Whether you’re an athlete or play sports casually, there’s a significant risk of injury. Sports put additional strain on the body, potentially leading to damage. But, knowing about the most common sports injuries and what causes them can help you stay healthy during your favorite athletic activities.
The most common sports injuries include:
Sprains and Strains
Sprains occur when the ligaments are injured, while strains occur when the tendons or muscle fibers are injured. In the case of a sprain, the ligament is abruptly stretched, leading to tearing or disfigurement. The ligaments are the tough bands that connect the bones in a joint together. Strains are caused by overusing or overstretching the muscle tendons or fibers, which is why this injury is often called a pulled muscle.
Rest and ice can ease pain and inflammation from sprains and strains. Physical therapy can help you regain strength after a sprain or strain and avoid future injuries as you continue to play your sport.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries, such as a torn ACL and patellofemoral pain syndrome, are common among athletes. The knee joint is a complex joint that’s susceptible to injury, especially with the added strain of repeated physical activity.
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Torn ACL
Torn ACLs are especially common among athletes in sports that involve sudden stops and pivots, like basketball, football, and lacrosse. The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, stops the knee from sliding from back to front. This injury can occur with a sudden change of direction of the knee, leading to swelling, lost range of motion, and instability in the knee joint.
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Patellofemoral syndrome
Patellofemoral syndrome is an injury that’s triggered by the overuse of the knee joint. Sports that involve running and jumping can cause frequent motion of the kneecap against the thigh bone. This can cause inflammation and aching pain under the knee joint.
Sports Medicine at Hernando Orthopaedic
At Hernando Orthopaedic, we provide sports medicine treatment to help athletes recover from current injuries while working to prevent future injuries. Sports medicine stands apart from physical therapy because there’s a focus on future success in addition to recovering from existing injuries.
For the expert treatment of sports injuries, schedule an appointment at Hernando Orthopaedic today.