It’s happened to every football player: they’ve just caught the ball, they’re running down the field, and the end zone is in sight when bam! Another player delivers a devastating tackle.
Games like football and basketball are fun but physically demanding. It’s easy to get injured playing a sport, whether through contact (like a tackle) or simply pushing your body past its limits.
The more you know about common sports injuries, the better—that way you can get proper treatment if you get hurt. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common injuries players have to deal with.
Table of Contents
Knees and Elbows
Many types of injuries affect your joints. Your knees are particularly susceptible to damage because they’re the largest joints in the human body. Any sport that involves a lot of movement can wear down your knees.
Loss of cartilage can cause your kneecap to rub against your leg bones, causing stiffness and pain. Dislocated knees are also common.
Elbows are similar to knees, though they don’t often take as much damage. Still, repetitive arm motion can cause painful conditions like tennis elbow.
Stretching and taking regular breaks can help prevent these kinds of injuries.
Strains, Sprains, and Tears
Injuries are often the result of overexertion. If you push yourself too hard, you could strain a muscle. In severe cases, you might end up with a sprain or even a torn ligament.
Leg muscles, such as those in the groin, are easy to pull while running, especially if you have to suddenly stop or change direction. A pulled muscle will swell up and cause pain. Torn muscles have similar symptoms.
Sports injury treatment has come a long way; it’s easier than ever to get help dealing with strains and sprains. For more information on treatment, look here.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common sports injuries, especially in full-contact sports like football. Arms and legs make up the majority of sports fractures, but spinal fractures and broken ribs can also occur.
Wearing appropriate gear (such as padding) reduces your risk for fractures.
Shin splints are also a type of fracture. Have you ever had leg pain after a long run? It may be a hairline fracture in your shin bone.
Concussions
Concussions are another injury common to contact sports. You might get tackled and hit your head on the ground as you fall; that blow to the head could lead to a concussion.
Concussions can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and headaches. Major concussions can even knock you unconscious. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Untreated concussions can have serious consequences; don’t try to play through the problem or you could make things worse.
Understanding Common Sports Injuries
Injuries are always a risk when playing sports, but by learning about common sports injuries, you can keep yourself safe and healthy. Use this guide to identify and avoid injuries the next time you play your favorite sport.
Even outside of sports injuries, it’s important to take care of your body. That’s why you should visit our health blog; there, you’ll find tips about staying fit, maintaining a healthy diet, and more.
