Types of Sports Injuries: From Running to Golf

February 25, 2022

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Sports injuries can range from a simple ankle sprain to something more serious like a back injury. The range of severity can depend on the type of sport. For example, it’s assumed that football injuries are going to be more dramatic and painful than an injury from a sport like golf. While this may be true in most cases, it doesn’t mean that a golfer can’t suffer from a serious injury. Let’s take a closer look at these injuries starting with popular college sports like basketball or track. Then we’ll look at treatment options.

College sports-related injuries

College-level athletes get sports injuries all the time. Some common ones are knee-related or ankle injuries. Some popular sports in college are football, basketball, and track. Football alone has a lot of risk for things like concussions and torn ACLs. Basketball sees a similar risk and track-related injuries are almost all overuse. So things like shin splints are common in track and field. Let’s look at knee, tendon, and overuse injuries in a little more depth.

Overuse sports injuries

These are commonly seen in college-level sports like track and field. They can include some of the following.

  • Shin splints
  • Runners knee (when the kneecap rubs against one side of the joint)
  • Stress fractures
  • Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis)

The main cause of overuse injuries is bad training and not getting enough rest. Recovery typically involves some tweaks in training and having the athlete, or yourself, get some much-needed rest. 

Knee and tendon related injuries

These types of injuries are typically serious in nature, especially if they involve something like an ACL injury. Here are some more knee-related injuries to watch out for.

  • Tendon tears
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, LCL)

Recovery for these types of injuries typically involves weeks of physical therapy. Ligament injuries can be very severe and are commonly split into several grades. These range from grade 1 (least severe) to grade 3 (Severe, torn ligament). Now, what about injuries in something like golf? Can they be severe?

Golf related injuries

Golf is a low impact, mild sport compared to other sports like football. The main source of golf-related injuries is overuse and poor preparation. So, not doing things like warming up, staying flexible, staying hydrated, that sort of thing. Here are some injuries related to golf.

  • Shoulder pain and issues with the rotator cuff
  • Elbow tendonitis
  • Heat-related injuries like a heat stroke
  • Wrist problems

Most of these aren’t too severe but they can get painful. Anyone living with shoulder issues knows that it can flare up and really get in the way of enjoying your day. Heat-related injuries are probably the most severe but easily prevented and treated. Just drink water and stay out of the sun for long periods of time.

Treatment for sports-related injuries

Treatment for rigorous and mild sports alike are very similar. Some common treatment options include the following.

  • Physical therapy
  • Getting a brace
  • Using the PRICE method (Protection, Restriction, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Proper prevention

Using proper prevention is a great way to stop injuries before they happen. This was touched on previously but warming up, staying hydrated, having a good training program, and not overdoing it works wonders. Now, when an injury does occur getting proper physical therapy if needed, is beneficial. 

Sports Pain Solutions

Getting the right treatment can make a difference. You don’t have to live with pain from an old injury during your college years. If you need treatment from an old sports-related injury, then book an appointment today. Get on the road to recovery so you enjoy life again. 

Get in touch with our team today if you suffer from injuries caused by sports. Fill out the form below to get started. 

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