Sports Medicine and Sports Injuries

COMMON SPORTS INJURIES

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[Ankle Sprain Anatomy Image] ANKLE SPRAIN

Ankle Sprains are very common among athletes of sports that involve jumping, running, and turning quickly. Sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey, baseball and football have the highest amount of this type of injury.

To help prevent ankle sprains, it is best to strengthen the ankle. In addition, taping and using a brace will help in reducing this type of sprain, but is not a guaranteed prevention.

Treating a sprain involves the simple word - R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.

GROIN PULL

A groin (adductor muscle) strain is similar to any other type of muscle strain, but it occurs when the muscles of the inner thigh (the adductors) are stretched beyond their limits. This can result in small muscle tears that cause pain and swelling.

For immediate relief, follow the R.I.C.E. treatment plan. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the best immediate treatment for pulls and strains. Avoid aggravating activities for the first one to two weeks and gradually return to sports.

SHOULDER INJURY
About 20% of sports injuries involve the shoulder, including dislocations, sprains and strains. Shoulder injuries are most common in tennis, swimming, weightlifting, baseball, and volleyball -- basically, any sport that involves a lot of overhead movement. These problems are generally due to overuse, which loosens the rotator cuff -- the group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and weakness and slipping in the shoulder.

Prevention and treatment: To prevent shoulder injuries -- which often occur when you haven't been using your shoulder muscles for a while, such as during your baseball league's off-season -- be sure to strengthen your muscles through weight training before the season begins. If you do injure yourself, RICE and an anti-inflammatory medication are your best treatment options.
source: askmen.com

KNEE INJURY

There are several types of knee inuries. With the many different ligaments, bones, and muscles, the knee can be very susceptible.

To see a breakdown of different types of knee injuries, look here.

Please keep in mind, this is only a small list of sports injuries. If you have been injured, check with a doctor.

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