Managing a Sports Injury

Whether you are a member of a sports league or just play for fun with friends, you are still at risk for a sports injury. These types of injuries can be quite tricky to recover from, and some can continue to cause pain long after the injury has ostensibly healed. Here’s what you need to know about preventing and treating a sports injury that crops up while playing sports or exercising.

Types of Injuries

Sports injuries can be broadly divided into two distinct categories: traumatic injuries and repetitive stress injuries. Traumatic injuries include broken bones, contusions, concussions, sprains, and others caused by falling, tackling, or unexpected forces exerted on the body. Repetitive stress injuries are caused by overworking a joint or muscle, such as in the case of tendinosis or runner’s knee.

Who Is at Risk of a Sports Injury

Anyone who plays sports or exercises regularly is at risk for a sports injury, even if they generally practice safe exercise techniques. However, some sports are riskier than others. Activities like shooting and sailing come with a unique set of risks and often require fairly rigorous safety training. Other dangerous sports include American football, rugby, and ice hockey.

Preventing Injuries

Stretching and properly warming up before beginning an exercise regimen is one of the easiest and most sure-fire ways to prevent injury. Wearing proper equipment such as helmets and pads is another good way to prevent injury and to reduce the severity of injuries that do occur.

Treating Injuries

Sports injuries are often treated by a doctor specializing in sports medicine. These doctors know techniques to reduce inflammation at the sight of the injury and speed healing. They are also knowledgeable in pain management techniques for the unique injuries that are attributed to sports or exercise to ensure that sports injuries do not turn to chronic pain.

Whenever you begin a new exercise program, start slowly and allow time for reflection. Often your own body is the best indicator of whether you are doing something that is likely to lead to injury.

By Dr. James  Lin
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