4 of the Most Common Types of Sports Injuries

Athletes are susceptible to many injuries when they are constantly playing their sport. Sports are demanding on the bodies of their athletes, as they engage in recurring movements and exercises that require strength and endurance. These movements can often put a strain on muscles, and this can lead to injury. As an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, we also specialize in sports medicine to help athletes prevent, treat, and recover from their injuries. These are some of the most common types of sports injuries that we see here.

Sprains

Sprains are the most common types of injuries suffered by all types of athletes, especially in football, soccer, and basketball. A sprain occurs when the ligament around a joint is stretched or torn, and it can cause inflammation and pain around the area. To treat these sprains, you should ice the area, compress the sprain, and elevate the joint. You may notice a bruise start to form around the inflamed area, and you should also avoid putting your weight on the affected area if you sprain an ankle, as this can cause even more damage.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are common injuries that affect athletes who run frequently, as in soccer, football, or track and field. While these injuries are minor in comparison to other sports injuries, they can still cause an extreme amount of pain. Shin splints cause pain along the front of your calf, often occurring when the muscles in your leg are overworked. Reduce your activity level to treat the pain.

Fractures

Fractures are another common sports injury that is common in contact sports, like football or basketball. When you come in physical contact with other players, you put yourself at risk for impact or fall, which can result in fractures. Fractures are broken bones that result from falling or impact, while stress fractures, or tiny cracks in the bone, can occur from repetitive force from overuse. You will likely feel instance and acute pain in the affected area, and then notice immediate swelling.

Ligament Tears

Ligament tears are also common in sports due to the repetitive movements that most athletes engage in when they are practicing their sports. Ligaments in the knee, ankle, and shoulder are the most affected areas of the body when it comes to sports-related ligament tears. ACLs are the most common ligament tears that affect many athletes, and this is marked by a popping sensation when the ligament around the knee is stretched or torn. Minor tears can be treated with rest and ice, while more severe tears may require surgical treatments.

When you understand the types of injuries that are possible when playing your sport, you can protect yourself and keep your body safe from these injuries. If you are looking for an experienced sports medicine orthopedic surgeon in Deland, trust the team at Florida Bone and Joint.