There is nothing more frustrating for an athlete than a sports injury.
That said, not all sports injuries are created equal, and while some can be troublesome for a few weeks, others will bench you permanently. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent some of the most common sports injuries, so you can stay in the game.
Worried about having to hang up your sneakers early? Here are five of the most common sports injuries and how you can prevent them.
1. Sprains
The funny thing about this type of sports injury is that it can happen even when you're not playing sports. Anyone who's ever sprained their ankle going down a sidewalk can attest to that!
Although the occasional ankle, knee, elbow or wrist sprain may seem inevitable, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. When it comes to preventing sprains of all kinds, the key is to take the time to properly stretch all your joints before beginning any physical activity.
2. Strains
Strains are just as common, if not more so, than sprains in the world of sports injuries. And just like sprains, muscle and joint strains are easy to avoid if you take the necessary precautions.
However, when it comes to preventing such injuries, stretching alone will not be enough. The key to avoiding strain is knowing your limits and not pushing yourself too hard during physical activity.
3. Shin splints
While shin splints are more common among runners, any activity that keeps you standing for long periods of time can lead to a painful shin splint attack. Although stretching before physical activity can help reduce your risk of shin splints, the best way to protect yourself is to take breaks, rest, and give your body time to heal and recover during the activity.
4. Concussions
While football is probably the most notorious sport for causing concussions, that doesn't mean it's the only sport to worry about bumping your head.
The only way to protect yourself against a concussion is to wear a helmet or other protective headgear. If you end up bumping your head, whether you're wearing a helmet or not, you should stop what you're doing and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Fracture
It doesn't matter what sport you play or what exercise you enjoy participating in; bone fractures can happen to anyone at any time. Whether it's from a bad tackle, a fall, or just plain clumsiness, there are dozens of ways to fracture while engaging in physical activity.
Unlike most other injuries on this list, a serious fracture may require a visit to a sports surgeon if you ever want to return to the field.
The most common sports injuries
Now that you know more about some of the most common sports injuries and how to prevent them, it's time to lace up your sneakers and get going!
Looking for more tips on how you can keep your body in top shape? We have what you need! Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles today!