There are a number of common injuries that can occur during sporting activity, some of which are more serious than others. In this article, we’ll take a look at three of the most common sports injuries and what you can do to treat them.
One of the most common sports injuries is a sprained ankle. This happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. The most common way to sprain your ankle is by rolling it over, either when landing from a jump or during a sudden change of direction.
Symptoms of a sprained ankle include ankle pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe cases, the ankle may feel “out of place” or you may be unable to put weight on it.
There are also some things you can do to treat it at home:
● Rest: Avoid putting weight on the ankle as much as possible.
● Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
● Compression: Wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage can also help to reduce swelling.
● Elevation: Keeping the ankle elevated above heart level will also help to reduce swelling.
If you have a severe ankle sprain, you may need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks. You may also need physical therapy to help regain range of motion and strength in the joint.
The ACL can be torn when the knee is suddenly twisted or bent beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen when landing from a jump, changing direction quickly, or stopping suddenly.
Symptoms of an ACL tear include severe knee pain, swelling, and instability. The knee may feel “out of place” or like it’s going to give out from under you.
Treatment for an ACL tear usually involves surgery to repair the ligament. In some cases, a partial tear may heal on its own with rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, a complete tear will require surgery to prevent the knee from becoming unstable.
After surgery, you will need to go through a lengthy rehabilitation process. This will help you regain range of motion and strength in the joint.
Tennis elbow is a type of overuse injury that commonly affects tennis players and other athletes who use their arms repetitively. It’s also sometimes seen in people who perform manual labour, such as carpenters and plumbers.
The condition is caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles of the forearm to the elbow joint. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain when gripping objects or extending the arm. The pain may also radiate down into the forearm or up into the upper arm.
Treatment for tennis elbow usually involves rest, ice, sports massage and physical therapy. In some cases, you may also need to wear a splint or brace to immobilise the joint and prevent further injury.
These are just three of the most common sports injuries. However, there are many other types of injuries that can occur. If you think you’ve injured yourself, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Suffering from a sports injury? At Essex Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd, our sports massage treatments are based on individual assessment, helping with soft tissue healing, relieving pain and stiffness, and recovering strength and conditioning. Contact us today.
