Sports injuries encompass a wide range of physical issues that occur during exercise. These injuries can affect bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting from a sudden event or from repetitive stress over time. While many people experience minor aches and pains, understanding the difference between simple soreness and a serious injury is key to long-term health and performance. Here’s information on recognizing the signs of an injury and when to seek medical help:
How Do Sports Injuries Occur?
A musculoskeletal injury involves damage to the muscular or skeletal systems. Weakness in the affected area is a key sign of an injury, and some individuals may hear or feel a “pop” when one occurs. Some common injury indicators include:
- Sudden, Sharp Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Limited Range of Motion
Sports injuries can happen for various reasons, including accidents, inadequate training practices, or improper use of equipment. They are broadly categorized as either acute or chronic. Acute injuries, such as a sprained ankle, occur suddenly during activity, while chronic injuries develop over time due to repetitive motion. The causes often involve overuse, direct impact, or applying more force to a part of the body than it can structurally withstand.
What Are Some Common Types of Sports Injuries?
Anyone is susceptible to a variety of exercise-related injuries, like sprains and strains. Sprains involve stretching or tearing ligaments, and strains are injuries to muscles or tendons. Bone fractures are also common, meaning a complete or partial break in a bone, often resulting from a high-force impact.
Dislocations
A dislocation occurs when the bones that form a joint are forced out of their normal position. This type of injury is prevalent in joints like the shoulders, fingers, and kneecaps. A dislocated joint is typically painful, swollen, and visibly deformed, and it will be difficult or impossible to move.
Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. Any suspected concussion requires careful medical management, as it can cause serious short-term and long-term effects.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Bursitis and tendonitis are both inflammatory conditions. Bursitis is the inflammation of bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches a bone to a muscle. Both are often overuse injuries that cause pain and stiffness around the affected joint.
When Should You Visit a Doctor for an Injury?
While minor scrapes and muscle soreness may not require medical intervention, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor. If your pain persists or worsens over time, it is likely an injury rather than regular soreness. You should seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, swelling, or numbness. If you are unable to bear weight on the affected area or if an old injury begins to hurt again or swell, it is recommended that you consult a professional. Visible deformities, such as a lump or a misaligned limb, also indicate a need for immediate evaluation.
Schedule a Sports Injury Appointment
Properly diagnosing and managing a sports injury is the first step toward recovery. If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury, schedule an appointment with a sports injury specialist today. A specialist can offer a thorough evaluation and guide you through the steps to help you maintain physical health.
