Some common sports injuries include sprains and strains.

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Getting involved in sports or exercising is a great way to maintain one’s health and self-esteem; however, injuries or accidents can happen. There are many reasons for these setbacks, lack of knowledge about training or a specific sport, improper equipment, or even training too much. In many ways, sports injuries can be prevented. Proper conditioning, technique, and goal setting can all help in reaching your desired outcome.

 

The ligaments that hold a joint firmly in place become stretched or even torn when a sprain occurs. This typically takes place with an acute twisting or over-extending motion. Treatments for this type of injury include rest, ice, and dietary changes during the acute stage of the injury.

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Following this stage, other treatment options are used such as manipulation of the joint to regain proper range of motion, rehabilitation, and cold laser therapy to speed and enhance recovery time. Strains are another common injury which occurs to muscles or tendons when they are placed under increased stretch. This typically happens when muscles are not properly warmed-up before exercise.

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Overuse injuries are another common injury seen not only in sports and exercise but with repetitive motions. Tendonosis or tendonitis occurs in the tendon, the soft tissue connecting muscle with bone. The tendon becomes inflamed with repetitive use or improper mechanics. Examples include tennis elbow or golfers elbow.