New treatment interventions of most common sports injuries

New treatment interventions of most common sports injuries:

 An Overview

Sports injuries are injuries that occur during sport, athletic activities, or exercising. In the United States, there are approximately 30 million teenagers and children who participate in some form of organized sport [1]. Of those, about three million athletes age 14 years and under experience a sports injury annually [2]. According to a study performed at Stanford University, 21 percent of the injuries observed in elite college athletes caused the athlete to miss at least one day of sport, and approximately 77 percent of these injuries involved the knee, lower leg, ankle, or foot [3]. In addition to those sport injuries, the leading cause of death related to sports injuries is traumatic head or neck occurrences [4].

When an athlete complains of pain, injury, or distress, the key to diagnosis is a detailed history and examination. An example of a format used to guide an examination and treatment plan is a S.O.A.P note or, subjective, objective, assessment, plan. Another important aspect of sport injury is prevention, which helps to reduce potential sport injuries. It is important to establish sport-specific dynamic warm-ups, stretching, and exercises that can help prevent injuries common to each individual sport [5].

An injury prevention program also consists of education on hydration, nutrition, monitoring team members "at risk", monitoring at-risk behaviors, and improving technique. In addition, season analysis reviews, preseason screenings, and pre-participation examinations are essential in recognizing pre-existing conditions or previous injuries that could cause further illness or injury. One technique that can be used in the process of preseason screening is the functional movement screen. The functional movement screen can assess movement patterns in athletes in order to find players who are at risk of certain injuries [6]. In addition, prevention for adolescent athletes should be considered and may need to be applied differently than adult athletes. Lastly, following various research about sport injury, it is shown that levels of anxiety, stress, and depression are elevated when an athlete experiences an injury depending on the type and severity of the injury [7].

Types of Sports Injuries

Approximately 2 million individuals sustain sports-related injuries each year and seek medical attention in emergency departments. Fatigue is a significant contributing factor that leads to numerous sports injuries [8]. When athletes participate with low energy, it can result in a deterioration in technique or form, causing slower reaction times, instability in muscle joints, and increasing the likelihood of injury. Both males and females commonly suffer injuries in the knee and ankle areas, with sprains and strains being the most frequent types of injuries. Females are more prone to injuries involving the patellofemoral articulation. American football has the highest injury rate among all sports in the United States, with over 12 times the number of injuries observed in the second most common sport [9].

Soft tissue injuries

When soft tissue experiences trauma, chemicals released by dead and damaged cells initiate an inflammatory response [10]. This causes small blood vessels to dilate, resulting in bleeding within the tissue. The body responds by forming a blood clot to stop the bleeding and allowing fibroblasts, a type of special cell, to form. This begins the healing process by laying down scar tissue. The inflammatory stage is the first phase of healing, but excessive inflammation in the early stage can indicate a longer healing process and a delayed return to activity [11]. Sports injury treatments aim to minimize the inflammatory phase of an injury to accelerate the overall healing process. Soft tissue injuries can be categorized into three types: contusions, abrasions, and lacerations. Contusions, or bruises, are the simplest and most common soft tissue injury caused by blunt force trauma. Severe contusions may involve deeper structures and can include nerve or vascular injury. Abrasions are superficial injuries to the skin with minimal bleeding, and they generally do not scar. Lacerations are caused by blunt trauma and result in open wounds, often with jagged irregular edges [12]. Facial lacerations are the most variable of soft tissue injuries that athletes can sustain, ranging from a superficial skin nick to a through and through lip laceration, or involving significant vascular disruption or injury to collateral vital structures [13].

Hard tissue injuries

Hard tissue injuries, such as dental and bone injuries, are less frequent than soft tissue injuries in sports but are often more serious [14]. Hard tissue injuries to teeth and bones can include contusions, such as Battle sign, which indicates basilar skull fracture, and so-called raccoon eyes, which indicate mid-face fractures. However, tooth fractures are the most common type of tooth injury. Crown infractions are characterized by a disruption of enamel prisms due to a traumatic force, presenting as small cracks affecting only the enamel. Enamel-only fractures are mild and often go unnoticed by the athlete as they are not sensitive to touch or temperature changes [15]. Enamel-dentin crown fractures typically present as a tooth fracture confined to enamel and dentin with loss of tooth structure, but not exposing the pulp [16]. The athlete may report sensitivity to air, cold, or touch, but can return to play as tolerated, and referral can be delayed up to 24 hours. Enamel-dentin-pulp fractures extend through the enamel and dentin and into the pulp [17]. If the pulp is vital, a focal spot of hemorrhage will be noticeable within the yellow dentin layer, and the athlete may report acute pain. Referral to a trauma-ready dentist should occur as soon as possible [18]. Apart from tooth fractures, there are various types of bone fractures, including closed or simple fractures, open or compound fractures, greenstick fractures, hairline fractures, complicated fractures, comminuted fractures, avulsion fractures, and compression fractures. In closed or simple fractures, the skin over the fracture site remains intact, whereas in open or compound fractures, the bone breaks through the skin. Greenstick fractures occur in children, as the bone bends instead of breaking completely. Hairline fractures are thin cracks in the bone, while complicated fractures involve injuries to the surrounding structures, such as blood vessels, organs, nerves, and so on. Comminuted fractures involve the bone breaking into three or more pieces, avulsion fractures occur when a piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament, and compression fractures are caused by a collapse of a vertebra due to pressure [19].

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries differ from acute injuries as they result from repetitive and cumulative micro-trauma, rather than a specific onset incident [20]. Children are particularly vulnerable to overuse injuries due to rapid changes in physical growth [21]. Overuse injuries can be classified into four types or stages, starting with pain during activity that does not affect performance, progressing to pain during activity that restricts performance, followed by pain after activity, and finally chronic pain in the affected area even after resting. Predictive indicators of overuse injuries in adolescent endurance athletes include a history of previous injury, inadequate recovery time between training sessions, and inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines [22]. In youth track and field, overuse injuries are more common in long-distance runners, with an incidence rate of 17 injuries/1000 hours, which is 19 times higher than other disciplines. Overall, the incidence rate of overuse injuries in high school track and field athletes is 0.89 injuries/1000 hours of practice, which is lower than the incidence rate of 3.9 injuries/1000 hours reported in senior athletics [23].

Head and neck injuries

Head and neck injuries are a diverse range of pathologies, encompassing sprains, strains, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Sprains and strains can result from sudden rotational or whipping motions, such as whiplash. Stress injuries, including stress fractures and stress reactions, are a common cause of sports-related lower back pain in young individuals. The onset of observed cervical fractures in sports injuries is often attributed to continued momentum that transfers loads superiorly through the neck, exacerbating injuries to the occipital condyles and upper cervical vertebrae. Researchers have reported that 3-25% of cervical spine injuries occur after the initial traumatic event, caused or exacerbated by improper handling during early stages of management or patient transport [24].

One of the most common head or neck injuries in sports is a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury resulting in a chemical change in the brain. Concussions occur when a person sustains a hit or blow that causes the head and brain to move quickly, causing the brain to bounce in the skull. An epidemiological study published in the Journal of Athletic Training reported an incidence of 3.89 sports-related concussions per 10,000 athlete exposures across 27 high school sports [25].

Concussions can cause damage to brain tissue, and the potential for long-term effects has gained increasing attention in recent years. Studies have shown that repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with memory loss, confusion, and depression. CTE has been found in the brains of former football players, boxers, and other athletes who have sustained multiple concussions [26].

In response to the growing concern, many sports organizations have implemented concussion protocols to help prevent and manage concussions. These protocols often include preseason baseline testing, in-game concussion assessment, and return-to-play guidelines. However, some experts argue that these protocols are not enough, and more research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of concussions and how to prevent them [27].

In addition to concussions, other head and neck injuries can also have long-term effects. Cervical spine injuries, for example, can result in paralysis or other neurological impairments if not properly managed. Studies have shown that early intervention and rehabilitation can improve outcomes for individuals with cervical spine injuries, but more research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of these injuries [28].

To prevent head and neck injuries in sports, athletes and coaches should prioritize safety and follow established protocols. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear, learning proper technique and form, and understanding the signs and symptoms of concussions and other injuries. Athletes should also prioritize rest and recovery, allowing their bodies to heal properly between games and practices [29].

In conclusion, head and neck injuries are a diverse range of pathologies that can have serious long-term effects. Concussions, in particular, have gained increasing attention due to their potential for long-term effects, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy. To prevent these injuries, athletes and coaches should prioritize safety and follow established protocols, prioritizing rest and recovery between games and practices. As research continues to shed light on the long-term effects of head and neck injuries, it is clear that more needs to be done to better understand these injuries and how to prevent them [30].

Sports related musculoskeletal injuries

Subacromial impingement syndrome is a common shoulder injury that affects people who perform repetitive overhead movements, such as athletes in sports like baseball, volleyball, and swimming. It occurs when the space between the acromion (the topmost bone in the shoulder) and the rotator cuff tendons becomes narrowed, causing the tendons to rub against the acromion during movement. This friction can lead to inflammation, pain, and impingement of the rotator cuff tendons, which can result in further damage and potentially lead to rotator cuff tears [31].

The symptoms of subacromial impingement syndrome include pain and stiffness in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm overhead or reaching behind the back. The pain may also be felt at the top of the shoulder or in the upper arm. Over time, the condition can lead to weakness and loss of range of motion in the shoulder [32].

Treatment for subacromial impingement syndrome typically involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medication to manage pain and inflammation. Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve scapular control, as well as stretches to improve flexibility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tissue that is causing impingement or repair any rotator cuff tears [33].

To prevent subacromial impingement syndrome, it's important to maintain proper form and technique when performing overhead movements, and to incorporate exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and improve scapular control into your workout routine. It's also important to take breaks and rest the shoulder when experiencing pain or discomfort, and to avoid overuse or repetitive motions that can put excessive strain on the shoulder joint [34].

Falling on an outstretched arm and pulling on the shoulder, repetitive lifting of heavy loads or overhead movement cause rotator cuff tears [35].

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuryis a common knee problem that often occurs in sports like skiing, soccer, football, and basketball. Following an ACL injury, the affected individual may suddenly fall to the ground due to the instability caused by the injury. The injury results in rapid swelling of the knee, making it challenging for the person to bear weight [36].

ACL injuries are common in contact sports, such as football, where collisions between players can cause the ligament to tear. However, they can also occur in non-contact sports and activities, such as skiing, soccer, and basketball, during jumping, deceleration, and pivoting movements [37].

After an ACL injury, it's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery to reconstruct the torn ligament. Prevention strategies include strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, maintaining proper form during sports and activities, and wearing protective gear, such as knee braces, during high-risk activities [38].

Collateral ligament injury is a type of knee injury that affects the ligaments located on the inner and outer edges of the knee joint. In particular, an injury to a partially flexed knee can damage the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which is the ligament that stretches along the inner edge of the knee. A forceful medial blow to the knee, such as during a sports collision or a fall, can cause an MCL injury [39].

Symptoms of a collateral ligament injury include pain and a reduction in range-of-motion in the affected knee. The pain may be felt along the inner or outer edge of the knee, depending on which ligament is affected. Swelling and bruising may also occur in the affected area [40].

Treatment for collateral ligament injuries typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve flexibility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn ligament [41]. To prevent collateral ligament injuries, it's essential to maintain proper form and technique during sports and activities, and to wear protective gear, such as knee pads, during high-risk activities. Additionally, strengthening the muscles around the knee joint can help to provide additional support and stability to the ligaments [42].

Meniscus injuries are a type of knee injury that affects the meniscus, which is the shock-absorbing cartilage located between the thighbone and shinbone in the knee joint. Acute or repeated injury to the meniscus can cause a meniscus injury [43].

Symptoms of a meniscus injury include difficulty squatting and walking, as well as pain in the affected knee. The pain may be felt deep within the knee joint and may be accompanied by swelling and stiffness [44].

Treatment for meniscus injuries typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or repair the torn meniscus. To prevent meniscus injuries, it's essential to maintain proper form and technique during sports and activities, and to gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise. Additionally, strengthening the muscles around the knee joint can help to provide additional support and stability to the meniscus [45-47]. It's also important to avoid sudden twisting or turning motions, as these can put excessive strain on the meniscus. Wearing appropriate footwear and maintaining a healthy weight can also help to reduce the risk of meniscus injuries [48].

Runner's knee (Patellofemoral pain): knee joint pain affecting the patellofemoral joint. Pain is a direct consequence of the kneecap rubbing against the end of the thigh bone – "patella" means kneecap and "femur" means a thigh bone. The force the patellofemoral joint has to sustain can be as much as five times the body weight when the knee is fully flexed – when squatting – and three times body weight when the knee flexes to 90 degrees – when climbing stairs. This makes the cartilage that makes up the patellofemoral joint susceptible to wear and tear. The typical pain is also associated with muscle strength and joint flexibility. Repetitive physical activity such as running can trigger pain. Tight hamstrings, tight Achilles tendons, and weak thigh muscles, which are required to stabilize the knee, cause runner's knee [49].

An inversion ankle sprain is a common type of ankle injury that occurs when the ankle rolls outward, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch or tear. This injury often occurs when landing on an uneven surface or stepping on an uneven surface, causing the ankle to twist or roll [50].

Symptoms of an inversion ankle sprain include swelling, localized pain, difficulty bearing weight, and limping. The pain may be felt on the outside of the ankle and may be accompanied by bruising and stiffness [51].

Treatment for an inversion ankle sprain typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling. In severe cases, immobilization and physical therapy may be necessary to promote healing and restore strength and flexibility to the ankle.To prevent inversion ankle sprains, it's essential to maintain proper form and technique during sports and activities, and to wear appropriate footwear with good ankle support. Additionally, strengthening the muscles around the ankle joint can help to provide additional support and stability to the ligaments. It's also important to avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces, as these can increase the risk of ankle sprains. Taking the time to properly warm up and cool down before and after exercise can also help to reduce the risk of injury [52].

An eversion ankle sprain is a type of ankle injury that occurs when the ankle turns outward or rotates externally, causing the ligaments on the inside of the ankle to stretch or tear. This injury can happen during sports, exercise, or everyday activities, such as stepping on an uneven surface or twisting the ankle [53].

Symptoms of an eversion ankle sprain include excruciating pain, which may worsen with weight bearing. The pain is typically felt on the inside of the ankle and may be accompanied by swelling, bruising, and stiffness [54].

Treatment for an eversion ankle sprain typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling. In severe cases, immobilization and physical therapy may be necessary to promote healing and restore strength and flexibility to the ankle. To prevent eversion ankle sprains, it's essential to maintain proper form and technique during sports and activities, and to wear appropriate footwear with good ankle support. Additionally, strengthening the muscles around the ankle joint can help to provide additional support and stability to the ligaments. It's also important to avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces, as these can increase the risk of ankle sprains. Taking the time to properly warm up and cool down before and after exercise can also help to reduce the risk of injury [55].

Risk Factors

There are various factors that can increase an athlete's susceptibility to injuries. These factors can be categorized as intrinsic or personal, and extrinsic or external [56].

Intrinsic factors that could increase an athlete's risk of injury include gender, age, weight, body composition, height, lack of flexibility or range of motion, coordination, balance, and endurance. For instance, female athletes are more prone to ACL tears, with a 1.6-fold greater rate of ACL tears per athletic exposure compared to males of the same age range [56]. Other intrinsic factors that could contribute to injury risk include biological factors such as pes planus, pes cavus, and valgus or varus knees that can cause improper biomechanics. Additionally, psychological factors such as personal stressors in an athlete's home, school, or social life could also increase the likelihood of injury [57].

Extrinsic factors that can impact an athlete's risk of injury include sport-specific protective equipment. It's essential to ensure that this equipment is fitted correctly to the individual athlete to ensure maximum protection against injury. Other extrinsic factors include the conditions of the sport setting, such as rain, snow, and the maintenance of the floor or field of playing surface [58].

In summary, intrinsic and extrinsic factors can both contribute to an athlete's susceptibility to injury. It's crucial to address these factors to minimize the risk of injury and promote overall athletic health and safety [59].

In addition to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors mentioned earlier, there are also environmental factors that can increase an athlete's risk of injury. These factors include the type of surface on which the sport is played, the weather conditions, and the duration and intensity of the activity [60]. For example, playing on a hard, uneven surface can increase the risk of ankle and knee injuries, while playing on a soft, well-maintained surface can decrease the risk. Similarly, playing in wet or slippery conditions can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, while playing in hot and humid conditions can increase the risk of dehydration, cramps, and heat-related illnesses [61].

Another environmental factor that can contribute to injury risk is the duration and intensity of the activity. Prolonged periods of high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, can increase the risk of stress fractures, shin splints, and other overuse injuries. Additionally, sudden stops, starts, and changes in direction can increase the risk of sprains and strains [62].

To minimize the risk of injury, it's essential to address all of these factors. Athletes should wear appropriate protective gear, maintain proper form and technique, and take the necessary precautions to ensure that the playing surface is safe and well-maintained. Additionally, athletes should listen to their bodies, rest when necessary, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of their activities to avoid overuse injuries. By addressing all of these factors, athletes can reduce their risk of injury and promote overall athletic health and safety [63].

Prevention

Prevention helps reduce potential sport injuries. Benefits include a healthier athlete, longer duration of participation in the sport, potential for better performance, and reduced medical costs. Explaining the benefits of sports injury prevention programs to coaches, team trainers, sports teams, and individual athletes will give them a glimpse at the likelihood for success by having the athletes feeling they are healthy, strong, comfortable, and capable to compete. Better training and better exercises can help prevent the injuries from even happening [64].

Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention

Prevention can be broken up into three broad categories of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention [65] Primary prevention involves the avoidance of injury. An example is ankle braces being worn as a team. Even those with no history of previous ankle injuries participate in wearing braces. If primary prevention activities were effective, there would be a lesser chance of injuries occurring in the first place. Secondary prevention involves an early diagnosis and treatment once an injury has occurred. The goal of early diagnosis is to ensure that the injury is receiving proper care and recovering correctly, thereby limiting the concern for other medical problems to stem from the initial traumatic event [66].

Some sports leagues have gone further in terms of secondary prevention by incorporating live sensing data to allow early diagnosis and treatment: Some teams in the Swiss National Ice Hockey League are testing out systems that combine helmet-integrated sensors and analysis software to reveal a player’s ongoing brain injury risk during a game [67] These sensors provide players and coaches with real-time data on head impact strength, frequency, and severity. The sensors are planned to be integrated into the foam padding used inside hockey helmets to serve as pressure detectors [68].

Lastly, tertiary prevention is solely focused on rehabilitation to reduce and correct an existing disability resulting from the traumatic event. Thus, for an athlete with an ankle injury, rehabilitation would consist of balance exercises to recover strength and mobility, as well as wearing an ankle brace while gradually returning to the sport [69].

Season analysis

To minimize the risk of injuries during sports, it's crucial to participate in warm-ups, stretching, and exercises that focus on the main muscle groups used in the sport of interest. This helps to reduce the chances of getting muscle cramps, torn muscles, and stress fractures. Additionally, a season analysis should be conducted to identify potential risks by reviewing training methods, competition schedules, travel, and past injuries. If previous injuries have occurred, the analysis should look for patterns related to specific training or competition factors. Factors that have been associated with injury incidence include changes in training volume, climate, playing time in important matches, and poor sleep due to a hectic schedule. Team program directors and staff should implement testing to ensure the health, competitiveness, and confidence of athletes for the upcoming season [70].

Preseason screening

Another beneficial review for preventing player sport injuries is preseason screenings. A study found that the highest injury rate during practices across fifteen Division I, II, and III NCAA sports was in the preseason compared to in-season or postseason [71]. To prepare an athlete for the wide range of activities needed to partake in their sport pre-participation examinations are regularly completed on hundreds of thousands of athletes each year. It is extremely important that the physical exam is done properly in order to limit the risks of injury and also to diagnose early onsets of a possible injury. Preseason screenings consist of testing the mobility of joints (ankles, wrists, hips, etc.), testing the stability of joints (knees, neck, etc.), testing the strength and power of muscles, and also testing breathing patterns. The objective of a preseason screening is to clear the athlete for participation and verify that there is no sign of injury or illness, which would represent a potential medical risk to the athlete (and risk of liability to the sports organization) [72]. Besides the physical examination and the fluidity of the movements of joints the preseason screenings often takes into account a nutrition aspect as well. It is important to maintain normal iron levels, blood pressure levels, fluid balance, adequate total energy intake, and normal glycogen levels. Nutrition can aid in injury prevention and rehabilitation, if one obtains the body's daily intake needs. Obtaining sufficient amount of calories, carbohydrates, fluids, protein, and vitamins and minerals is important for the overall health of the athlete and limits the risk of possible injuries.[73] Iron deficiency, for example, is found in both male and female athletes; however 60 percent of female college athletes are affected by iron deficiency.[74] There are many factors that can contribute to the loss in iron, like menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding, inadequate iron intake from the diet, general fatigue, weakness, among others. The consequences of iron deficiency, if not solved, can be an impaired athletic performance and a decline in immune and cognitive function [75].

Functional movement screen

The functional movement screen (FMS) is a technique used during preseason screening to evaluate movement patterns and identify potential injury risks. It consists of seven fundamental movement patterns that require a balance of mobility and stability, including the deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability. Each movement is scored based on the athlete's performance, with a score of 3 indicating no compensations, a score of 2 indicating poor mechanics, a score of 1 indicating inability to perform the movement, and a score of 0 indicating pain during the movement. Three of the tests have a pass or fail scoring, and if failed, the overall score is 0. Based on the scoring, a prevention program can be developed to target and strengthen areas of weakness and reduce the risk of injuries [76].

Sports injury prevalence

Sports that have a higher incidence of contact and collision have the highest rates of injury [77]. Collisions with the ground, objects, and other players are common, and unexpected dynamic forces on limbs and joints can cause sports injuries. Soccer is the sport leading to most competitive injuries in NCAA female college athletes. Gymnastics, on the other hand, has the highest injury rate overall. Swimming and diving are the NCAA sport that has the lowest injury rates [78]. Injury rates were much higher for NCAA women's sports during competitions rather than practices except for volleyball, indoor track, and swimming and diving [79]. For eight of the NCAA sports, many injuries acquired during competition require at least seven days recovery before returning to the sport. In general, more females are injured during practice than in competition [80]. NCAA athlete injury rates are higher in men's ice hockey, basketball, and lacrosse [81]. NCAA athlete injury rates were significantly higher in women's cross country than men's cross country [82]. The NCAA injury rates are roughly the same for soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and both indoor and outdoor track and field, regardless of gender [83].

Costs

Interventions targeted at decreasing the incidence of sports injuries can impact health-care costs, as well as family and societal resources [84]. Sports injuries have direct and indirect costs. The direct costs are usually calculated by taking into account the cost of using healthcare resources to prevent, detect, and treat injury. There is a need for research about how healthcare is used and the expenses that coincide with it. Included in these expenses are how different injuries may have different prognoses. Indirect costs may be taken into account as well, when an injury prevents an individual from returning to work it may hinder the economic benefit to themselves and others [85].

For collegiate athletics, the estimated cost of sport injuries ranges from $446 million to $1.5 billion per year [86] For high school athletics, the yearly estimated cost of sport injuries ranges from $5.4 billion to $19.2 billion [87]. Medical costs in the United States for sports injury related emergency department visits exceeded $935 million every year [88].

Conclusion

Sports injuries can have a significant impact on an athlete's physical and mental health, as well as their athletic performance. Common types of sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and concussions. These injuries can result from a variety of factors, such as overuse, poor technique, lack of conditioning, and equipment failure.

Preventative measures can go a long way in reducing the risk of sports injuries. One of the most effective preventative measures is proper warm-up exercises. Warming up before engaging in any physical activity helps to increase blood flow, loosen muscles, and prepare the body for the demands of the sport. This can significantly reduce the risk of muscle strains and sprains.

Another important preventative measure is the use of protective gear. Protective gear, such as helmets, pads, and mouthguards, can help to prevent or minimize the severity of injuries, such as head injuries, fractures, and dislocations. It is essential for athletes to wear appropriate protective gear for their specific sport and position.

Adherence to safety guidelines is also crucial in preventing sports injuries. This includes following the rules of the game, avoiding dangerous plays, and using proper technique. Coaches and athletes should also prioritize rest and recovery, as overuse injuries are common in sports that require repetitive motions, such as running and jumping.

In addition to prevention measures, early diagnosis and treatment of injuries are critical in facilitating a speedy and full recovery. Athletes should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they have a sports injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and promote healing, which can help athletes return to their sport more quickly.

In conclusion, sports injuries can have a significant impact on an athlete's health and performance. Preventative measures, such as proper warm-up exercises, the use of protective gear, and adherence to safety guidelines, can significantly reduce the risk of sports injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries are also crucial in facilitating a speedy and full recovery. It is essential for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations to prioritize injury prevention and prompt treatment to ensure the overall health and well-being of athletes.