While staying active and participating in sports is the best way to live a healthy life, it also comes with the risk of injury. Whether it’s from playing football or running track, injuries do happen.
Below are some of the most common sport injuries treated by Orthopaedics.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains can happen with any type of physical activity, even walking. Although not completely preventable, there are ways to ward off possible injury. If you’re prone to sprains and strains, invest in braces to support the joint. You can find braces and supports for weak ankles, knees and wrists to use while performing your favorite sport. Treatment typically includes rest with alternating heat and ice to the affected area.
Dislocations
Dislocations happen when the joints areas are pushed out of its proper alignment. Rough contact sports such as football are the usual cause of dislocations. Treatment of dislocations depend on the area of injury. Sometimes, the dislocation can be put back into place by an orthopedist. Additional discomfort can be treated with pain relievers as well as a splint to rest the joint.
Large dislocations, like of the knee or shoulder, usually require emergent treatment.
Fractures
Both stress and acute fractures are very common. Because the break is clean and usually the result of direct force, acute fractures are usually easier to diagnose. Stress fractures can occur over time, can be extremely painful but without an obvious cause.
Shin Splints
The pain from shin splints is felt in the front of the leg. This injury is seen most commonly in runners who run for long distances and on hard surfaces outside. In addition, runners to forego stretching are also more susceptible to shin splints.
Knee Injuries
The knees contain numerous ligaments and tendons. Playing sports can be brutal on the ligamentous structures of the knee. So, it’s not uncommon for the ligaments to tear or suffer strain. Some of the most common knee injuries include ACL tears, posterior cruciate ligament tears and torn meniscus. All of these ligaments are also prone to strain as well.
Final Thoughts
If you suffer an injury, it’s important to find a doctor who can not only treat your current injury, but also create a treatment plan to help you ward off reinjury. Working with a qualified sports medicine specialist can help you stay on top of your game.