Injuries are common for athletes, whether it’s a minor sprain or something more serious. Athletic therapists are trained to treat and rehabilitate a range of injuries, so if you’re ever unfortunate enough to suffer one, don’t worry – you’re in good hands.
In this blog post, we’ll look at six of the most common injuries seen by athletic therapists.
Six Of The Most Common Injuries Seen By Athletic Therapists
1. Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is another type of injury commonly seen by athletic therapists. It is caused by the foot’s sudden twisting or turning motion, which forces the ankle joint out of its normal position. This can result in overstretching or tearing the ligaments that support the joint.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, swelling, and tenderness. The affected ankle may also be difficult to move. Treatment typically involves ice, rest, and elevation of the ankle to reduce swelling. In some cases, a splint or brace may be used to immobilize the joint and allow it to heal.
Most people recover from an ankle sprain within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, some may experience long-term problems such as weakness, instability, and chronic pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments.
2. Knee Ligament Tear
Knee ligament tears are a type of injury commonly seen by athletic therapists.
There are four main types of knee ligaments:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
ACL and PCL tears are the most common, followed by MCL and LCL tears. Knee ligament tears often occur during high-impact activities such as football, soccer, and basketball. A knee ligament tear symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, instability, and loss of range of motion. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.
3. Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strain is an injury athletic therapists help people recover from quite often. A hamstring is a group of three muscles at the back of the thigh, and these muscles are responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip.
Hamstring strains can occur when these muscles are stretched beyond their limits, resulting in partial or complete tearing of the muscle fibers. This type of injury is prevalent in athletes who participate in sports that require explosive movements, such as sprinting and jumping.
Treatment for a hamstring strain typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged muscle tissue. However, most people fully recover from a hamstring strain with proper treatment.
4. Concussion
A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden impact on the body. Concussions can range from mild to severe, and they can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea.
Concussions are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Concussions are one of the most common injuries seen by athletic trainers and therapists, and they can occur in any sport. While concussions are often associated with contact sports like football and hockey, they can also occur in non-contact sports like soccer and basketball.
If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered a concussion, it is vital to seek medical help right away.
5. Shin Splints
Shin splints are the fifth type of injury that athletic therapists commonly see on our list. It is characterized by pain in the lower leg, either inside or outside the shinbone.
Shin splints often occur when a person suddenly increases the intensity or duration of their exercise routine. The pain is typically worsened by activities that involve repetitive impact on the leg, such as running. Treatment for shin splints typically involves rest, ice, and stretches.
More severe cases may require physical therapy or a short period of immobilization. Shin splints can be a frustrating injury, but they usually resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment.
6. Muscle cramps
Athletic therapists commonly see a variety of injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to more severe conditions like concussions. However, one type of injury that is often overlooked is muscle cramps.
Muscle cramps can occur when there is a sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles. They can be extremely painful and often happen during or after physical activity. Although they are not usually serious, muscle cramps can make it difficult to continue your workout or participate in your favorite activities.
If you are experiencing muscle cramps, it is important to seek medical attention so that the cause can be properly diagnosed and treated.
In this blog post, we took a look at six of the most common injuries seen by athletic therapists.
Thanks for reading!
Athletic Therapy In Victoria
Athletic therapists are trained to help you recover from a wide range of injuries, so if you ever suffer an injury, don’t worry – we can help. If you think you might have one of these injuries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information on how we can help get you back on your feet.