Acute Sports Injuries Overview

Acute Sports Injuries

• Sprains involve overstretching or tearing ligaments, most commonly in ankles and knees.
• A joint forced beyond its normal range overstretches the ligament.
• Strains are muscle or tendon injuries, typically in the lower limbs.
• Strains involve twisting, pulling, or tearing muscles or tendons (which connect muscle to bone).
• Strains can be caused by overstretching or overcontraction (non-contact).
• Stage I: pain only after activity.
• Stage II: pain during and after activity, but not at rest.
• Stage III: pain at rest and during activity.

Fractures

• A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone.
• Bone fractures are often caused by falls, injury, or a direct hit or kick to the body.
• Repetitive motions may also cause stress fractures.
• Various types of fractures include transverse, spiral, greenstick, comminuted, and compound.

Dislocations

• A dislocation is when a bone in a joint is pushed out of its normal position.
• Dislocations often occur in joints with a wide range of motion.
• Dislocations are common when an individual supports weight with their hand.

Impact to Head (Concussion)

• Concussions are serious brain injuries caused by a blow to the head.
• Concussions affect brain function and often cause short-term issues.
• Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
• Seek immediate medical attention for any suspected concussion.

Chronic Sports Injuries

Stress Fractures

• Overuse injuries common in runners, caused by repetitive stress without adequate rest periods.
• Stress fractures involve tiny cracks in a bone.
• Repetitive force, like jumping or running long distances, can cause stress fractures.

Tendinopathies

• Tendinopathies involve inflammation of tendons from repetitive motions.
• Tennis elbow is a common example of tendinopathy.
• Muscle imbalances between pairs can contribute to tendinopathies.
• Tendon repeatedly strained, leading to small tears.

Osteoarthritis

• Cartilage in joints deteriorates due to friction and overuse, causing pain and stiffness.
• Cartilage protects bones from rubbing against each other. This deterioration causes pain and stiffness.
• Recovery takes several months due to poor blood supply to the area.

Bursitis

• Bursitis is the inflammation of bursae that interferes with surrounding structures.
• Bursae act as cushion and shock absorbers for joints, bones, tendons, and skin.
• Caused by repetitive motions, minor impacts or a sudden more serious injury.

Runners' Injuries

• Overuse injuries in runners are common when inadequate rest is taken between training sessions.
• Repetitive workload creates microtrauma to the bone.
• Resting for around 4 weeks allows fractures to heal.

Muscle Imbalance

• Muscle imbalance between pairs is a common cause of chronic injuries, particularly in the upper limbs like the elbow.
• Maintain fitness, but avoid activities using the injured area.

Wear and Tear

• Cartilage deterioration in joints from overuse and friction leads to pain, grinding sensations, and joint stiffness.
• Poor blood supply to the injury area slows recovery.

Written Task 1: Identifying Injuries

• Sprains are an example of acute injuries often caused by a falling or pulling force.

Foot Movement

• Individuals with overpronated feet or low arches should use shoes that control motion better.
• Individuals with underpronated feet or high arches need cushioned shoes.