The 5 Most Common Sports

Injuries
Many people play sports in some way or another, whether
they are playing for fun in their backyard or competitively on
a team. Exercising by playing sports can be very beneficial
to your health, but sometimes these benefits to your health
are outweighed by negative things, such as an injury. The
severity of these injuries can range from minor to very
serious, with some injuries requiring surgery to fully heal.
These injuries may be caused from poor training practices,
improper equipment, flawed techniques, or may just be an
accident. Injuries can also occur when a person is not
properly conditioned to play the sport, such as not warming
up or stretching muscles beforehand.

5 of the most common sports related injuries are:

1) Strains and Sprains. These are the most common type
of sports injury by far, and can occur in almost any type of
physical activity. A sprain occurs when a ligament (band of
connective tissue that attaches bones to other bones) tears
or overstretches. These can range from minor to complete
tears where the ligament is severed. A sprain is most
common in wrists, ankles, or knees. A strain is also known
as a pulled muscle, and occurs when the fibers within a
muscle or tendon stretch too far or tear. Strains can also be
minor to severe.
2) Knee Injuries. Every year over five million people visit
orthopedic surgeons for knee related injuries and problems.
Mild knee injuries include iliotibial band syndrome, runner’s
knee (tenderness or pain near the front of the knee   cap), or
tendonitis (degeneration or inflammation within a tendon).
Severe knee injuries can involve damage or bruising
to cartilageor ligaments. The four major ligaments in the
knee that are commonly injured are the posterior cruciate
ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL),
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and the lateral collateral
ligament (LCL).
3) Shin Splints. A shin splint is when pain along the shin
bone (tibia) occurs. This pain is usually at the front outside
part of the lower leg, but can also occur in the foot and ankle
(anterior shin splints) or where the bone meets the calf
muscles at the inner edge of the bone (medial shin splints).
Shin splints are common with runners and even more-so
when the runner runs on hard surfaces. Failing to warm up
or stretch, improper running techniques, running in shoes
that lack proper support, or having “flat feet” all can
contribute to shin splints.
4) Fractures. Commonly referred to as a broken bone,
fractures are a fairly common sports injury caused by a one-
time injury to the bone (an acute fracture). Repeated stress
on a bone over time (a stress fracture) can also occur. Small
cracks a complete break will occur with an acute fracture.
Most are classified as emergencies, and may even need
surgery to completely repair. A stress fracture occurs most
of the time in the legs or feet from sports that cause
repetitive impact, such a running or jumping sport.

5) Dislocations. These occur when force pushes the bones

in a joint out of alignment. Dislocations are also known as a
luxation. Contact sports such as football or an activity such
as excessive stretching or falling can cause dislocations. A
dislocation will usually require medical treatment and be
treated as an emergency. The dislocated bone may be able
to be put back in place, but the connective tissue
surrounding the joint may have severe damage. The most
common joints that are dislocated are the fingers and hand,
with the shoulder being close behind. Elbows, knees, and
hips can be dislocated but are less common.