Participating in sports is fun and a good way to stay physically fit and healthy. Unfortunately, being in the field comes with the risk of sustaining an injury. An injury may be due to poor training practices, an accident, or improper gear. Other times Portland sports injuries may result from not warming up or stretching enough before playing. No matter how much you enjoy the game, it is best to stop if you get hurt. Playing through the pain can cause more harm and increase your time out of the field. Below are some of the most common injuries you may sustain while playing your favorite sport.
Strains
Many tendons and muscles are in use when you play or exercise, making these tissues susceptible to injuries. Your muscles and tendons are more likely to overstretch or move awkwardly, leaving them torn, damaged, and in pain. Common muscle strains include hamstrings, strained quads, and pulled groin muscles. Although strains are the most common sports-related injuries, they often heal naturally with rest. Additionally, you can reduce the risk of strained muscles and tendons by warming up and stretching before exercising.
Knee injuries
The knee is a complex joint that endures most stress and wears during most sports activities. Knee injuries usually involve trauma to one or several tissues that make up the joint; they include tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and bones. An injury to any of these tissues may result from a forceful twisting, a fall, or high impact. You can injure your knee; for instance, you can fracture a bone, sprain or tear or ligament, or dislocate a bone. One of the most common sports injuries affecting the knee includes anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tears. You can also fracture the patella or knee cap, less common in sports. If you injure your knee, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.
Sprains
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones (ligaments). When these ligaments turn in the wring wear, they can overextend or tear. The most common location for a sprain among athletes is the ankle. An ankle sprain can occur when you walk or exercise on an uneven surface or land awkwardly from a jump. Besides the ankle, you can strain other body areas, including your knee, wrist, and thumb.
Fortunately, mild strains can improve with simple home treatments such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But surgery may be necessary for severe sprains to repair the torn ligaments. Note that a sprain and strain ate different injuries; a sprain involves the ligaments, while a strain involves the tendons or muscles.
Fractures
A fracture of the bones often results from impact or contact sports such as boxing, basketball, hockey, tennis, and handball. Fractures are usually painful and require weeks of immobilization and sometimes surgery. Although fractures are an inherent risk with contact sports, you can reduce your risk by practicing good technique, wearing appropriate padding, and warming up.
Consult your provider at Sports Health Northwest to know the available treatment options for sports injuries.
