Sports injuries are one of the most common reasons for patients visiting a physiotherapist’s office. While many of these issues have a common starting point, for instance, running, dodging or defending the net, the types of injuries caused from playing sports can vary significantly.

For those who like to participate in sports regularly, it is important to be aware of some of the most common sports injuries for a few reasons. It can help to know what to expect from the process of recovery, but it can be even more useful to be able to recognize the injuries and work to avoid such injuries or to at least reduce the likelihood of them occurring.

Below, you will find 4 of the most common sports injuries.

1. Ankle Sprain

   This is by far one of the most common injuries resulting from playing sports. An ankle sprain involves the foot turning, usually inward, which results in an overextension and stretching of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

   This can be treated with specific exercises and movements your physiotherapist can give to you. For ankle sprains, it’s imperative to keep the ankle mobile and moving so there isn’t a loss of either strength or flexibility, even temporarily.

2. Groin Pull

   It’s easy to pull your groin trying to save a goal or extend to receive a pass. Groin strains usually occur from a side to side motion, where the muscles on your groin or on the upper quadrant of your inner thigh are literally pulled due to a sudden movement.

   Since a “pull” might sound like a “sprain” to many people, it’s easy to assume that exercise would be beneficial for recovering from a groin sprain. However, initially, you should rely on cold compresses and rest to help yourself recover from pulling your groin muscle.

3. Shin Splints

   Shin splints are usually caused by excessive running. The repetitive nature of running, especially when combined with running on a hard surface such as a concrete roadway, can easily cause shin splints.

   Similarly with groin pulls, it’s best to focus on rest when recuperating from shin splints. Halt your exercise routine temporarily and avoid any high impact workouts.

4. ACL Tear

   Another common sport injury is the ACL tear. This can, at times, be just a strain, but it’s possible that it can become a more serious tear.

   A severe ACL injury involves the tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is responsible for holding the bone of your leg to your knee. This is one of the more complex sports injuries, compared to the others listed here, and requires medical supervision during recovery.

   It is possible that recovery might begin with surgery, followed by necessary rest, physiotherapy and then reintroducing exercise to strengthen and regain mobility.

It is important that those who suffer from an ACL tear treat this injury seriously and cautiously if they wish to remain physically active later on.

If you are suffering from a sports injury and are looking to undergo physiotherapy, consider Team Theraputix. Team Theraputix has been Ontario’s most advanced rehabilitation and wellness centre for more than a decade.

Call 866-273-6076 or click here to request an appointment today.