4 Common Sports Injuries
Sports remain one of America's greatest recreational activities, both as an event to attend and a game to participate in. Even today, a wide range of sports still have a place in American society, from traditional favorites such as baseball to extreme events like competitive rock climbing. Athletes across the country find similarities in sports; for example, a way to stay fit and healthy, a source of joy, a center to connect with like-minded people, or even a foundation to support a professional career. Sports are a dominant, defining aspect in the lives of many Americans.
Sports, however, carry many inherent risks. In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to predict how events will unfold. Soccer players are known to suffer leg and foot injuries, while some extreme rock climbers have perished from a fall. Sports injuries can range anywhere between the two extremes, but some are much more common than others. Here are 4 common sports injuries:
Sprain
When you stretch a muscle ligament beyond its normal length (or even tear the ligament) you have a sprain. Also called a "pulled muscle", a sprain can occur in almost any physical activity. Athletes of all sports are familiar with this injury, and usually take the necessary precautions to avoid a sprain through stretching exercises before and after the sporting activity. A sprain can occur many places on the body, but ankles, wrists, and knees are the most common areas of injury.
Runner's Knee
According to an article on Fox News, runner's knee comprises about 55% of all sports related injuries. This is likely because runner's knee is a broad category into which many knee aches and pains are grouped. Despite the name, this injury is not exclusive to runners; nearly all athletes can sustain this injury. What causes runner's knee? Put briefly, overuse of the muscles beneath the knee cap.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of head injury, often a result of a blow to the head, such as a ball or bat flying at a high speed. This is why baseball players wear helmets. Symptoms of concussions include loss of conscious, dizziness, nausea, and more. Most athletes recover from a concussion after a few weeks or months. While most concussions do not require major medical treatment, extreme cases may require surgery.
Joint Dislocation
The bones in the human body are connected to one another through a series of joints. When enough force is applied to a joint, connecting bones can become disconnected from their appropriate socket, resulting in a joint dislocation. Such injuries should be treated as an emergency. Depending on the severity of the dislocation, the doctor may be able to place the bone back in its socket, but surgery might be required, as connective tissue may also be damaged.
Minor sports injuries are rarely quick and fairly cheap treatments, whereas more serious sports injuries often require medical treatment that can last weeks, months, even years, costing thousands of dollars. Many athletes find themselves in a situation where their medical insurance company is unwilling to provide compensation for medical expenses, or doctors provide them inadequate treatment (a form of medical malpractice). Therefore, the most important thing to do after receiving treatment for a sports injury is to contact Colley & Colley immediately. We will ensure that you are compensated the full amount you deserve from your insurance company. To get started, contact an experienced lawyer in East Texas today.