Sports and exercise have become an undisputed part of the daily lives of Australians. Most Australians participate in sports to stay fit and improve overall health and wellness.
While sports are extremely beneficial for your health, they carry a risk of injury. Statistics show that, in 2011/2012, more than 36,000 people aged 15 and above were hospitalised for sports-related injuries. Whether you play for fun or at a competitive level, some injuries can’t be avoided. Here are 10 of the most common sporting injuries in Australia:
1. Fractures
This is the most common sports injury accounting for 49% of all sports injuries reported in 2011-2012. Broken bones may be caused by overuse, trauma such as tackle or crash or non-traumatic mechanisms such as awkward landing.
While most fractures are considered a medical emergency, they usually heal themselves if rested for a few months.
2. Ankle Sprains
A sprain occurs when your ankle ligaments are overstretched, torn or twisted. Most sprains happen when the foot turns inward as you fall, turn, run or land on the ankle after a jump.
Ankle sprains vary in severity from mild sprains to complete ruptures of the ligament or avulsion fractures.
3. Dislocation
Dislocations are the third most common sporting injuries accounting for 7% of all sports injuries. They occur when two connected bones slip out of a joint. The cause is usually trauma resulting from a fall or a collision during contact or high-speed sports.
This sports injury requires prompt medical attention to return your bones to their normal position.
4. Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains occur when your hamstring muscles are overstretched. They are common in sports that involve jumping, running, kicking and rapid changes of direction.
These injuries are slow to heal – can take between six to 12 months to fully heal. To reduce your risk of hamstring strains, be sure to wear suitable footwear and warm up properly before exercising.
5. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar fasciopathy, refers to damage to the plantar fascia – the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It develops as a result of overuse and is common in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping.
Strength and conditioning exercises and supportive footwear can help prevent plantar fasciitis.
6. Shin Splints
The term “shin splints” refers to pain along the front of your lower leg. This injury occurs from overuse and is extremely common in athletes who have changed or intensified their training routine. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with self-care measures such as rest and ice treatment.
7. Knee Injury: ACL Tear
Anterior cruciate ligament or ACL injury is a tear in one of the knee ligaments that connect the leg bone to the knee. This injury is common in sports that involve rapid changes in direction, jumping, and deceleration.
Symptoms include a popping sound during injury, pain, joint swelling, and knee instability.
8. Knee Injury: Patellofemoral Syndrome
Patellofemoral Syndrome, also known as Runner’s Knee, is a condition characterized by pain around the kneecap. While it’s common among runners, it can also strike athletes who engage in activities that require a lot of knee bending like biking and jumping.
Patellofemoral pain can be managed with a combination of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and chiropractic care.
9. Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It occurs when a force causes the brain to rapidly move back and forth inside the skull. A concussion can result in dizziness, nausea, balance problems, difficulty concentrating and slurred speech.
10. Groin Pull
A groin pull or groin strain is a tear or rupture of the inner thigh muscles. It is common in people who play sports that involve a lot of lateral movement. This injury will usually heal on its own but you can apply ice or compression to speed up the healing process. If the groin pull has significant swelling, be sure to get it checked by your doctor.
If you have suffered a serious sports-related injury, consult the team at Spinescan. They will assess the injury and create a suitable treatment and rehabilitation plan.
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