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The Most Common Sports-Related Injuries for Athletes to Watch Out For

Participating in sports or other physical activity benefits your health, but as with any contact sport, there is a risk of injury. If you are an athlete or enjoy working out, it is crucial to know the kind of injuries that can occur and how to prevent them. 

The Ten Most Common Sports Injuries and Their Injury Rate:

1. Sprained Ankle

This is the most frequent injury among athletes, especially in basketball, football, or running. The most common cause is rolling or twisting your ankle while your foot is firmly planted on the ground. Symptoms of a sprained ankle include swelling, pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Treatment could include resting, icing, compression, and elevating the injured joint.

2. Groin Strain

This strain, when you twist or pull the muscles in the groin area, is most common in soccer, hockey, basketball, and football athletes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the groin or thigh area. Treatment could include rest, stretching, and exercises to help reduce pain.

3. Knee Injuries

Knee injuries often occur in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. They are mostly caused by overuse or sudden impact to the knee. The most common knee injuries are Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus tears, and Patellofemoral Syndrome. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and instability in the knee. Treatment could consist of rest, surgery, physiotherapy, or bracing.

4. Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are common in baseball, volleyball, swimming, and tennis. The most common shoulder injuries are rotator cuff tears, sprains, and dislocation. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, joint weakness, and difficulty raising your arm. Treatment could include rest, physiotherapy, and surgery if the damage is severe.

5. Hamstring Strain

Hamstring strains occur primarily in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. They happen when you overstretch or tear muscles in the back of your thigh or lower buttocks. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the back of the thigh. Treatment could consist of rest, physiotherapy, or exercises to help recover.

6. Concussion

A concussion happens when you experience a blow to your head or a sudden, violent movement. They are common in sports like football, hockey, soccer, and basketball. Symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. Resting and avoiding physical activity are recommended to allow the brain to heal after a concussion.

7. Tennis Elbow

This occurs when the tendons of your forearm muscles are damaged. Tennis elbow is prevalent in racquet sports such as tennis, squash, and badminton. Symptoms have pain and tenderness around your elbow joint. Treatment for tennis elbow could consist of rest, physiotherapy, or even surgery.

8. Shin Splints

Shin splints occur when the muscles and tendons around your shin bone become inflamed. It is prevalent in runners and sprinters. Symptoms include tenderness, pain, and swelling in the shin area. Treatment could consist of rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected limb.

9. Achilles Tendonitis

This injury is caused by overuse, especially in runners and jumpers. It causes pain in the back of your leg above your heel bone. Treatment could include rest, ice, physiotherapy, and stretching exercises.

10. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the fibrous tissues connecting the heels to the toes become inflamed. It mostly affects runners and ballet dancers. Symptoms include pain in the arch or bottom of your foot. Treatment could consist of rest, physiotherapy, and ice.

Get Expert Orthopaedic Care for Sports-Related Injuries and other Common Injuries in Connecticut

It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you struggle with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty Group a call at (203) 337-2600, and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.