20 Common Sports Injuries

August 24, 2023 4 min read

20 Common Sports Injuries

What are the most common sports injuries?

Sports injuries are a common occurrence among athletes of all levels. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, understanding the most common sports injuries can help you prevent them and take appropriate action if they occur.

 Sprains and strains:

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles and tendons are soft tissues that attach muscles to bones. When a muscle or tendon is stretched too far, it can tear. Strains are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity of the tear.Strains are most common in sports that involve running, jumping, or twisting. They are also common in sports that require repetitive movements, such as baseball and tennis. The symptoms of a strain include pain, swelling, and bruising. The pain is usually worse when the muscle or tendon is used.  Strains are usually treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended.
Sprains

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. When a ligament is stretched too far, it can tear. Sprains are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity of the tear. Sprains are most common in sports that involve pivoting, such as basketball and football. They are also common in sports that involve contact, such as soccer and rugby. The symptoms of a sprain include pain, swelling, and bruising. The pain is usually worse when the joint is moved.

 

Here are 20 common sports injuries:

 

 1. Sprained Ankle

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn. It often happens when you twist or roll your ankle during physical activity.

2. Hamstring Strain

A hamstring strain is a tear or stretch in the muscles at the back of the thigh. It is common in sports that involve sprinting or sudden stops and starts.

3. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. It is not limited to tennis players and can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles.

4. Shin Splints

Shin splints are characterized by pain along the shinbone (tibia) and are common in activities that involve running or jumping. They are often caused by overuse or improper training techniques.

5. ACL Tear

An ACL tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is stretched or torn. It is often seen in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping.

6. Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull. It can happen in contact sports or any activity that involves a blow to the head.

7. Groin Pull

A groin pull, or groin strain, is a tear or stretch in the muscles of the inner thigh. It is common in sports that involve quick movements, such as soccer or hockey.

8. Rotator Cuff Injury

A rotator cuff injury is a tear or strain in the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It is often seen in sports that involve repetitive overhead motions, such as baseball or swimming.

9. Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, commonly seen in weight-bearing bones like the shin or foot. It is often caused by repetitive stress or overuse.

10. Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. It can happen during contact sports or from a fall onto an outstretched arm.

11. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is common in activities that involve running or jumping.

12. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner's knee, is characterized by pain around the kneecap. It is often caused by overuse or improper tracking of the kneecap.

13. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is common in activities that involve running or jumping.

14. Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is a tear in the cartilage of the knee joint. It can happen during activities that involve twisting or rotating the knee, such as basketball or soccer.

15. Golfers Elbow

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow. It can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles.

16. Runner's Toe

Runner's toe, also known as black toenail, is a condition where the toenail turns black or purple due to repetitive trauma. It is common in activities that involve running or jumping.

17. Jumper's Knee

Jumper's knee, or patellar tendinitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the patellar tendon. It is common in activities that involve jumping or repetitive knee movements.

18. Tennis Toe

Tennis toe is a condition where the toenail becomes loose or detached due to repetitive trauma. It is common in activities that involve quick movements or sudden stops, such as tennis or basketball.

19. Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. It can occur in any joint and is often caused by repetitive motions or direct trauma.

20. Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body overheats due to excessive sweating and dehydration. It can happen during intense physical activity in hot and humid conditions.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to sports injuries. Warm up properly, use appropriate equipment & sports wear, and listen to your body. If you do experience an injury, seek medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan for a safe and speedy recovery.

Equipment Ideas to Help Manage & Prevent

If your looking for equipment such as massage guns, foam rollers, massage chairs, read more with our roller & massage article   or  consider  stretching equipment such as the  NOHrD Elasko shown below:-

 

 

 

 

 


Creating Your Consultation

If you wish to contact us for any reason, our dedicated team of customer service experts are here to help.

Please either fill in the contact form or send us a message using our online chat at the right-hand side of the screen. Our Customer Service Online Chat is available 7 days a week from 9am-8pm. If your enquiry relates to an existing order, please include your order number.