Staying active is key to achieving good mental and physical health now and into the future. An excellent way to get on the move is by playing sports, but as is the case with any form of exercise, there are risks involved. Sports injuries can strike athletes at any age during any activity—whether that’s a high-impact sport like football or a low-impact activity like swimming. Let’s take a closer look at the most common reasons behind sports injuries and how to help prevent them from occurring.
Overuse
Overuse is a major reason for sports injuries. Caused by repeated, forceful motions—such as those that a tennis player or baseball pitcher may make—overuse injuries are characterized by muscles, ligaments, or bones that are frequently strained. Common examples of overuse injuries include runner’s knee, Achilles tendinitis, pitching elbow, and swimmer’s shoulder.
Keep these tips in mind to lower your risk of an overuse injury:
- Never play through pain
- Try to run or play on a surface that is soft and flat, such as a grassy field
- Wear appropriate and well-fitting footwear and promptly replace worn-out shoes
- Take rest days
- Switch up difficult training days with easy, low-impact days
Direct Impacts
Direct impact sports injuries are a little more straightforward than overuse injuries. These can occur during contact sports (like football and soccer) if a player collides with another player or a stationary object, such as the floor, a goal post, or a basketball hoop. The best way to prevent impact injuries while playing sports is wearing appropriate, well-fitting shoes and protective gear, such as pads and helmets.
Excessive Force
Some sports injuries aren’t caused by overuse or impact—rather, they occur when an area of the body is subjected to more force than it can physically withstand. Some examples of these injuries are bone fractures, sprains, strains, and ligament tears. While not every injury can be prevented, practicing proper technique and thoroughly stretching before physical activity can help ensure you stay healthy while enjoying your favorite sport.
Our Approach to Sports Injury Treatment
The longest operating orthopedic practice in the Tampa Bay area and a division of Florida Medical Clinic, Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is a premier destination for sports injury treatment. Our experienced team serves adolescent and adult athletes with all types of sports injuries, including but not limited to:
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Knee injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Joint dislocations
- Tennis elbow
- Shin splints
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Bone fractures
Furthermore, our team is led by Dr. Daniel Murphy and Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two board-certified specialists who also serve on the medical staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Yankees.
If you’d like to consult with a trusted sports medicine physician about an injury or symptoms you’re experiencing, we encourage you to reach out to Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today! Call us at (813) 253-2406 or schedule an appointment on our website.
