Where Injuries Happen
You can get a sports injury anywhere on your body. Here are some key points to
know about common sports injuries.
Head and Neck Injuries
Serious head and neck injuries happen most often in athletes who play contact sports
(like football or rugby) or sports with the potential for falling accidents, such
as horseback riding and gymnastics.
Head injuries include fractures, concussions,
contusions (bruises),
and hematomas. A hematoma is bleeding or pooling of blood in or around
the brain caused by an impact to the head from a fall, forceful shaking of the head,
or a blow to the head.
Neck injuries include strains, sprains, fractures, burners,
and whiplash, which is an injury to the neck caused by an abrupt jerking motion of
the head. Neck injuries are among the most dangerous sports injuries.
Never try to move someone who may have a neck injury. A mishandled
neck fracture could lead to permanent paralysis or even death. Keep the injured person
still with his or her head held straight while someone calls for emergency medical
help. If the person is lying on the ground, do not try to move him or her.
Back Injuries
Most back injuries are caused by twists or overexertion of back muscles during
bending or lifting movements. Back injuries are most common in contact sports like
football and ice hockey, or in weightlifting, rowing, golf, figure skating, gymnastics,
and dancing.
Sex Organ Injuries
Injuries to the sex organs usually affect guys more than girls because the penis
and testicles are outside the body and are more exposed. Injuries to the uterus or
ovaries are rare, but breast injuries are a common complaint among teen girls. As
the breasts develop, they often can be sore, and a blow from a softball or a collision
during field hockey can be painful.
Hand and Wrist Injuries
Hand, finger, and wrist injuries can happen after things like a fall that
forces the hand or fingers backward, or a direct blow. As with other injuries,
hand and wrist injuries are most common in contact sports, such as football,
lacrosse, and hockey, or in sports like gymnastics, field hockey, rowing, and basketball
where the fingers, hands, and wrists are at risk.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable to injury in sports that involve a
lot of running. Another reason for foot injuries is wearing the wrong shoes, especially
if someone has flat feet, high arches, or other foot differences.