Top Ten Most Common Sports Injuries

One of the most frequent injuries among athletes, a sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear. It’s common in sports that involve jumping, running, and sudden changes in direction. Immediate swelling, pain, and difficulty walking are typical symptoms.

The hamstring muscles, located at the back of the thigh, are susceptible to strains, especially in sports that require sprinting. A sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh often indicates a hamstring injury. Recovery can be slow, and re-injury is common if not properly rehabilitated.

Medically known as lateral and medial epicondylitis respectively, these conditions are caused by repetitive motion. They result in pain on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer’s elbow) of the elbow. It’s common in racquet sports and golf, but can affect any athlete.

A groin pull or strain involves the muscles of the inner thigh. It’s common in sports that require sudden side-to-side movements. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and it’s crucial to rest and recover to prevent worsening.

Often experienced by runners, shin splints cause pain along the front of the lower leg. They result from overuse, improper footwear, or running on hard surfaces. Rest, ice, and proper footwear can help in recovery.

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in the knee is crucial for stability. A tear can occur from sudden stops or changes in direction. It’s a severe injury often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Located in the shoulder, the rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the joint. Overuse or acute trauma can lead to tears, causing pain and weakness in the shoulder. It’s common in sports that involve overhead motions like baseball or swimming.

These are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. Common in runners and jumpers, stress fractures can be painful and require rest to heal. They most frequently occur in the legs and feet.

Also known as “runner’s knee,” this injury results from the repetitive movement of the kneecap against the thigh bone. It’s common in runners, jumpers, and other athletes. Pain is usually felt under the kneecap and can be exacerbated by going up or down stairs.

This condition affects the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It causes stabbing pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. It’s common in runners and those who stand for long periods.