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Injuries incurred during sports activities are occurrences that most coaches and athletes are familiar with. They can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can set back the entire team. A disabled team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have lasting results on the season as well. Like a team is affected by a missing member, a disabled body part affects the entire body. Injuries such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by bad form, lack of flexibility, and overuse of the lower body. As reported by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes suffer from shin splints at one point or another. Here are ways to help them heal and try to avoid this debilitating issue, as well as averting other recurring sports injuries.

How Sports Can Cause Shin Splints to Occur

There are many symptoms caused by shin splints such as frontal pain in the shin area. This pain can be sharp and extreme, especially when applying pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as make tissues appear swollen around the muscles. Regardless of what type of activity, from cross country to basketball any athlete can be affected by these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be sought immediately so that proper physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can be started. Treatment for shin splints guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the affected area for 1 – 2 days. Continued physical therapy and preventative exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the group of long muscles that run from the knee to the ankle.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either a blunt-force injury, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Strengthening weak muscles can be accomplished through weight lifting or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the lower leg. Damaged muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or shifts in position can cause twisting injuries. Another preventive measure for preventing these types of injuries are to be sure the feet have proper foot arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of orthotic shoe inserts made especially for athletic activities. The medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic also advise taping the arch for extra arch support during athletic activity.

Tearing Injuries Commonly Suffered

Spraining of the connecting structures of the lower leg are also typical kinds of sports injuries. This is most commonly found in the tendon in the back of the heel and the knee ligament. An Achilles injury is commonly caused by little flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching form. This is a vital part in the preparation routine that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without pulsing are suggested for anyone about to exercise. Experts in kinesiology advise a half-minute stretch followed by a short rest and then a repeat stretch. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are located in the knee and help keep the knee structure together. Injuries to this area can be avoided by strength training the knee , calf muscle and thigh through leg extension exercises and curls. Orthotic arch supports can help avoid both of these styles of injuries by giving proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.


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