Participating in sports can be a great way to stay active and healthy, but it can also make us vulnerable to injuries. Sports injuries are more common than one might think, and they can range from mild to severe. Several factors come into play when it comes to the risk of getting hurt while playing sports, including quick repetitive movements, constricting footwear, and increased exposure to injury or trauma. Below, we will discuss some of the most common injuries that result from specific sports.
Martial Arts and Kick Boxing
Martial arts and kickboxing are high-impact sports that require a lot of physical activity. As a result, injuries commonly seen as a result of these sports include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. It is important to stretch before performing any kicking or punching exercises. A minimum of 15 minutes of stretching is recommended to help prevent injuries.
Aerobics
Aerobics is another high-impact sport that requires a lot of movement, and the forces applied to the feet during aerobics can reach up to six times the force of gravity. This transmission of force happens in each of the 26 bones in the foot. Proper shoes are crucial to injury-free aerobics. Shoes should provide adequate cushioning and shock absorption to compensate for pressure on the foot many times greater than found in walking. They must also have good medial-lateral stability to prevent injuries.
Team Sports
Activities such as football, baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to ankle injuries as a result of play on artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching.
Baseball Injuries
Baseball is a fun and popular sport that involves a lot of running, jumping and quick sprints that can lead to foot and ankle injuries. These injuries often come from sudden stops and starts, which can put a lot of stress on the feet and ankles.
Basketball Injuries
Basketball is similar to baseball in terms of sudden stops and starts that can cause foot and ankle injuries. The most common injuries in basketball include sprained ankles, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Field Hockey Injuries
Hockey is a physically demanding sport that involves a lot of running, jumping, and repetitive movements. Common injuries in field hockey include ankle sprains, shin splints, and stress fractures from running on hard surfaces.
Football Injuries
Football is a high-impact sport that often involves heavy contact between players. As a result, football players are vulnerable to foot and ankle injuries, including sprains and fractures.
Golf Injuries
Contrary to the popular belief that golf is a mild sport, it can cause several types of injuries. Most golfers are prone to foot and ankle injuries due to the repetitive motions involved in swinging the club. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and fractures are common golfing injuries.
Lacrosse Injuries
Lacrosse is a high-speed, fast-paced sport that requires a lot of running and quick movements. Common injuries as a result of the sport include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.
Rugby Injuries
Rugby is a high-contact sport that can cause several types of injuries, including ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and fractures.
Running and Track Injuries
Common injuries affecting runners include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. Proper stretching before running and good running shoes are crucial.
Soccer Injuries
Soccer involves a lot of quick movements, sudden stops, and sharp turns, which can put a lot of strain on the feet and ankles. Common injuries include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.
Softball Injuries
Softball is similar to baseball, and players can suffer from the same types of foot and ankle injuries, such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.
Tennis Injuries
Like other racquet sports, tennis often leads to ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis due to the sideways movements involved. Proper footwear and stretching are essential in preventing tennis injuries.
Volleyball Injuries
Injuries commonly seen in volleyball include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures due to the frequent jumping and landing involved in the sport.
In conclusion, sports injuries can happen to anyone. Even though some sports are more likely to cause injuries than others, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent them. Proper footwear, adequate stretching before exercising, and good training practices are all essential in preventing injuries. For more information on foot and ankle injuries, or to receive treatment, contact Dr Gilbert Huang DPM, who can guide you through sports injuries and provide the best possible care to get you back on your feet.