How can I prevent a sports injury?
Sports injuries typically occur while participating in organized sports, competitions, training sessions or organized fitness activities. These injuries may occur in teens for a variety of reasons, including improper training, lack of appropriate footwear or safety equipment and rapid growth.
There are two general types. The first type is called an acute traumatic injury. Acute traumatic injuries usually involve a single blow from a single application of force — like getting a cross-body block in football.
The second type of sports injury is called an overuse or chronic injury. Chronic injuries are those that happen over a period of time. Chronic injuries are usually the result of repetitive training, such as running, overhand throwing or erving a ball in tennis.
Taking care of sports injuries
If your pain progressively increases with activity and causes swelling, limping or loss of range of motion, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. What kinds of pain should you be on the lookout for? Any injury that results in swelling, numbness, intense pain or tenderness, stiffness or loss of flexibility should be taken seriously.
You should also know the difference between soreness and chronic pain. Soreness is temporary, but chronic pain continues over a greater length of time. For example, it's not always necessary to see a doctor right away if your shoulder is sore, but you should schedule an appointment if the pain is worsening at any time or if it persists for a week or more. You should also see a doctor if your pain progresses from happening only after playing to happening during sports or if you notice it when you wake up or are doing daily activities.
Playing safe
What can you do to protect yourself from getting hurt? Use protective gear — such as helmets for contact sports like football — that is appropriate to the specific sport. Also, be sure to warm up adequately before practice and games.
Learn more about preventing sports injuries in the health library.
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