PlaySafe AT Home: Common Sport Injuries

Know the Basics

• Sprain: a stretched or torn ligament
• Strain: a stretched or torn muscle
• Acute injuries: Acute injuries result from a sudden trauma such as a fall or collision
  -Treated with R.I.C.E. Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation.
• Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries are caused by repeated movements and the body does not have time to heal.

DO NOT IGNORE THE FOLLOWING SIGNS:

• pain that increases with activity
• swelling
• decreased range of motion

Common Injuries in your sport

Basketball

• Ankle sprains
• Knee injuries

Gymnastics

• Achilles tendonitis
• ACL sprains
• Wrist sprains
• Shoulder injuries

Football

• Ankle sprains
• Concussions
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder injuries

Baseball/softball

• Pitcher’s elbow
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Hamstring strain

Lacrosse

• Ankle sprains
• Knee injuries
• Muscles strains in the hamstrings, groin, and quadriceps
• Shin splints

Running

• Ankle sprains
• Runner’s knee
• Shin splints

Soccer

• Achilles tendonitis
• Knee injuries
• Concussions
• Muscle strains in hamstring and groin

Swimming

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Knee injuries
• Bicep tendonitis

Volleyball

• Ankle sprains
• Finger fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains
• Patellar tendonitis
• Rotator cuff tendonitis

Tennis

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Elbow tendonitis
• Calf strains

How to prevent sports injuries

• Get a preseason physical and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
• Properly warm-up before each practice and game.
• Always wear protective gear that fits properly and use equipment that is appropriate for your sport.
• Make sure playing fields and environments are safe and well-maintained.
• Increase training gradually over time and cross train to strengthen different muscle groups.
• Practice safe techniques for your sport.
• Seek timely medical care for injuries. Do not play through the pain, because this could make the injury worse.

SOURCES: Hopkins Medicine

Blog information by: Zoey Forrester, ATC