Sports Injuries in extreme sports. Extreme sports (ES) are usually pursued in remote locations with little or no access to medical care with the person competing against oneself or the forces of nature. They involve high speed, height, real or perceived danger, a high level of physical exertion, spectacular stunts, and heightened risk element or death.

Recent data suggest that the risk and severity of injury in some ES is unexpectedly high. Medical personnel treating the ES athlete need to be aware there are numerous differences that must be appreciated between the common traditional sports and this newly developing area.

On the field, there are two types of injuries. The acute injuries happen suddenly and the chronic injuries develop over time. Here’s a list of the most common sports injuries.

• Achilles tendon injuries. The Achilles tendon is the thick, corded tissue that connects the calf muscle (in the back of the lower leg) to the heel. This is the largest tendon in the body. Achilles tendinitis is a common injury to the Achilles tendon. It’s common in sports that require a lot of running. It can be caused by not stretching enough before playing, not wearing the right shoes, or suddenly playing sports more. Other symptoms include swelling in the area or if the area is warm to the touch. These injuries can be both acute and chronic.
• Broken bones. A broken bone is caused by sudden force being applied to a bone. This is sometimes also called a fractured bone. This can happen in almost any sport. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, numbness, and tenderness around the area.
• It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between a broken bone and a dislocation. A dislocation happens when the ends of the bones move out of their normal position. These are common in contact sports, such as football, soccer, and basketball. Symptoms include extreme pain, swelling, and not being able to move the area. These injuries are acute.
• Jumper’s knee. This is also known as patellar tendinitis. Jumper’s knee happens when there is an injury (or inflammation) to the tissue that connects the kneecap and thigh muscles to the shins bone. Sports with repetitive jumping are common triggers for this injury. Examples include basketball and volleyball. Also, people who are overweight or play sports on a hard surface are more likely to get a jumper’s knee. Symptoms include knee pain, usually just below the kneecap.
• Little League elbow. This is also known as Little Leaguer’s elbow. It’s a condition that affects the growth plate of the elbow in adolescents. It is a common injury for baseball players. Throwing the ball over and over puts too much stress on the elbow and leads to chronic inflammation of the growth plate. Adults can experience a similar condition, called ulnar collateral ligament injury. Symptoms are the pain of the inside elbow, especially when throwing. The pain gets worse with each consecutive throw.
• Rotator cuff injuries. Injuries to this area are common when the same actions are repeated many times, such as in swimming, tennis, or baseball. Symptoms include swelling in the shoulder, pain when the person lifts the arm, and pain when the person tries to reach behind their back.
• A sprain is one of the most common sports injuries. A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament near a joint, such as a knee, ankle, or wrist. Sprains are most often caused by falling or by a twisting motion. They can be mild or severe, depending on whether the ligament is stretched or torn. Symptoms are pain, swelling (sometimes severe), and bruising.

How to prevent or avoid sports injuries

One of the best ways to prevent injury is to stretch before and after playing sports or exercising. You should also never play a sport without the proper protective gear. And your gear should be in good condition. Always drink plenty of water to stay hydrated before, during, and after playing sports. Have a few cups of water before you play or exercise. Stop for a drink every 20 minutes during your activity. When you finish, drink more water, depending on how much you sweated during the activity.

Things to consider

Most minor sports injuries can be managed at home and should get better in a few days. The best home care is to use the R.I.C.E. treatment plan: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• A day or two of rest may help with your recovery.
• Put ice on your injury. That will help with pain and swelling. You should apply ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every four hours. Crushed ice is best for ice packs because you can manipulate it to cover the injury.
• Keeping pressure on the injury will also help with swelling. It will also provide additional support. An elastic medical-grade bandage works best. Wrap the bandage tight, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation to the area.
• Propping up the affected area will help you rest your injury properly. It will also help reduce swelling. Be sure to prop up the area so it’s higher than your heart.

If you have suffered from a sport injury, please don’t hesitate to contact us.