March Madness is one of the most popular sporting events in the country. Watch-parties and competitive bracket pools make the college basketball tournament a lot of fun. Sometimes, however, the madness gives way to injury. A few years ago, Louisville player Kevin Ware learned this the hard way — as did millions of people watching at home.
Ware suffered a compound fracture that is considered one of the most devastating injuries in the history of televised sports. Fortunately, most athletes will never experience anything like his injury. But being aware of some of the most common sports injuries can decrease those chances even more:
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The Most Common Sports Injuries
A few of the most common sports injuries are:
- Ankle Sprains
- Ankle sprains can happen in almost any athletic situation. Your ankle is bent or twisted in an unusual way, leaving it swollen and painful. You can usually treat them yourself by keeping your ankle elevated and using an ice pack. Severe sprains may require a doctor’s attention.
- Groin Pulls
- Groin pulls are common in sports which require a lot of running, like soccer. Excessive muscle-stretching or pressure can result from overextending your legs. Many pulls can be treated with ice and rest, but serious pulls should be examined by a doctor.
- Hamstring Strains
- Similar to pulls, strains are also some of the most common sports injuries. You can avoid straining your hamstrings by stretching before exercising and avoiding unnecessary stress on the muscles.
- Shin Splints
- Shin splints are common in runners, and are caused by stress and fatigue in the muscles attached to your shin bone. This is an extremely painful injury. If you have shin splints, run less frequently and for shorter distances, ice your legs, and let the muscles rest and heal.
- ACL Tears
- Your ACL (or anterior cruciate ligament) is the tissue that connects your thigh bone to your shin bone. ACL tears are caused by unusual twists or bends in the knee, and are very painful. ACL tears usually require significant surgery and physical therapy, so see your doctor immediately if you think you suffered one.
Most of these common sports injuries can be prevented through proper body maintenance. Pay attention to your joints and muscles, rest when you feel unusually tired, and stretch before exercising. Be cautious and use common sense when playing sports.
Sports are a great way to have fun with friends and family, but safety should always be a priority. At Christensen & Hymas, we are experienced in injury law — whether the accident happened on or off the field. Contact us today for a free consultation if you have questions about an injury case.
Photo copyright to Keith Allison