SPORTS INJURIES

For those that engage in sports, whether partly or fully, there is always the risk of an injury. Sports that people may compete in come with many levels of risk for injury. Some sports have lower risks, such as bowling or fishing, and others, like football, boxing, and basketball, come with higher risks because they are high-impact sports. These injuries place enormous stress on the body and can be just as dangerous as physical injuries.

We are a medical facility that helps athletes in various ways, including treating sports injuries. We see a lot of people who get injured in their sporting activities, and we take care of their injuries. We have experience in treating injuries and other sports injuries. We have been providing quality medical care to athletes for many years. Our staff are highly trained and can diagnose injuries, treat them well, and prevent further injuries from occurring while treating the injury. Here are the various types of sports injuries.

Back Injuries/Back Pain
Sports that place significant stress on the back can lead to strains of the back from muscle imbalance, such as lifting improperly or imbalances in muscle strength and flexibility. A lack of these elements can lead to back injuries, categorized as acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Acute injuries often occur when the ligaments supporting one joint are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. When this happens, several ligaments may suddenly tear and absorb the shock of the sudden movement.

Strains and Tears
Strains and tears are common sports injuries since they affect muscles, tendons, or joints. Stretched ligaments cause these injuries. When the tissues in the joint tear due to chronic strain, there is usually insufficient ligament attached to prevent the joint from moving too far. This can cause pain and stiffness and may lead to inflammation of tendons or muscles.

Fractures
A fracture is a break in a bone. There are three types of fractures: open, closed, and compound. Open fractures are the most common type of breaks in the bones and can occur from overuse or traumatic injury. Closed fractures happen when there is no significant trauma to the bone, but it still breaks and cracks due to decreased blood supply. Regardless of the fracture type, the bone will eventually start to heal after a few weeks. However, a patient may need surgery or another treatment if a break doesn’t heal properly.

Concussions
In a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury can occur. A concussion is “a blow or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move in a manner that produces an alteration in consciousness, such as confusion, impaired thinking, or slowed reaction time.” Concussions are usually caused by an impact on the head and often result in loss of consciousness for five minutes or more. Some individuals receive a second concussion during recovery from the first.

Dislocations
A dislocated joint is a serious injury that usually requires emergency medical treatment. A dislocation occurs when an athlete’s ligaments, the rugged bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones in a joint, are stretched beyond their limit or torn. The bones then slip out of place and can’t be moved back into position by the athlete. This can cause severe pain and swelling, making it difficult to move the injured area.

Treatment for sports injuries
There are various treatments for sports injuries, depending on the type of injury. Treatment may contain a variety of methods, including physical therapy, massage therapy, heat-based treatments, and cold-based treatments. It’s essential to seek medical care from trained medical professionals if an injury is severe enough that an immediate decision needs to be made about it.

PRICE therapy
PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It is the first treatment of choice for most sports injuries. The goal is to “protect” the injured area by helping it heal and protect it from swelling. This means limiting activity, not exercising the injured body part, and not completely resting, which can stagnate healing.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves moving the injured body part, either with or without the assistance of a physical therapist. The goal is to promote healing and flexibility while at the same time maintaining range of motion and strength. Physical therapists often use heat and cold to help treat injuries as well. It is better done with a professional because improper use of the injured body part can lead to re-injury.

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors can help treat injuries and restore normal functioning to the injured body part. A chiropractor manipulates the spinal joints to promote healing. Many athletes see a chiropractor regularly, especially those who experience chronic pain and have lax ligaments. They will help by finding any imbalances that may have caused the injury.

Medication
Athletes often take over-the-counter medications to help them recover. This includes pain relievers and other drugs that help with inflammation and swelling. Over-the-counter medication can be used in conjunction with ice or heat-based treatments. It is best to get a prescription from a doctor or medical expert, or the athlete could risk experiencing further complications by taking the wrong medicine.

Surgery
Surgery is also an option for some serious injuries, usually, after other treatment methods have been tried and failed. Surgery aims to restore the injured body part to its original position and condition, if possible. A doctor will repair any cartilage and ligaments torn or stretched from chronic injuries.

Sports injuries are unfortunately common, but they can be prevented. If you’re an athlete, stretching and warming up before games or practices is a good idea, as well as wearing the right clothes if you’re in a game that requires special equipment. It is essential always to use the correct form when playing or practicing. This means not increasing the intensity of exercises beyond your body’s fitness level and not pushing yourself too hard to risk injury. If you experience an injury, visit a medical expert to get their opinion.