{"id":20059,"date":"2022-12-21T16:41:37","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T21:41:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20059"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:27:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T20:27:33","slug":"10-common-sports-and-exercise-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/10-common-sports-and-exercise-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Common Sports and Exercise Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

In addition to being a great source of enjoyment, participating in sports or exercise supplies immense health benefits. Unfortunately, it also carries a risk of injury. A<\/span> sports injury<\/span><\/a> refers to the kinds of injuries that most commonly happen during sports or exercise. These are divided into two broad categories: acute and chronic injuries. Although many of these do transpire from a physical activity, it\u2019s important to note that they are not limited to athletes and can also occur during work-related or everyday tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n

At least <\/span>3.5 million kids<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>8.6 million adults<\/span><\/a> are treated for sports injuries each year. Women and AFAB people with<\/span> less muscle mass<\/span><\/a> to protect tendons and ligaments tend to sustain more sports-related injuries than men and AMAB people. All sports have the potential for injury, but contact sports, such as football or hockey,<\/span> carry more risk<\/span><\/a> than a noncontact sport like swimming or golf.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you suspect an injury, it\u2019s important to<\/span> seek out<\/span><\/a> proper<\/span> medical attention<\/span><\/a> immediately, because early diagnosis and<\/span> coordinated care<\/span><\/a> are critical to getting on the road to recovery. Read on to learn about some of the most common sports injuries and ways to treat and recover from them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bone Fractures<\/h3>\n

A<\/span> bone fracture<\/span><\/a> is a broken bone, typically caused by traumas like falls or sports injuries. Repetitive activities like running can increase the risk of certain types of fractures. Bone fractures from sports can take on a wide variety of presentations. One example is a<\/span> stress fracture<\/span><\/a>, which is a very small crack in the bone typically found in the shin bone, foot, heel, hip or lower back. Another example is an<\/span> avulsion fracture<\/span><\/a>, when a piece of bone attached to a ligament or tendon breaks away from the main part of the bone. This could result from sprinting, hitting, sliding or other activities that involve quick movements and sudden changes in direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many<\/span> fractures<\/span><\/a> are painful and might prevent you from moving the injured area. Swelling, bruising or tenderness are also common. In severe cases, a limb may appear deformed or a part of the bone may puncture through the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider will<\/span> diagnose and treat<\/span><\/a> your fracture based on the fracture pattern, its cause and which specific body part was affected. Depending on the severity of your break, the treatment could range from a splint, cast, brace, boot or sling to surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/b>Bursitis<\/h3>\n

Bursitis<\/span><\/a> affects the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. These bursae can become inflamed, commonly in the shoulder, elbow and hip, knee, heel and big toe. It often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion, so repeatedly throwing a baseball could trigger or aggravate this condition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have bursitis, the joint may feel achy or stiff, hurt more when you move it or present as swollen and red. Treatment typically involves resting the joint and protecting it from further trauma.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Concussions<\/h3>\n

A<\/span> concussion<\/span><\/a> is a traumatic injury to the brain that disrupts its normal function. <\/span>It can be caused by direct trauma to the head,<\/span> such as a tackle in football, a bad fall off a horse or a ski injury. Some signs of a concussion are:<\/span><\/p>\n