5 Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them With a Sports Physical

A sports physical is a practical exam that helps determine if it is safe for a school-age child or teen to participate in a particular sport. Most states require that all children who participate in school sports have a physical before they can join a team or begin a new season. But even if it is not required in your area, sports physicals are still highly recommended for all kids who want to join a sports team.

How Sports Physicals Can Prevent Injuries

Sports physicals are necessary for several reasons. The main reason why they are either required or highly recommended is that they can help athletes learn more about possible health issues or risks that could interfere with how they participate in the sport.

During the physical, the doctor can also provide tips on avoiding common sports injuries based on the physical results. They may recommend stretching before playing or trying out other muscle strengthening techniques to help prevent strains and other injuries. During the exam, the doctor can also identify any risk factors linked to specific sports and provide your child with advice on how to make them a stronger and healthier athlete.

The 5 Most Common Sports Injuries

When young children and teens are involved, you can expect many sports injuries to occur. Here are some of the most common injuries we have seen from young patients playing various sports types:

Concussion

Concussions occur most often in football, hockey, soccer, rugby, and basketball. Common signs of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and neck pain. To protect yourself from a concussion, wear the right equipment, making sure your helmet fits correctly. Also, practice safe sports culture and ensure all players understand the importance of safe play.

Knee Injury

Several types of knee injuries can occur during physical activity, such as Jumper’s Knee, which is a repetitive strain injury due to running or walking, or ACL Strain or Tear, which damages the ligament that keeps the knee stabilized. Wearing the right shoes that provide adequate support and cross-training exercises will help strengthen your body in many different areas.

Dislocation or Sprain

Dislocations occur whenever the bones of a joint are suddenly knocked out of place. Common dislocations happen in the fingers, knees, shoulders, and hips. Sprains happen whenever the ligament is torn or stretched, and although they can occur in the upper section of the body, they are more common in the knees, ankles, and wrists. You can prevent sprains by being cautious while running or playing and wearing the correct equipment before you play.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are one of the most common soccer injuries. This repetitive strain injury is caused by quickly changing or starting a new training routine. Shin splints can often lead to further injuries, so it’s essential to avoid them if possible. One way to prevent them is to invest in a good pair of shoes with adequate arch supports and replace them regularly.

Pulled or Strained Muscle

A pulled or strained muscle is the result of improper movement or repetitive motion during play. You can prevent a pulled or strained muscle by warming up with stretching exercises before the game. Cooling down by walking or static stretching after playing can also help you prevent these sports injuries.

Find Sports Physicals Near Me

To schedule a sport physical or find out more about their benefits in preventing common sports injuries, get in touch with the medical experts here at Bass Urgent Care today. We look forward to helping you achieve your athletic dreams while staying healthy. Give us a call today at (925) 350-4044 for more information.

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