Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are injuries that occur when engaging in sports or exercise.  They can occur due to overtraining, lack of conditioning, and improper form or technique.   

You are at risk if you haven’t been regularly active, play contact sports, and/or don’t warm up properly before exercise.  Different sports injuries produce different symptoms and complications.

Most common types of sports injuries

• Sprains.  Overstretching or tearing the ligaments results in a sprain.  Ligaments are pieces of tissue that connect two bones to one another in a joint.
• Strains.  Overstretching or tearing muscles or tendons results in a sprain.  Tendons are thick, fibrous cords of tissue that connect bone to muscle.
• Swollen muscles.  Swelling is a natural reaction to an injury and may also be painful and weak.
• Fractures, known as broken bones
• Dislocations.  This happens when a bone is forced out of its socket.
• Achilles tendon rupture.  This is a powerful, thin tendon at the back of your ankle.  When this tendon breaks or ruptures, you may experience sudden and severe pain and difficulty walking.
• Rotator cuff injury.  The rotator cuff is four pieces of muscle that keep your shoulder moving in all directions.  Any tear in any of these muscles can weaken the rotator cuff.

Treatment for sport injuries: (RICE)

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

Following the RICE method is helpful for MILD sports injuries when used within the first 24 to 36 hours after injuries.  This will help reduce swelling, pain and bruising.  Over-the-counter and prescription medications are also available to provide pain relief and swelling.

Emergency Care and Treatment is required when

• Pain or swelling is severe
• Instability
• Visible lumps, bumps, or other deformities
• Popping or crunching sounds when using joints
• Weakness or inability to put weight on joints
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Trouble breathing

Surgery or physical therapy may be required for serious sport injuries, and sometimes it may be necessary to visit an orthopedic surgeon in the Dallas or surrounding area.

The best way to prevent a sport injury is to warm up properly and stretch.  Wear proper shoes and athletic protection and learn the right moves to make during your sport or activity.  If you get a sport injury, make sure you are fully healed before resuming your activities again.  It is also important to “cool down” after your activity which usually involves doing the same stretching and exercises involved in a warm-up.

Finally resume activity slowly and ease back in to exercise or your sport of choice.