Sports and outdoor activities are great for maintaining health and peak physical condition—especially during the summer! But they don’t come without certain dangers. Often, contact sports like football and lacrosse can cause some sort of injury. Here are some of the most common sports injuries, as well as the steps you can take to avoid getting hurt.
Protect Yourself from the Most Common Sports Injuries
A sports injury is acute trauma or stress that is associated with outdoor, sports, or athletic activities. Depending on an athlete’s age, body type, and the intensity of the activity, sports injuries have varying severity and could require special attention from your doctor.
Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury. They occur when taking blunt force trauma to the head. Many football players have experienced concussions. So much that it was actually a topic of controversy some years back, as no one was sure of just how serious they could be.
When left untreated, a head injury, or concussion, can lead to serious long-term effects. If you or someone you know suffers a concussion, seek medical attention immediately.
The following are some common symptoms of concussions:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Trouble speaking (slurring words and speaking slowly)
Shin splints
Shin splints happen in the lower leg bone where the tibia is located. These injuries occur in athletes who do a lot of running. Soccer is probably the most common sport that results in shin splints since it involves a lot of running and impact on the legs.
The main treatment for shin splints is to keep it relaxed, rested, and iced. You can also help it by starting slowly with your workout, and gradually increasing the intensity. Also, make sure to stretch your muscles before and after every workout.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain can occur when the ligaments in your ankles tear or stretch out. This can happen by an under-prepared impact or a lack of stretching before the activity. It can often happen by overly twisting your foot in the wrong direction until the ligament gets injured.
If you are experiencing intense pain in your ankle, in addition to the following symptoms, you may have sprained your ankle:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Numb feet
- Stiffness
The best way to fix a sprained ankle is to visit the doctor immediately. While it is possible that a sprained ankle can clear up on its own, you’re better off getting professional medical help. Your doctor can prescribe pain medications while bracing your foot and ankle, allowing it to heal properly.
Even the most common sports injuries can be dangerous. Make sure you take care of it as soon as possible.
Head or Spine Injuries? Visit Khavkin Clinic
At the Khavkin Clinic, we specialize in neurological medical emergencies like spine injuries and concussions. Don’t let your injuries and pain go untreated. Contact us for pain management treatment today.
