Common Sports Injuries You Should be Aware of

Taking part in one or more sports activities is healthy because it promotes respiration, is good for your heart, and helps maintain and build muscle strength. While practicing in sports, you might fall or trip, leading to injuries. In this case, you require sports medicine to treat the injuries and help you resume your sports activities. Your risk of developing these injuries should not prevent you from playing sports but being aware of common types can help reduce your risk of getting hurt. Suppose you usually participate in sports and are interested in learning about common sports injuries you are likely to suffer from. Sports medicine Colorado Springs deals with common sports injuries, including:

Knee injuries

Generally, the knee joint is a very complicated joint that endures a lot of wear and impact when participating in sports. Therefore, your knee joint is at a greater risk of injury during practice. Similarly, anterior cruciate ligament tears, along with fractures, cartilage tears, and dislocation, are common. Usually, knee injuries can be debilitating and painful, thus requiring you to undergo surgery. Stretches, warm-ups, and good posture also reduce your risk of developing knee injuries.

Sprains

Sprains occur when there is a problem with your ligaments. Generally, ligaments are responsible for connecting one bone to the other. In most cases, when the ligaments turn away, they can tear or pull, leading to sprains. Typically, ankle sprains are the most common types of sprains that most athletes are more likely to develop. Other types of sprains include the wrist, knee, and elbow sprains. In most cases, sprains can be quite painful and take a while to heal compared to strains and might even require immobilization to prevent further injuries. Warm-ups and pre-work stretches help deter sprains.

Strains

One of the most common types of sports injury that athletes experience is strains because tendons and muscles are often used when playing or exercising. Since muscles and tendons are used when moving, they can also move in ways that should not lead to pain and damage to the moving parts. Muscle strains include pulled groin muscles, hamstrings, and strained quads. However, most strains are minor and usually heal independently after rest. Stretch, and warm-up exercises help reduce your risk of developing strains.

Fractures

Contact and impact sports usually lead to fractures of your feet, arms, and legs. These fractures are very painful and may require surgery or several weeks of immobilization to heal and recover. Fractures occur following strenuous contact sports, but working up can help strengthen your muscles, thus reducing your risk of developing fractures.

Additionally, during sports, you are likely to suffer from a concussion following a sudden impact on your head. Concussions may present with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and temporary loss of consciousness. Therefore, if you suspect that you might have a sports injury and you seek medical attention, schedule your appointment at the Foot & Ankle Institute of Colorado today. The specialists offer the best treatment to help you recover from various sports injuries, even those involving the spine and back.