There is nothing more frustrating for an athlete than a sports injury.
That said, not all sports injuries are equal, and while some can be a nuisance for a few weeks, others will bench you permanently. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to avoid some of the most common sports injuries out there, so you can stay in the game.
Are you worried about having to hang up your sneakers early? Here are five of the most common sports injuries and how you can prevent them.
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1. Sprains
The funny thing about this type of sports injury is that it can happen even when you aren’t playing a sport. Anyone who has ever sprained their ankle stepping off a curb can attest to that!
While the occasional ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist sprain may seem inevitable, there are a few things you can do to help protect yourself. When it comes to preventing sprains of any kind, the key is to make sure you take the time to thoroughly stretch out all of your joints before beginning physical activity.
2. Strains
Strains are just as common as, if not more so than sprains in the world of sports injuries. And just like with sprains, muscle and joint strains are easy to avoid if you take the necessary precautions.
When it comes to preventing injuries like this, however, stretching will not be enough. The key to avoiding strains lies in knowing your limits and not pushing yourself too hard during physical activity.
3. Shin Splints
While shin splints are more common in runners, any activity that has you up on your feet for long periods can lead to a painful bout of shin splints. While stretching before physical activity can help reduce your risk of shin splints, the best way to protect yourself is by taking breaks, resting, and giving your body time to heal and recover during activity.
4. Concussions
While football is probably the best-known sport for causing concussions, that doesn’t mean it’s the only sport that has to worry about getting bumped on the head.
The only way to protect yourself against a concussion is by wearing a helmet or other protective headgear. If you wind up hitting your head, whether you were wearing a helmet or not, you should stop what you’re doing and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
5. Fractures
It doesn’t matter which sport you play or what exercise you like to partake in; bone fractures can happen to anyone and at any moment. Whether it’s due to a bad tackle, a crash, or just a spell of clumsiness, there are dozens of ways you could wind up with a fracture while taking part in physical activity.
Unlike most of the other injuries on this list, a severe fracture may require a visit to a sports surgeon if you ever want to get back out on the field.
The Most Common Sports Injuries
Now that you know more about a few of the most common sports injuries and how to prevent them, it’s time to lace up your sneakers and get back out there!
Are you looking for more advice on how you can keep your body in tip-top shape? We’ve got you covered! Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles today!
