What are the “Types of injuries”?

Good question. When we talk about categories of injuries, we’re basically dealing with two types.

1. Overuse Injuries

2. Acute Injuries

An overuse injury is pretty self-explanatory. It’s an injury that results from placing a steady level of stress, over time, upon a certain part of the body. An example of this would be shin splints in runners, tennis or golf elbow, plantar fasciitis in basketball players, and osteoarthritis.

An Acute injury occurs as a direct result of an impact, trauma, or blow to a certain part of the body. Acute injuries happen often in sports.

Examples of acute injuries:

• Shoulder dislocations

• Ankle sprains or fractures

• Muscle strains

• Wrist fractures

Some consider there to be a third type of injury, which is “chronic”. This is basically an injury that continues over a significant period of time (over 3 months.).

What are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

Groin pull

Groin pulls are fairly common, and avoiding them is a good reason to do proper stretching before engaging in any type of athletic endeavor, especially if it involves a bit of running.

Shin Splints

Shin splints refers to a pain in the shins which is caused by repeated activity— mainly running.

Knee Injuries - ACL Tears

ACL tears injuries are a part of sports. Any and all athletes risk knee injuries, but we see them at an especially high rate in football, women’s soccer, and skiing.

Knee Injuries - Patellofemoral Syndrome

This syndrome is caused by the kneecap rubbing against the thigh bone in a repetitive manner.

Tennis Elbow

Also known as epicondylitis, tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow.

Hamstring Strain

Another injury that occurs in sports with a high amount of running involved. Soccer, football, and even baseball players suffer hamstring strains at a higher rate

What To Do About Common Injuries

For many of these injuries, RICE will ease the pain:

• REST

• ICING

• COMPRESSION

• ELEVATION

For other injuries (such as an ACL Tear) you’ll need surgery to avoid further complications, such as arthritis. If you have any questions, visit your local physician or orthopaedist.

Good Luck!

For more about Dr. Sterett, visit www.drsterett.com