Playing sports is good for the body and mind but, unfortunately, accidents can and do happen and most of us realize the majority of sports carry at least some form of inherent risk. From playing high-impact sports like rugby or football right down to knocking a ball around a tennis court, when you’re taking part in any sporting activity, there’s always the danger of an awkward fall, pulling a muscle or worse.
Common injuries in sport
Some sports carry a higher risk of injury than others but below are some of the more common sporting accidents and injuries that can happen in almost any activity.
Muscle strains: The very nature of sport means we’re moving our bodies in ways that we don’t normally do in everyday life. Muscle strains typically occur as a result of moving muscles in a way they shouldn’t or stretching them further than they should. The best way to avoid strains is to do a full warm-up and perform stretching exercises before taking part in an activity. Thankfully, most muscle strains repair themselves with time and rest. The most common muscle strains occur in the quads, hamstrings and groin – although they can happen pretty much anywhere in the body.
Accidents involving the back, neck or spine: Almost every sporting activity we do places at least some stress on the back, often resulting in inflammation in the vertebrae or the muscles around the spine. In higher impact sports, the back can also suffer acute injury or jarring that can cause Spinal Cord Injury. Although there is currently no cure for an SCI, spinal cord injury treatment can help alleviate the pain and suffering in patients. To avoid complications with your back concentrate on strengthening the back muscles, do a thorough warm-up before taking part in sport and even think about changing your diet.
Ligament sprains: Ligaments are the tissues between the bones and, much like muscles, they can often end up pulled or torn if moved in the wrong way. Probably the most common form of ligament sprain happens around the ankle although they also frequently happen in the knee, elbow, wrist, etc. The best form of treatment is rest – though, in more severe cases, you may also need specialist care. As with the injuries above, the best medicine is prevention so be sure to do a thorough warm-up before partaking in sport. Also, if you have a history of sprains in a particular area, think about providing extra support in the form of a brace.
Fractures: Fractures are most common in contact sports – although they could occur from even just a simple fall. To reduce the risk, think about wearing protective padding – in some sports like football, this is a prerequisite – but also consider protection for other sports like skateboarding and skiing, etc. Another way to reduce the chances of fractures is to practice good technique while playing, doing a full warm-up to ensure your body is ready for exercise and strengthening your muscles so they protect you better.
Robert Griffith is a content and essay writer. He is collaborating with local magazines and newspapers. Robert is interested in topics such as marketing and history.
