A sports injury is a type of injury which occurs during the course of playing or practicing for a sporting event. Athletic injuries range in severity but very often they require treatment for a full recovery. The leading Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon wants you to know how to handle athletic injuries so you can avoid long term damage to your body. Read on to learn the essential information about sports injuries.

Most Common Types of Sports Injuries

Knowing what to expect as an athlete will help you recognized when you have been injured. Check out the most common types of sports related injuries.

Concussions

A concussion happens as a result of a violent blow or shock to the head. Concussions are common in athletes who participate in contact sports, but can also occur in non-contact sports as a result of a fall or trip. Most of the time concussions are minor but can be deadly, especially if they are left untreated and the player continues to compete.

Sprains

Sprains happen when a ligament has been stretched beyond its capacity. The most common sprains happen at the wrists and ankles.

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is somewhat of a blanket term used to describe pain in the knee area from years of running. The pain is usually caused from wearing of cartilage around the knee cap as well as worn tendons.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendonitis is the cause of pain in the heel. This type of injury happens when the tendon just above the heel becomes swollen or irritation from overuse.

Shin Splints

When you have acute pain in the shin or lower leg from prolonged running, you have what is known as shin splints.

What to Do After an Injury

Athletes are some of the most difficult patients to treat since they have a drive to compete and push through injury, but this only makes things worse. If injury is suspected, immediate treatment will greatly reduce your healing time, chance of reoccurrence, pain, and will get you back on the field much quicker. Continuing to overwork an injured part of your body will lead to long term damage that will require more drastic measures to treat. Head and neck injuries are the most serious and should be addressed right away. Joint injuries are usually slow coming and should be treated at the first sign of pain and distress. Younger athletes should always be under the supervision of a qualified coach or trainer who is trained in recognizing the signs of sports injuries and should seek the help of a Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon at the first sign of injury.