Playing sports can keep your body in shape and improve your leadership and teamwork skills. Unfortunately, it can also wear down your body and put you at risk of getting hurt. Sports injuries can be very painful and put you out of commission for a while. The professionals at Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, a physical therapy clinic in Dalton, GA, share some of the most common sports injuries among athletes so you can recognize the signs of damage. 

4 Common Sports Injuries 

1. Sprains

Most commonly caused by falling or a twisting motion, sprains are a stretching or tearing of the ligaments near a joint like a knee or ankle. Symptoms of this injury include pain, swelling, bruising and an inability to put weight on the joint. Many people hear or feel a pop in the joint at the time of the injury.

2. Shin Splints

Shin splints occur when the shinbone is overexerted and are common among runners who run on hard surfaces. Other factors that increase the risk of this injury include having flat feet and exercising without appropriate footwear. The pain is generally at the the front outside of the lower leg, but it can also affect the foot and ankle. 

3. Strains

Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn from prolonged, repetitive motion. Athletes are more likely to suffer these injuries when they’re jumping, running, or lifting and may experience pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited ability to move the affected muscle.

4. ACL Injuries

ACL injuries are considered one of the most severe sports injuries and occur when the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee tears. Symptoms include severe pain, a popping sensation in the knee, swelling, and loss of range of motion. Athletes who do a lot of jumping and sudden stopping are more likely to suffer this injury and require physical therapy. 

If you have suffered any of these sports injuries, see a physical therapist. The team at Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is highly trained and prepared to handle every aspect of physical therapy. They provide a wide range of orthopedic services, including sports injury rehab, arthritis care, and total joint replacement. To schedule an appointment, call (706)-226-5533 or visit their website for more information.