The 4 Most Common Sports Injuries

In the last decade we have witnessed some amazing progress in the performance and results of professional athletes. These new records and improved results come at a price – sports injuries. The limits of human abilities are moving every day. One of the most obvious facts that supports this claim is that world records made about 30 or 40 years ago are now achieved by junior athletes. This is one of the reasons why sports injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in the modern world. Those who want to reduce this frequency should definitely learn more about their prevention and treatment right after they occur. These injuries are usually minor injuries whose symptoms can be treated with common painkillers and other readily available medications.   But if they are not healed in the right way they can lead to more serious consequences. Athletes must be completely cured and fully recovered before they start with their regular physical activities. Although there are many different sports injuries, there are some that are more frequent than others. The following is a short list of the 4 most common sports injuries.

Ankle sprain

Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in people who are physically active. They occur due to an unnatural twisting of the foot. They can occur in many different situations like walking on rough surfaces, stumbling, slipping or landing on someone else’s foot (which is quite common during sporting activities) etc. Depending on the damage to the ligaments, ankle injuries can be classified as first, second and third degree injuries where lightly sprained ligaments belong to the first degree while torn ligaments belong to the third degree.  

Regardless of the level of injury, ankle sprain is characterized by pain, reduced mobility, swelling and the instability that occurs in the ankle joint. The duration of recovery depends on the injury level and it is usually between one week and two months.

ACL injuries

The anterior crucial ligament (ACL) is completely tight during extensions or stretching of the knee and set diagonally. The main objective of this ligament is to provide stability of the knee joint, preventing the separation of certain structures found in this area. Ligament injuries are usually associated with injuries of the medial collateral ligament.  But if the injury is more serious, athletes can expect injuries to the medial meniscus. The injury occurs when the knee is affected by a strong force or impact. It appears in the form of strains as well as partial or total tearing. ACL injuries in most cases occur in professional athletes like football, basketball, tennis and handball players, but these injures are common in people who do not do sports.

Javelin thrower’s elbow, jumper’s knee, tennis elbow and other overuse syndromes

The main cause of overuse syndrome of the locomotor apparatus is the repetition of micro traumas that disrupt the process of healing and repair of damaged tissue like muscles, tendons, cartilage etc. The final result is the start of aseptic inflammatory process due to irritation of nerve endings. In addition, sufferers can expect increased secretion of physiological active substances.

Achilles tendon injuries

The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest and largest tendons in the human body. It is composed of fibrous tissue and it transmits power from the muscles to the foot and allows movement. Achilles tendon injuries can be chronic or acute. The most serious injury is tendon tear that is caused by strong muscle contraction and it is accompanied by a cracking sound that can be heard around the foot. This type of injury is extremely painful and requires surgery and long rehabilitation. Tendinitis is a much more common injury caused by training overload and sudden increase in the intensity of training.