With the fall sports season in full swing, it’s important to be aware of the various injuries athletes may be at risk of experiencing. Sports injuries occur due to the overuse of the muscles or the impact of a traumatic force on the joints. Millions of athletes have one or more injuries throughout their lifetime and in most cases, these injuries signal the end of their career. In this article, we highlight several ways athletes can avoid sports injuries. For same-day sports injury diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills.
Common Injuries During the Fall Sports Season
Injuries occur during running, jumping, or even swimming. Any physical activity can increase the risk of getting injuries. Some of the most common sports injuries include:
Fracture: Fractures are sports injuries involving the bone, particularly the kneecap due to a fall or forceful impact. The affected bone is chipped or broken, causing pain and immobility to the athlete. Healing is long and slow as the bones stitch up slowly. In severe cases, fractures require surgery to be corrected.
Dislocation: This is another sports injury that affects the bones. It happens when force is applied to the joint (arms or knees), causing it to over-extend outside the designated range. The supporting joint slips out of position and reduces the movement of the athlete.
Shoulder Injury or Rotator Cuff Injury: It affects the shoulder muscles and is a result of the overuse of the shoulders. Pain is common in an athlete who uses their shoulders a lot. Examples include swimmers, javelin throwers, tennis players, or discus throwers.
Strain: A strain is another injury that involves the muscles. It can happen anywhere and is a result of the overuse of the muscles and tendons, which inflames and causes pain during movement. Football players and basketball players are prone to strain.
Tips To Prevent Sports Injuries
Sports injuries may be common, they are however avoidable. Here are some ways to prevent sports injuries:
Engage in strength training: Strength training involves building the muscles through exercises to keep them strong. When athletes train their muscles properly, they can withstand strenuous activities without getting injured as their ligaments can now support their body.
Warm up before training: The importance of warming up before training cannot be overemphasized. Warming up activates the muscles and prepares them for the activities to come. When athletes warm up, they experience less pain and soreness and are also less likely to tear.
Switch up your movement: Repeated movements can put you at risk. Ensure you switch or change them often to prevent the overuse of the targeted muscles.
If you feel pain, visit a healthcare provider: Many athletes shrug off without knowing the cause and this pain is often an indication of a sports injury that requires medical attention. Ensure you visit a doctor if you notice any pain in your body.
Get Sports Injury Diagnosis & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills
If you or someone you know has sustained a sports injury, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills for same-day care. Our board-certified medical providers specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of non-life-threatening sports injuries. Treatment will depend on the kind of injury sustained. For instance, minor injuries can be treated using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Other treatment options may include casts, digital x-rays, pain medication, or stitches. For sports injury treatment, visit the urgent care center immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
