Sports injuries are injuries that occur when participating in various sports activities and exercises. They may involve sprains, torn ligaments, bruises and broken bones from accidents. They can impair the movement of your muscles or cause difficulties in carrying out daily routine practices.
Types of sports injuries and their treatments
Muscle strain
This occurs when a muscle is stretched beyond normal range causing it to tear. Muscles in the shoulders, lower back, groin, quadriceps and calves are most affected. Symptoms include pain, swelling, weakness and difficulty to use the affected muscles. Physical therapy at Delta/Fillmore Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine recommend rest, ice application, compression and elevation (RICE). This provides successful treatment for muscle strain. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective in alleviating the pain.
Shin splints
Runners and exercise beginners are more vulnerable to shin splints. It is characterized by throbbing pain on the inside of the lower leg. When the tendons around the tibia swell, the pain occurs. For successful treatment, the physical therapists at Delta/Fillmore Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine advocate bandaging the affected area, applying ice, stretching and resting. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective in reducing inflammation and pain. Proper athletic shoes can prevent shin splints.
Stress fracture
A stress fracture occurs when your muscles are unable to contain the impact of an ongoing physical activity. This leads to pressure on the muscles leading to cracking of your bones. This mainly occurs on the feet and lower leg. Women are more susceptible to stress fracture than men. Increased activity leads to pain. Physical therapists at Delta/Fillmore Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine prescribe rest for effective treatment of stress fracture. They may also recommend a special shoe or a brace to relieve pain.
Sprained ankle
It occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint become overstretched. It mostly occurs when one is running and accidentally steps on an uneven ground. Any movement that may cause your ligaments to twist may also cause a sprained ankle. The pain caused by ankle sprain ranges from mild to severe. Rest, ice application, compression and elevation (RICE) is an effective treatment protocol for a sprained ankle. A cast may be recommended for severe sprains.
Sports injuries can occur at any age. You should, therefore, take precautions when engaging in sports activities and exercises to prevent these injuries as they can affect your career in the sports industry.