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Common Sports Injuries

From , former About.com Guide

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Sports injuries are an unfortunate risk of participating in athletic activities. Accidents, improper warm ups, or poor training habits can cause sports injuries to occur with increased frequency. Some of the most common sustained sports injuries include:

Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle results when the ligaments of the ankle joint are overstretched. This results in a small or complete tear of the affected ligament. Most ankle sprains occur during sport events that include running, jumping, or walking.

Shin Splints
Shin splints are a type of overuse injury that result in pain experienced along the inner lower leg. Shin splints are common among runners, but can occur in any activity that entails prolonged loading of the feet. Medically, shin splints are known as medial tibial stress syndrome.

Pulled Muscle
Pulled muscles, or muscle strains, are injuries that affect muscles or tendons, thick bands that attach muscles to bones. They occur in response to a quick tear, twist, or pull of the muscle. Pain, weakness, and muscle spasms are common symptoms experienced after a strain.

ACL Injuries
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries involve the knee and often occur during athletic activities such as soccer, football, and skiing. They mostly happen when one stops suddenly with the foot planted firmly on the ground. This action causes an over extension of the knee with the leg bone moving too far forward on the thigh. This stresses the ACL beyond its normal limits, tearing the ligament.

Initial treatment of sports injuries involves the first aid technique called RICE. RICE is the acronym used for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is used as the best initial treatment of sports injuries. The combination of RICE helps reduce inflammation that occurs after sudden injury. It is important to remember that the earlier this treatment is put into place, the more effective it is.

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