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A sports injury refers to physical harm or damage to the body that occurs during athletic activities, exercise, or sports. These injuries can affect bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues, resulting from either a single event or from cumulative stress over time. Understanding the different types of injuries and their associated signs can help you identify when you may need professional guidance. Here’s more information on the signs of a sports injury:
Acute Injuries
Sports injuries are broadly categorized, but acute injuries are those that happen suddenly during an activity. They often result from a specific, identifiable event such as a fall, a direct impact, or an awkward movement that places excessive force on a part of the body. Landing incorrectly from a jump or twisting a joint beyond its normal range of motion are common scenarios that can lead to an acute sports injury.
Recognizing the signs of an acute injury is often straightforward because the symptoms appear immediately or shortly after the incident. Clear indicators that you may have sustained an injury include:
- Sharp Pain: Either at rest or with movement.
- Noticeable Swelling: Where the affected area is swollen or bruised.
- Reduced Motion: Range of motion in the injured joint or limb.
- Increased Instability: Where the affected area is weak.
- Difficulty Bearing Weight: Whether on the affected leg, ankle, or foot.
- Developed Tenderness: When the area is touched.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, also known as overuse injuries, develop gradually. They are caused by repeated motions that place cumulative stress on a specific part of the body. This leads to micro-trauma in the muscles, tendons, or bones. These injuries often occur when training volume increases too quickly, when using improper technique, or when there is insufficient time for the body to recover between workouts. Equipment issues, such as worn-out footwear or changes in training surfaces, may also contribute to their development.
You can reduce your risk of repetitive strain injury by incorporating several strategies into your routine. Try to gradually increase your training load, schedule regular rest days, and engage in cross-training to avoid overloading one area of your body. The symptoms of a repetitive strain injury tend to be more subtle at first but worsen over time.
Some signs you may have an overuse injury are:
- Dull, Aching Pain During or After Activity
- Stiffness or Soreness, Particularly in the Morning
- A Gradual Increase in Pain With Continued Activity
- Mild Swelling or Tenderness That May Come and Go
Chronic Injuries
An injury can become chronic if it does not heal properly or if it is repeatedly aggravated. This can happen when an acute injury is not given adequate time to recover, or when a person returns to activity too soon. Repetitive strain that continues without intervention can also evolve into a chronic condition. A chronic injury is characterized by recurring pain that may flare up during or after activity. These injuries can lead to long-term functional limitations.
Schedule a Sports Injury Consultation
If you’re experiencing signs of an injury that interferes with your daily activities, you may benefit from a medical evaluation. Documenting your symptoms, recent changes in your training, and specific triggers can provide valuable information during a consultation. A sports medicine physician can provide a thorough assessment to help you understand your condition and clarify your treatment options. Schedule a sports injury consultation today.
