Most Common Sport Injuries

The hamstring is a large muscle on the back of the thigh that causes tremendous pain when pulled.

Sports injuries can occur in seasoned, well-trained athletes and hobbyists participating in sporting activities to keep fit. Sometimes, it’s challenging to determine what muscle was pulled and what caused the injury.

Here are some common sports injuries with treatment suggestions:

Hamstring strain

The hamstring is a large muscle on the back of the thigh that causes tremendous pain when pulled. It’s a common injury caused by not stretching adequately or not stretching at all. Sometimes, a hamstring tear can cause bruising behind the thigh or knee. To treat a hamstring tear, apply ice packs to the affected area fast, avoid further strain, and get sufficient rest. The ice reduces swelling and pain, and rest gives the damaged tissues time to repair. Gently strengthen and stretch the muscle to prevent a recurrence. If the pain continues for over two weeks, visit a professional physical therapist for other treatment options.

Groin pull

A groin pull or strain causes tenderness or bruising along the inner thigh or groin and difficulty entering and exiting vehicles. The groin muscles extend along the inner thigh, from above the knee to the upper inner thigh. A lack of flexibility and swift side-to-side movements causes muscle injuries near the buttocks. Treatment for a groin strain is to repeatedly ice the area for at least 20 minutes throughout the first three days and rest. After the initial treatment, apply hot compresses often for at least 20 minutes, followed by motion exercises such as snow angels and soft groin stretching.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to radiating pain due to a pinched nerve or bulging spine disk. The pain moves from the front to the back of the leg or, in some circumstances, to the feet. Additional symptoms include burning, numbness, or tingling down the leg. Sciatica is commonly experienced by cyclists or tennis and golf players. Sciatica symptoms can be relieved by sleeping on the stomach and stretching the hamstring and back muscles. If there is still tingling, numbness, or pain after two weeks, consult a professional physical therapist.

Shin splints

Shin splints lead to pain in the tibia or lower leg bone and are commonly experienced by runners or athletes who run frequently, like soccer players. Most athletes experience shin splints near the start of their season when they speed up mileage or activities too soon. Treating shin splints includes rest, applying ice, and gradually introducing more running activities. Wearing shoes with good arch support may reduce pain and accelerate recovery.

Golf or tennis elbow

Athletes who perform various gripping activities get golfers’ and tennis elbow. The repetitive action golfers and tennis players experience causes inflamed forearm tendons, making hand or wrist movements painful. Sufferers also experience a reduction in their grip strength. The first treatment for tennis or golfer’s elbow includes using an ice pack on the affected area. Some doctors may suggest a brace to relieve pressure in the area and prevent more injuries or prescribe anti-inflammatories. To alleviate stiffness and build strength, seek assistance from a physical therapist.

Seek professional therapy

A professional therapist can speed up treatment for common sports injuries with suitable strengthening exercises or stretching techniques. These treatments reduce stiffness and gradually build strength so athletes can return to their usual sporting activities much sooner.

Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.