More then 326 million musculoskeletal injuries
around the world each year, about 54 million are sports-related. Most
sports injuries are due to either traumatic injury or overuse of
muscles or joints. Many sports injuries can be prevented with
proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective
gear, and using proper equipment.
About 95 percent of sports injuries are due
to minor trauma involving soft-tissue injuries - injuries that
affect the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons, including the
following:
- contusions (bruises)
- sprains
- strains
A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the
soft tissue often produced by a blunt force such as a kick,
fall, or blow. The result will be pain, swelling, and
discoloration. Treatment for contusions includes Rest, Ice,
Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.). More serious contusions
may need to be examined by a physician.
A sprain is an injury to a ligament and is
often caused by a wrench or twist. Sprains often affect the
ankles, knees, or wrists. The treatment for a sprain includes
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.). If the
ligament is torn, surgical repair may be necessary.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or
tendon, and is often caused by overuse, force, or stretching.
The treatment for a strain is Rest, Ice, Compression, and
Elevation (R.I.C.E). If a tear in the muscle occurs, surgical
repair may be necessary.
There are many sports injuries that require
clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.
Listed below are some, for which we have provided a brief
overview.
