TOPIC 2: SPORTS RELATED INJURIES
Sports injuries
Injuries may occur when a person engages in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity
(MVPA). This includes physical activities which span from moderate progress to vigorous
intensity. Brisk walking or cycling and jogging are examples of moderate activities while aerobic
dance or cycling uphill are vigorous activities.
On the other hand, sports injuries are those that happen when playing sports or performing
exercises.
Some are from accidents. Others can result from poor training practices or improper gear. Some
people get injured when they are not in proper condition. No proper warm-up and stretching
before you play, or exercise can also lead to injuries.
Causes of sport injuries may include:
Improper or poor training practices
wearing improper sporting gear
being in poor health condition
Improper warm-up or stretching practices before a sporting event or exercise.
The most common sports injuries are:
Sprain is a tear of ligament fibers. This can occur when a joint is extended beyond its
normal range of movement. A sprain may involve a small number of fibers through to a
complete rupture. In extreme circumstances, the fibers of the ligament, muscle or tendon
may remain intact and rip from the bone.
Contusion or bruise is bleeding into the soft tissue. It is caused by a direct blow from
another person, an implement, or an object. A bruise can occur to any soft tissue of the
body.
Concussion is caused by a direct blow to the head. Depending on the severity of the
concussion, injury can cause varying levels of impairment of brain function. Concussions
are categorized as mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2), or severe (grade 3) depending
upon symptoms.
Dislocation occurs when the ball of a joint is forced out of its socket (i.e., arm forced out
of the shoulder joint). A dislocation must be reset by proper medical professionals.
Fracture is a break, crack, or shattering of a bone. In closed fractures, the broken bone
does not pierce the skin, while in open fractures, the broken bone breaks the skin's
surface.
Strains are injuries that involve stretching, partial tearing, or complete tearing of a
tendon. Strains are categorized as first, second, or third degree. Chronic strains are
injuries that gradually build up from overuse or repetitive stress.
KINDS OF INJURY
1. Acute injuries occur suddenly when playing or exercising. Sprained ankles, strained backs,
and fractured hands are acute injuries. Signs of an acute injury include:
Sudden, severe pain.
Swelling.
Not being able to place weight on a leg, knee, ankle, or foot.
An arm, elbow, wrist, hand, or finger that is very tender.
Not being able to move a joint as normal.
Extreme leg or arm weakness.
A bone or joint that is visibly out of place.
2. Chronic injuries happen after you play a sport or exercise for a long time. Signs of a chronic
injury include:
Pain when you play.
Pain when you exercise.
A dull ache when you rest.
Swelling
How can I treat Injuries?
When it comes to sport and exercise, the possibility of injury is always present.
Inflammation and pain often occur after injuries to the ankle, knee, or joint. And the well-
known R.I.C.E treatment method can help reduce this swelling, relieve pain, and promote
flexibility and healing. In fact, R.I.C.E treatment is a mainstay for sports trainers and other
athletic health experts.
The benefits of the RICE method can be explained by stage:
Rest: Immobilization prevents further injury and gives the body time to recover.
Ice: Cold reduces pain by numbing the affected area.
Compression: Pressure keeps swelling under control.
Elevation: Keeping the injured body part above the heart reduces swelling and the associated
pain and discomfort.
