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Sports Injuries Causes

What Causes Sports Injuries? – Empire Foot And Ankle Center.

Sports is all about pushing yourself, but injuries can be a real setback. It is tough to be sidelined when your body isn’t cooperating. It is important to remember that healing is a part of sports. However, knowing what causes them is the first step in preventing them and keeping yourself healthy.

Here at Empire Foot and Ankle Center, we help athletes like you with the knowledge and resources to lead healthy, physically optimum lives. Let’s discuss what causes sports injuries in athletes and some common culprits behind sports injuries:

Overuse.

Overuse is a major cause of injuries, especially for those new to a sport or who increase their intensity too quickly. Repetitive motions can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to conditions like shin splints, tendinitis, and stress fractures.

Improper Technique.

Improper technique is another cause that negatively impacts your physical prowess. Not using the correct form during exercise puts undue stress on certain parts of your body. This can lead to imbalances, weaknesses, and injuries. It’s crucial to learn proper technique from a coach or trainer to move safely and efficiently.

Inadequate Warm-up and Cool-down.

Cold muscles are tight and more prone to tears and strains. A proper warm-up increases blood flow and prepares your body for activity. Similarly, neglecting to cool down after exercise can leave muscles tight and sore, increasing injury risk in the long run.

What are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

Even with the precautions above or in general, injuries can happen. Here at Empire Foot and Ankle Center, we see a variety of sports injuries in our patients. Some of the common sports injuries include:

Ankle Sprains.

These occur when the ligaments connecting your ankle bones stretch or tear. Sprains can be caused by rolling your ankle on uneven terrain or landing awkwardly. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising.

Plantar Fasciitis.

This painful condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It’s often caused by overuse in activities like running or jumping. Common symptoms are pain in the heel and arch of the foot, especially in the morning.

Achilles Tendinitis.

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Overuse can irritate and inflame this tendon, leading to pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning and after activity.

What are the Symptoms of Common Sports Injuries?

Knowing the signs and symptoms of common sports injuries can help you seek treatment early and prevent further damage. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Pain – This is the most common symptom, and its severity can vary depending on the injury.

Swelling – Inflammation around the injured area is another common sign of a sports injury.

Bruising – Discoloration of the skin can indicate bleeding under the surface.

Difficulty walking or bearing weight – If putting pressure on your foot or ankle is painful, it could be a sign of a more serious injury.

Decreased range of motion – If your ankle feels stiff or you can’t move it through its full range of motion, you might be injured.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a sports injury, it’s important to consult with a podiatrist at Empire Foot and Ankle Center. We can diagnose the injury, recommend the best course of treatment, and get you back to your active lifestyle as soon as possible.

Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, medication, or other modalities, depending on the severity of your injury. Remember, prevention is key! By understanding the causes of common sports injuries and taking steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your risk and enjoy a lifetime of movement. Contact us to schedule your appointment or consult with our podiatrist.