For those seeking to maintain optimal health, few things are more effective than exercise. Regular exercise can work wonders on both physical and mental health, and keep your body and mind in top shape.
However, physical activity doesn’t come without risk, and sports injuries are all too common. What are the most common types of sports injuries, you ask? Keep reading to find out!
ACL Injury
Your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is essential for knee stabilization. A sudden change in movement can strain or tear this ligament, making regular movement impossible due to pain, swelling, and a lack of stability.
A slight ACL strain can be healed using at-home methods like rest and ice, but a severe strain or tear requires surgery followed by a lengthy stretch of physical therapy.
Hip Flexor Strain
Above the ACL, on the upper front side of the thigh, is the hip flexor muscle. This muscle is used to lift your knee and move your leg forward and backward and is most often injured because of a too-quick turn or sudden start while playing sports.
Though hip flexor strains aren’t typically considered a serious injury, if the pain and other symptoms persist after two weeks, you could need physical therapy.
One of the many benefits of physical therapy is that your doctor will record and analyze your movements, then help you to correct your form and prevent future injury. You can read more here about tools that could be used in this analysis.
Shoulder Injury
The shoulder joint is not only one of the most commonly used in amateur and professional sports but is also the weakest joint of the body. Movements such as swinging a club or throwing a ball place a great deal of force on this fragile joint, making injury more likely.
A shoulder injury requires ice and a shoulder brace at a minimum to promote healing. Your doctor will also recommend muscle-strengthening exercises to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Head Injury
As an athletic person, you know that head injuries are both common and extremely dangerous. When you hit your head while playing sports, you’re at risk of a concussion, a disruption in brain activity caused by impact.
A concussion can cause headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, slurred speech, and light sensitivity. If you notice any of these after a head injury, it’s essential to see a doctor and take time off from your sport to prevent serious brain damage.
Avoid the Most Common Types of Sports Injuries to Keep Moving
Accidents happen, and sometimes injuries are simply unavoidable. That said, more often than not, the most common types of sports injuries occur due to improper self-care.
Every physical activity should begin and end with a warm-up and stretching session. Always use proper technique, wear the right shoes, and use the correct athletic equipment and protection.
Finally, if you feel like you need a break, take one! It’s better to sit out a day than to take a 6-month break due to a bad sports injury.
Interested in learning more? For more information about pursuing health in the safest way possible, take a look at our blog!
