School Sports Injuries Prevention & Symptoms & When to go to the ER

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that occur when ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) are stretched beyond their normal range due to sudden movements or overexertion.

These injuries often result from awkward landings, sudden changes in direction, or overuse of muscles and joints during sports activities.

Symptoms

• Sprains: Pain, swelling, limited range of motion, bruising, and instability in the affected joint.
• Strains: Muscle spasms, weakness, pain, and swelling around the injured area.

 

Prevention

• Warm up properly before physical activity.
• Use proper techniques and form when playing sports.
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of workouts.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support muscle strength.

 

Warning Signs to Visit the ER

• Severe pain or inability to move the injured area.
• Deformity or obvious misalignment of a joint.
• Numbness or tingling in the injured area.

Sprains and Strains are Most Common in the Following Sports:

 

1. Basketball: Quick movements, sudden stops, and frequent changes in direction put players at risk for sprains and strains, particularly in the ankles, knees, and wrists.
2. Soccer: Running, kicking, and pivoting increase the chances of muscle strains and ligament sprains, often involving the groin, hamstrings, and ankles.
3. Volleyball: Jumping and diving for the ball can lead to sprained ankles, wrists, and fingers.
4. Track and Field: Sprinting, jumping, and hurdles can result in muscle strains, especially in the legs and back.

Concussions

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move within the skull.

Concussions commonly occur in contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball, where collisions and falls are frequent.

Symptoms

• Headache, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems.
• Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise.
• Changes in mood or behavior.

 

Prevention

• Use appropriate protective gear such as helmets.
• Teach and practice proper tackling techniques.
• Encourage sportsmanship and fair play to reduce aggressive behavior.

 

Warning Signs to Visit the ER

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly.
• Increasing confusion or irritability.
• Seizures, weakness, or numbness.

Concussions are Most Common in the Following Sports:

 

1. Football: The nature of the game involves frequent contact and tackles, making football players more prone to concussions.
2. Soccer: Head collisions during aerial challenges or accidental impacts are common causes of concussions.
3. Ice Hockey: High-speed gameplay and potential collisions increase the risk of head injuries and concussions.
4. Lacrosse: The use of sticks and the fast-paced nature of the game can lead to unintentional head impacts.

Bone Fractures

A fracture is a break or cracks in a bone.  Fractures can occur due to falls, collisions, or direct impact on a bone during sports activities.

Symptoms

• Pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured area.
• Limited range of motion.
• Deformity or misalignment of the bone.

 

Prevention

• Wear appropriate protective gear.
• Ensure a safe playing environment.
• Emphasize proper techniques to reduce the risk of falls and collisions.

 

Warning Signs to Visit the ER

• Bone visibly sticking out of the skin.
• Intense pain, especially with movement.
• Numbness or tingling below the injured area.

Fractures are Most Common in the Following Sports:

 

1. Football: The physicality of the sport can lead to various types of fractures, including broken bones in the arms, legs, and fingers.
2. Gymnastics: The repetitive stress on bones during landings, flips, and twists can result in stress fractures.
3. Wrestling: Falls, throws, and impacts can cause fractures, especially in the collarbone, fingers, and toes.
4. Skiing/Snowboarding: The high speeds and potential for falls on hard surfaces make these winter sports riskier for fractures, particularly in the arms, wrists, and legs.

Dislocations

A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal positions. Dislocations can result from awkward falls, collisions, or high-impact sports.

Symptoms

• Severe pain, swelling, and deformity in the joint area.
• Limited or no ability to move the joint.

 

Prevention

• Strengthen the muscles around the joints through targeted exercises.
• Use proper techniques when participating in sports.
• Avoid pushing your joints beyond their natural range of motion.

 

Warning Signs to Visit the ER

• Inability to move the joint at all.
• Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the joint.
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the surrounding area.

Dislocations are Most Common in the Following Sports:

 

1. Wrestling: Grappling and holds can lead to joint dislocations, especially in the shoulders and fingers.
2. Basketball: Awkward landings or collisions under the basket can result in dislocated fingers and ankles.
3. Gymnastics: The nature of the sport requires flexibility and contortions, increasing the likelihood of joint dislocations, particularly in the shoulders and wrists.
4. Rugby: The physical contact and tackles in rugby can lead to joint dislocations, especially in the shoulders and knees.