Sunday is such a great day to play recreational sports. You and the crew out there, giving it all you got, having fun. Except, when you get to meet the most common sports injuries.
You know the horror story already. Somebody just experienced a sharp pain which stopped his momentum. Then, they had to be rushed to the hospital. Nobody is laughing no more, especially the injured person.
So, read the text below to find out what are the most common sports injuries. Knowing is half of the battle.
Basketball Injuries
Nothing beats entering the local playing field with your buddies and shooting hoop. You have a favorite player and favorite team. But, what’s most important, you have a long-standing rivalry with Jim. He’s going to get it this time.
Suddenly, you need a trigger finger splint. You got a trigger finger, also popularly known as jammed fingers. And, that’s not even the worst thing that could happen.
The most common basketball training injuries:
- Foot fractures
- Trigger finger (jammed fingers)
- Ankle sprains
- Knee injuries
- Deep thigh bruising
- Facial cuts
Ok, let’s be honest. If you are out with your friends playing recreational sports, and you got facial cuts, it’s time to repaint your social landscape. However, knee injuries, ankle sprains, and foot fractures are the usual thing in sports.
If, by a stroke of bad luck you get hurt, don’t worry. Treatment of common sports injuries is almost automatized today. And, there are numerous ways to treat those injuries.
Basketball injuries treatment:
- RICE protocol
- Wearing trigger finger splints
- Wearing a therapeutic compression sleeve
- Rest
- Surgery
- Light training
- Yoga
These injuries aren’t considered life-threatening. Therefore, there’s no need to go have any special recovery plan. It’s totally possible to recover with enough rest and proper medical attention.
That’s why it’s best to prevent these injuries properly. Always remember to warm-up. Especially if you haven’t done any sports in a while. Also, being overweight is a massive factor in sports injuries. Just take it easy and don’t push yourself, until you are ready for that real Stephen Curry action.
Football Injuries
Football is a staple of a healthy, recreational lifestyle. Running, throwing the ball and catching it, pushing and pulling your opponents. That’s life. It feels great, it’s fun, it’s messy, and most of all it’s a great stress release.
But, there are hits and bruises. Each crew has “the guy” (let’s call him Craig). Craigs loves when things get messy, and boy they will. And, unfortunately, there are times when these fun-filled moments lead to serious injuries.
The most common football injuries:
- Hamstring strain
- Muscle strain
- Knee injuries
- Rotator cuff strains
- Ankle sprain
- Achilles tendons sprain
- Jumper’s knee
- Shin splits
- Concussions
Here, the legs and the back are the most affected parts of the body. While the helmet (and seriously use the helmet) protects and covers the head, almost nothing covers your legs. Being open to sudden and explosive movements, as well as the impact of other players could be potentially dangerous.
Luckily, there is a surefire way to deal with the injuries.
Football injuries treatment:
- RICE protocol
- Wearing trigger finger splints
- Wearing a therapeutic compression sleeve
- Rest
- Surgery
- Light training
Football, really, is a full-contact sport. So, to prevent further injuries make sure that you are warmed-up, ready, and that you are using protective gear at all times. Sure, they may laugh at you, but they won’t laugh when they get injured. You won’t.
Running Injuries
Nothing beats running. The starter of the Nike brand, Phill Knight used to go out on a 6-mile run every night. You can jog, or opt-in for a higher-level workout. And, darn, it does feel great. It feels so great when the run ends and you have that feeling of accomplishment.
It’s not something you can explain, but everyone can feel it. And, even more so, everybody knows how to spot a running injury. It’s one of the most common sports injuries overall.
The most common running injuries:
- Runner’s knee
- Stress fracture
- Shin splint
- Achilles tendon
- Muscle pull
Now, to prevent most of the running injuries, you have to learn to pace yourself. Even if you feel like you have something to prove, or have to go extra hard, don’t. Take time, and build up your body and condition. Otherwise, you’ll probably have to check in with the doctor.
Running injuries treatment:
- RICE protocol
- Stretching
- Light training
- Wearing trigger finger splints
- Wearing a therapeutic compression sleeve
Here, stretching is crucial. It’s like that with any sport really. But, with running that’s even more important. If possible, stretch before a run, and after it. And most of all, rest on the regular.
Swimming Injuries
A picture forms in the mind the moment someone mentions swimming. Bathing suits, great weather, beaches, pools, bikinis, and that perfect, refreshing feeling. The water embraces your whole body, letting you enjoy this overwhelming, yet natural sensation.
That is until bad things start happening. Or, at least, until one day you start experiencing neck, shoulder and knee pains.
The most common swimming injuries:
- Swimmer’s shoulder
- Neck pain and injuries
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
In most cases, lack of flexibility and strain are the two main reasons behind swimming injuries. Water is a hard environment to move in. Therefore, swimmers have to use more strength to move, which results in strains. However, there are a lot of ways to treat this type of injury.
Swimming injuries treatment:
- Strength training
- Stretching
- Regular exercising
- Improving your swimming technique
There’s a really good thing about swimming. To prevent most injuries, you just need to be a better swimmer. So, you are wholly responsible for both the treatment and prevention of your injuries.
Cycling Injuries
Finally, there’s cycling. It’s a great thing, especially since you don’t have to take it too seriously. Just riding around with a spouse or a partner, or visiting the local woods with a friend is a great feeling.
That is unless you are trying too hard. Then, you are stepping too close to the region of common sports injuries. You are just waiting for it to happen.
The most common cycling injuries:
- Knee pain
- Lower back pain
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Muscle tightness
- Saddle sores
- Muscle fatigue
- Neck pain
All of these injuries are the result of strain and bad cycling form. Without proper technique, you are going to experience some of these injuries. Also, rest is paramount to people that love to cycle. If you want to avoid going to treatments, that is.
Cycling injuries treatment:
- Stretching
- Improving your technique
- Straightening your back
- Light training
- Resting
That’s how you should do it if you are into recreational cycling. For professional cyclers, treatment is a more complex process. It will take a lot of work from buying new equipment to really hard training.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to rest and taking it easy. That’s how you avoid common sports injuries.
Remember, knowing is half of the battle. That’s why you need to remember to always warm-up, avoid sudden and explosive movements, stretch, and rest.
It’s a secure way to remain healthy, in shape, and avoid injury. Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s called recreational sport for a reason.
