Sports Injury, Costa Mesa, California
Sports and exercise are fun, healthy and make you feel good. However, unforeseen injuries do happen. A sports injury is a general injury that happens while performing or practicing a sport or physical activity. Most sports injuries are a result of trauma or a strain of muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones. Whether you’re a soccer player or baseball player, engaging in safe sports participation is great way to incorporate physical activity into your life while also having a good time.
Although there will always be a risk of injury, there are precautions you can take to make participating in sports as safe as possible!
Common sports injuries include:
Repetitive motion is often the culprit of sports-related injuries. Referred to as overuse injuries, continual stress on the body can lead to:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Stress fractures
- Joint injuries
- Ligament damage
- Dislocations
- Concussions
- Ankle ligament injuries
- Limb injuries
- Shoulder injuries
Injury prevention
Most sports injuries happen when individuals do not incorporate the proper techniques of a specific sport, do not have the right equipment or do not take the time to warm up and stretch prior to physical activities. While sports injuries are pesky and can lead to chronic pain, stiffness or lack of mobility, there are preventive measures that can be taken to lower the risk for sports injury and be as safe as possible.
The risk for injuries vary. Common injuries such as an ankle sprain or muscle strain are typical, however, those who are in high intensity or contact sports such as football players have a higher injury rate. These sports often require more risky behavior. Even with proper training, the nature of the sport or activity heavily influences the types of sports injuries that occur.
Seen most in high-risk sporting activities, acute injuries are caused by direct force such as colliding into another player, or falling. Chronic injuries are caused by overuse of muscles and stress on the body overtime.
Importance of Warming Up and Cooling Down
A popular cause of injury is when an individual starts playing a sport or exercising right away without a warm up. A warm up is necessary to allow the body to prepare itself for strenuous activities to always stretch all of the muscles out to open up the range of motion and incorporate a light cardio to get the heart rate up. When we warm up we tend to perform better and this is all important to avoid pulling a muscle or breaking a bone.
Taking a break
Overexertion often leads to sports-related injuries. Commonly seen in professional athletes, participating in sports with an existing injury can prevent proper healing, and cause progression in severity! If you are experiencing pain, it may be best to take a seat on bench before your injury requires more extensive care and prolonged recovery. Seek medical care early on as a preventive strategy so your healthcare provider can assess the severity.
Proper Technique
Training and knowing the correct movements for whichever sport or activity you are participating in is key to prevent sports injuries. Learning the correct protocols and safety maneuvers for the sport or activity you are participating in is crucial for the prevention of sports injuries. Each sport and exercise users very mechanical stances or postures, so learning them and using them can prevent many different types of injuries.
Protective Equipment and Well-Fitting Athletic Gear
Many team sports now require athletes to use of protective gear however there are even further precautionary measures that can be taken. It is important to always wear a helmet and protective gear when participating in contact sports. Seen on American football players, this may include knee and elbow pads, spine protection, protective eyewear, wrestlers ear protection, mouth guards and protective clothing and footwear. It is imperative that the equipment and gear is well-fitting and appropriate for which unique sport is being played.
Proper gear is designed to protect athletes from certain impacts that are caused during specific activities. Using the wrong size or weight of gear can also lead to injury—for example using a golf club that is too short can result in a strain in the rotator cuff. Using a friend or siblings equipment that is just a little off or slightly too big is a common cause for a sports injury. Coaches can work with parents to advise use of proper equipment used to prevent youth sports injuries.
Treatment for sports Injuries
Sports therapy is used to avoid damage that may have resulted in a short term or long term injury. Sports related injures are common and often are an outcome of wrong techniques or over use of a certain side/body part causing a muscle imbalance that can lead to muscle injuries or potential torn ligaments or a blunt force impact injury that may result in broken bones. Seeking medical attention for injuries is important and can prevent the need for invasive measures such as surgery in the future.
Call us on (949) 791-2005 to book a consultation at Choice Care.
