Common sports injuries: causes and remedies
Sports and exercise strengthen the body, improve health and contribute to well-being. At the same time, physical activity puts strain on muscles, joints and tendons, especially during intense training or repetitive movements. Many injuries occur from overexertion, incorrect technique, poor equipment or accidents during training and competition. Knowing the most common areas of injury in different sports makes it easier to prevent problems and choose the right aids if an injury does occur.
Here we have gathered information about some popular sports and the most common injuries that can occur. For each sport we also list examples of products that can provide support, relief and speed up recovery.
Description
Alpine skiing and winter sports
Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding place high demands on balance, strength and coordination. Falls, twists and hard landings can put strain on the knees, hips and wrists.
Common injuries
- Knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament injury or meniscus injury
- Wrist fractures in falls
- Thigh and groin injuries during explosive movements
- Back pain from hard landings
Protective equipment such as knee pads, wrist guards and back protectors can reduce the risk of injury. Warming supports and compression garments help with recovery.
Description
Ball sports
Football, handball, basketball and floorball involve rapid changes of direction, jumps and tackles. This places high strain on the knees, ankles and shoulders.
Common injuries
- Ankle sprains during rapid lateral movements
- Cruciate ligament injuries and meniscus injuries
- Shoulder injuries from falls or collisions
- Thigh and calf stretches
Knee pads, ankle supports and taping can provide stability. Compression socks and cooling products facilitate recovery after a match.
Description
Athletics
Athletics includes everything from sprints and jumping events to throwing and long distance events. Different events put different demands on the body, but they all have one thing in common: the risk of overuse injuries.
Common injuries
- Achilles tendonitis and heel spurs when running and jumping
- Hamstring tear during sprinting
- Knee pain from repeated impact stress
- Shoulder and elbow injuries in throwing events
Cushioning insoles, compression stockings and knee pads can provide support. For throwing events, elbow and shoulder pads can be helpful during rehab.
Description
Golf
Golf is a sport with a low risk of injury but high stress on specific joints through repeated swings. The back, wrists and elbows are particularly vulnerable.
Common injuries
- Golfer's elbow (inflammation of the muscle attachments of the elbow)
- Wrist pain from repeated blows
- Low back pain from rotating movements
- Knee pain when walking on hilly terrain
Wrist supports, elbow wraps and back supports can alleviate discomfort. Insoles and knee pads provide comfort during the round.
Description
Running
Running is good for fitness but can put strain on joints and tendons if training is increased too quickly or technique is lacking.
Common injuries
- Running knee and jumping knee
- Achilles tendonitis and heel spur
- Periostitis during high training volume
- Sprains and ankle sprains
Knee pads, cushioning insoles and compression stockings can prevent and relieve pain. Ankle supports can be used in cases of instability.
Description
Padel and tennis
Racquet sports such as padel and tennis combine rapid changes of direction, jumping and repetitive arm movements, which can lead to both overuse and acute injuries.
Common injuries
- Tennis elbow from repeated blows
- Shoulder problems when serving and smashing
- Ankle sprains during lateral movements
- Knee problems from rapid stops and starts
Elbow supports, shoulder bandages and ankle supports can relieve and prevent injuries. Knee pads provide stability during intense play.