Types of Sports Injuries I

Some common types of sports injuries are: 

• Strain
• Sprain
• Muscle Cramps
• Dislocation

1. Strain: 

Strain is the tearing of the muscle fibres due to overstretching of the muscles. It is an injury to the muscles. 

Muscles Commonly Affected:

Commonly Affected Muscles are: 

• Hamstring muscles
• Quadricep muscles
• Tricep muscles

Symptoms of strain: 

•  Sharp pain 
•  Swelling 
•  Tenderness of the muscle

Causes of Strain:

•  Sudden muscle contraction 
•  Lack of exercise/warm-up exercise 
•  Muscular fatigue 
•  Overstretching of muscles

First Aid Treatment:

•  Resting of the affected part 
•  Application of cold compress 
•  Massage the strained muscle gently
• Send to a doctor

2. Sprain: 

Sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligament holding body joints. Sprains occur at the joints. 

Common Areas of Sprain: 

• Ankle
• Thumb
• Knee

Symptoms of Sprain:

• Tenderness 
•  Swelling 
•  Severe pain when touched 
•  Restricted movement

Causes of Sprain: 

•  Falls 
•  Blows 
•  Over-exertion of the joints

First Aid Treatment: 

• Rest the sprained joint
• Apply ice compression 
• Elevate the affected joint 
• Send to a doctor 

3. Muscle Cramps:

A muscle cramp is an involuntary shortening or spasmodic contraction of the muscle. 

Common Areas of Muscle Cramps: 

• Calf muscle (back of the lower leg) 
• Hamstring (back of the thigh) 
• Quadriceps (front of the thigh) 
• Muscles of feet, hand

Symptoms of Muscle Cramps:

• Pain 
• Hardening of the affected areas

Causes of Muscle Cramps:

• Dehydration 
• Improper warm-up before activity 
• Exposure to too much heat 
• High-heeled shoes 
• Swimming
• Muscle fatigue

First Aid Treatment:

• Stretch the affected muscle 
• Rub/massage the affected muscle to disperse the swelling 

4. Dislocation: 

Dislocation is the displacement of one or more bone ends from its position at the joint. 

Common Areas of Dislocation: 

• Elbow joint 
• Shoulder joint 
• Knee joint 
• Ankle joint 
• Wrist joint 
• Hip joint

Symptoms of Dislocation:

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Loss of movement 
• Tenderness 
• Subluxation (out of alignment)
• Discolouration

Causes of Dislocation:

• Falls 
• Vehicle accidents 

First Aid Treatment For Dislocation:

• Immobilize the affected part 
• Secure the area (i.e. hand) using a splint and a sling to avoid dangling 
• Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling
• Reassure the victim 
• Send to a doctor