It is quite normal for athletes to push their bodies through the normal pain threshold.
This means that from time to time, they will be prone to sports injuries. In the line of duty, there are athletes who also suffer serious injuries even without realizing it. This is because their bodies may be so used to the pain and discomfort that the brain brushes it away as something minor.
As athletics does not come without its risk, it is important for those on the track or even out in the field to know that they could get injured.
It does not matter whether you are a runner or you throw a javelin, either way, you will definitely be straining your muscles once you are in action.
Sporting injuries may come from having fun in your backyard or even playing competitively. Also, if you are not conditional on playing the sports, such injuries can occur.
The following are the 5 most common sporting injuries that may affect different athletes:
The hip flexor strain
A hip flexor is often a group of muscles that enable you to easily move the leg or knee or become flexible while in motion. When playing rigorous sports, these muscles are capable of being turned or strained too far, especially for these who may generally have a weak hip flexor. This injury is most common especially amongst those who indulge in sports such as football, hockey, and soccer. These sports require a lot movement around the hip area.
The common sign and symptoms of the hip flexor strain include:
- Mild pain and cramps especially in front of the hip
- Walking while limping
- Spasms, bruising and swelling especially at the thigh muscles
- Tenderness at the top area of the hip
- Possible bruising and/or swelling
Hip flexor strain can simply be treated by the use of anti-inflammatory medications and avoiding engaging in activities that bear so much strain. A little bit of rest also goes a long way.
Plantar Fasciitis
This is known as the most common sports injury because it is often associated with heel pain. As the plantar fascia is the flat band of ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, it is the main support of the arch of the foot. When the Fascia is affected, it gets weak, swollen and inflamed. This condition is mostly known to affect middle aged and younger people. It can occur in one foot or both feet.
Usually, Plantar Fasciitis is caused by training the highest that supports the arch. Repeated pain is known to cause multiple tears in the ligaments.
Common Plantar Fasciitis symptoms include:
- Stiffness and pain when walking
- Severe pain in the foot
- Pain in the feet especially after long walks or when you climb stairs
Plantar Fasciitis is usually diagnosed though a foot X-ray and it is treated by giving your feet the rest that they need, the use of ice, medication and by wearing comfortable orthotic shoes.
Shin splints
If you experience shooting pain down the front of the leg then you are most probably suffering from a shin splint. This often happens to a majority of runners or the kind of people who do not exercise regularly or those who have increased their exercise intensity too quickly. Shin splints are often a result of a stress fracture on the bone. Anyone suffering from shin splints will experience the following symptoms:
- A mild ache in the front part of the leg
- General muscle pain
- Tenderness along the inner part of the lower leg
- Pain that intensifies during workouts
Shin splints simply require the proper resting of the body, the use of anti-inflammatory pain killer’s motion exercises and also, the use of orthotics for your shoes.
ACL Strain
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) a ligament that can be located behind the knee between the femur and the shin bone. This is another common knee injury that varies depending on an individual. An ACL strain could be mild or severe. This tear does not occur in isolation, often times, it is associated with damage to the knee or other structures within the knee. As such, athletes should be careful with how they handle their knees.
A torn ACL symptom includes a sharp pain in the knee. ACL strains can only be treated by qualified medical professionals. With the use of an x-ray, a doctor can make a full diagnosis and refer it onto a surgeon for treatment. According to statistics, about 55% of all sports injuries are knee injuries. They also make up 25% of problems that are diagnosed and treated by orthopedic surgeons. It can take a long time for this injury to heal)
Hip Bursitis
This is a common sports injury that occurs on the outside of the upper thigh. Often referred to as Bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that enables the efficient motion between two uneven surfaces, Hip Bursitis inflames the outside of the hip. As such, it cannot be able to do its job effectively, making it painful to move. This condition usually occurs among overly active individuals. It is often gotten from a hard impact at the hip and from walking long distances.
Pain on the upper hip is the most common sign of hip bursitis. The best rehab tips include improving strength and coordination in the buttock in order for the femur to move in the socket smoothly. This will reduce the friction that is experienced on the bursa.
Low impact exercises are known to keep the leg muscles strong. Wearing orthotic shoes often reduces the chances of a knee injury. Beyond minor abrasions and blisters, these common sports injuries should be taken seriously.
Everyone from the amateur player and pro athlete should take care of their well-being. If the sports injury is severe then it is important to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.
This is because a specialist may make the difference in the length of the healing process. Beware of these common injuries.
