Sports injuries are an unfortunate reality of physical activity. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you’re at risk of injury. Knowing the most common sports injuries can help you prevent them or recognize them early on. Here are the top 10 most common sports injuries.
Tennis or Golf Elbow: Tennis or golf elbow is an overuse injury that causes pain in the elbow and forearm. It’s caused by repetitive motions such as swinging a golf club or tennis racket.
Hamstring Strain: A hamstring strain is a tear in one of the hamstring muscles. It’s usually caused by overstretching or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising.
Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition that causes pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. It’s caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet.
Shin Splints: Shin splints are a common injury among runners. They’re caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the lower leg. Symptoms include pain and tenderness along the shin bone.
Groin Pull: A groin pull is an injury to the muscles in the inner thigh. It’s caused by overstretching or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the inner thigh.
Concussion: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
ACL Tear or Strain: The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee. An ACL tear or strain is a common sports injury that can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.
Hip Flexor Strain: The hip flexors are muscles found on the upper-front side of your thigh. A hip flexor strain is an injury to these muscles. It’s usually caused by overstretching or overuse. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the hip area.
Rotator Cuff Injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff injury is an injury to these muscles and tendons. It’s usually caused by overuse or repetitive motions. Symptoms include pain and weakness in the shoulder.
Ankle Sprain: An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the ankle. It’s usually caused by an awkward twist or turn of the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and instability in the ankle.
These are the top 10 most common sports injuries. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these injuries can help you prevent them or recognize them early on. If you do experience any of these injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention.
