injuries - either blood nose or broken nose, are caused by an immediate blow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment for a sports injury will depend on factors such as how severe the injury is and the part of your body affected.

Information and advice about treatments for specific injuries:

  • Back pain
  • Broken arm or wrist
  • Broken ankle
  • Broken leg
  • Bursitis
  • Cartilage damage
  • Concussion
  • Dislocated shoulder
  • Hamstring injuries
  • Heel pain
  • Minor head injuries
  • Severe head injuries
  • shoulder pain
  • Sprains and strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow

In general, for all grades of PCL injuries, the initial treatment is to follow the RICE rule. That is:

  • Rest the joint to prevent further injury.
  • Ice the injured area to reduce swelling.
  • Compress the joint with an elastic bandage.
  • Elevate the leg when at rest.
The most common sports injuries are:
  • Sprains and strains
  • Knee injuries
  • Swollen muscles
  • Achilles tendon injuries
  • Pain along the shin bone
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

Playing sports is a lot of fun. Getting hurt is not. Take these 5 steps to prevent injuries so you can stay in the game:

  1. Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, and other gear.
  2. Warm up and cool down.
  3. Know the rules of the game.
  4. Watch out for others.
  5. Don't play when you're injured.