People who do any sport or exercise are at risk of injuries, Injuries sustained by sports participants can be categorised into overuse injuries/chronic injuries and acute injuries.
Overuse injuries
These often occur when a sports performer pushes themselves hard over long periods of time and continuously puts the same muscles, bones and joints under pressure. There are some examples of these injuries:
Tendontis: the tendon becomes inflamed because lots of pressure is put on it. This can become extremely painful and movement in that area is uncomfortable. Tennis elbows and golfer's elbow are common names given to specific examples of tendonitis.s
Shin splints: tiny fractures in the surface of the tibia cause pain and swelling. Shin splints are common in any sport involving running
Acute injuries
Acute Injuries reach a crisis quickly. Acute injuries that occur as a result of sport and exercise include:
Fractures: This is the word used to refer broken bones. There are many types of fracture,however they are genarally catogrized as 'open' or 'closed'. With an open fracture, a fragament(s) of bone pierce through the skin causing an open wound. A closed fracture happens when the bone is broken but does not penetrate the surface of the skin, so no wound is visible(other than swelling and bruising around the area).
Dislocations: Two bones become seperated or misaligned at a joint, causing deformity, intense pain, swelling, muscle weakness and extreme discomfort.
Strains: these occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. A strain can cause pain, swelling and muscle weakness.
Grazes: A graze happens when when a slight abrasion or rubbing of the skin causes the surface layer to come off, leaving the area raw and tender.
Bruising: When the skin is banged or bumped, tiny blood vessels are broken causing the area to become red or purple as it fills with blood.
Concussion: This is a mild brain injury caused by a blow to the skull. Concussion can cause temporary unconsciousness, a headache and a loss of short-term memory. Vomiting and nausea are also common.
Sprains: Sprains occur when a ligament is overstretched or torn. they cause pain, brusing and swelling.
Spinal injuries: The spinal cord is damaged, causing reduced movement and sometimes paralysis. Spinal injuries occur following a blow to the back. For example, a bad fall in gymnastics could result in this injury.
Blisters: Blister occur when when an area of soft skin is rubbed e.g. when rowing a sac of fluid builds up beneath the surface of the skin, causing pain and discomfort.
