Not too long ago sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, boys participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, many people of both sexes and all ages are regularly participating in sports and fitness activities. There are women active traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. A large number of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Regrettably, risk of injury is constantly feasible with any sports activity.

Most injuries can be broken down into two fundamental types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this sort of injury produces the kind of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, however the trauma of fractures and dislocations regularly occurs in contact sports. Trauma to a ligament is called a sprain, while damage to a muscle or its tendon is a strain.  Sprains and strains often occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and less generally in the low back and neck. Injuries to the neck and low back can be quite serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be affected.

Traumatic injuries can range from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. The severity of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the whereabouts of the injury, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling happens with almost all sprains and strains. However, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains require competent attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury, to guarantee correct healing and guard against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Camarillo chiropractor, is highly recommended.

The following is an acronym for the post-injury treatment of sprains and strains expressly if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P    Protect injury from further damage
R    Rest the injury
I     Ice injury to lessen swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, particularly when dealing with ankles and knees

Naturally it is important to get the injury properly evaluated by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to find out the degree of damage. The majority of these injuries can recover, although they do need proper treatment during the various stages of healing. If not managed carefully, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Expert treatment of your sports injury by a chiropractor with plenty of experience in sports injury management will insure that your injury recovers properly. Call your Camarillo Chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

These injuries are becoming more and more common, especially among people involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that necessitates the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can cause such afflictions.

Repetitious activity can frequently create a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles. Nevertheless, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that creates the more serious problem.  carpal tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread classes of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability associated with carpal tunnel problems takes place over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue undergo changes that no longer let normal function. There are two types of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. Some people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning normally.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are numerous.  For instance, sports equipment can faulty–an inappropriate grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are prime examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, such as a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Inept technique, like an awkward golf grip or swing, can create stress and strain injuries. All sports activities require a bit of pre-conditioning, which is why people who are deconditioned who continue to extend the duration of an activity without building up slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and suitable preparation, is a common factor in injuries.  And, lastly, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible as the result of stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.

It is important to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, hence, they are factors that can be individually regulated. Before starting a new sport, or as a way to avoid injury in a current sport, it’s wise to get an assessment of your current body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a competent professional, like a chiropractor, to assess the nature of the injury and create a plan of treatment. If left untreated, sports injuries can considerably affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is your best source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Camarillo Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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