Occupational Hazards of Sports

Oceupational Hazards: Top Sport-Related Injuries High impact sports carry a high risk of injury, so when you're playing rugby, footbalI, or American football, there's always a fear that you'll get injured. But other sports also carry injury risks. Here are some of the most common injuries you're likely to encounter taking part in some of your favourite sports. American Football American football (unsurprisingly) carries a high injury risk. Every year, 1.2 million related injuries occur due to the tackling involved in the sport, some of which can end seasons and careers. Here's why... Traumatic Brain Injury Repeated blows to the head and concussions can cause brain damage known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which causes memory loss, depression, anxiety and confusion (among other symptoms). There is no treatment. Spinal Injury Sports Hernia 10-15% of all football players will suffer a spinal injury at some point. Injuries can be career-ending, leading to paralysis or to long-term mobility problems. With rehab, some players may regain function but for others, the injuries are This isn't a true hernia but is actually a muscle tear in the groin area. Symptoms include stiffness and soreness, and surgery is usually needed to repair the problem, followed by a specific rehab programme. permanent, Rugby Rugby is a high-impact, high-contact sport, so injuries are incredibly common, as you might expect... Broken Nose Minor breaks usually causeinosebleeds and mild swelling, but severe breaks can resdlt in deformity to the nose. Players usually need medical treatment, to ensure that there is no head injury. The nose can often be realigned by a doctor, within ten days of the original break. Cauliflower Ear This iconic rugby injury is a deformity of the ear often caused by repeated blunt trauma (as in scrums). Following a knock, blood clots can develop, tissue starts to die and scar tissue forms. Cauliflower ear can't be treated, so prompt treatment of the initial injury is vital to prevent blood clots forming. Football Football (or soccer, for all US folk out there) injuries are common as play involves high levels of movement including twists, turns, jumps and falls. This can cause severe injuries to the legs in particular... Groin Strain This is caused by over-extension of the adductor muscles in the inner thigh and usually happens when a player stretches to get to the ball. Mild strains usually heal quickly with a bit of rest and some ice, but Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury more serious strains may take longer and require physio. The ACL is a ligament deep inside the knee, behind the kneecap. Footballers are prone to ACL injuries because they twist, turn and jump so often. It's a season-ending injury - players are out on average for nine months and surgery is usually required, followed by extensive rehabilitation. RINKS BUSINESS TECH SOFTWAREl TRAVIT AIRLINTHE L Hamstring Strain The hamstrings run along the back of the thigh and can be easily injured during a football match. With severe tears, players can be out for months. Treatment involves rest, applying ice and taking anti-inflammatories, as well as ongoing physio. Table Tennis Whilst table tennis is not a violent or high impact sport, there are some injuries that are very common among its players... Wrist Injury This one's common with new players, due to repetitive motion and lack of proper technique. Also, falls can injure wrists, which is why footwear is so important. Depending on the injury, physio and/or surgery may be needed, Sprained Ankle Again, this is caused by quick, sudden moves. Players should seek treatment from a physio or doctor. Sprained ankles can be avoided by choosing footwear with grip and by improving the strength and flexibility of the ankle joint. Muscle Strain This is caused by quick, sudden moves and over-use, as well as lack of proper warm up. Sufferers should seek medical attention as problems can occur for different reasons and in different areas. Cricket Cricket injuries can often be serious due to the high speed of the ball, and can also develop over time due to the repetitive nature of the movements needed to play. Here are some common cricket injuries... Concussion Typically caused by being hit by the ball at high speed. This causes dizziness, nausea and disorientation among other symptoms. As with all head injuries, there is a risk of significant damage so medical attention is needed, followed by complete rest. Torn Rotator Cuff These can affect both batters and fielders. They occur when any of the four rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder tear. It can be caused by a lack of flexibility, but exercise can help to improve this. Treatment often involves surgery. Jumper's Knee Or patellar tendonitis. This results from the patellar tendon being overstressed, and common due to the bowling action in cricket. Continual stress causes the fibres in the tendon to break down over time. Treatment requires complete rest. Cycling Cyclists often reach high speeds on dangerous roads and terrain, which means crashes and accidents are all too common. Here are some common cycling injuries... Broken Clavicle Lower Back Pain (collar bone) This is very common among cyclists due to the long hours they spend curled over their handlebars. Treatment involves This occurs as the clavicle absorbs impact when cyclists brace their arms during falls. rest and stretching, and, if the problem persists, professional medical assistance. To stop it recurring, it's worth having a professional bike fit done. Immediate medical attention is needed, and usually a shoulder support and sling will be worn. A break usually heals in six weeks, after which physio is needed to restore range of movement. Saddle Sores Road Rash These are caused by friction between skin, clothing and saddle. Prevention is key: finding the right saddle, wearing well-fitting padded shorts and using chamois cream can all help. Saddle sores will usually clear up naturally after a few days' This occurs when a cyclist falls from a road bike at speed and slides along the road surface, removing layers of skin. Infection is a big risk so the wound needs to be thoroughly cleaned, any grit removed, and then left to air as much as possible. rest, and through keeping the area clean and dry. Swimming Swimming is often considered one of the safer sports to take part in, however that doesn't mean there is no risk of injury... Swimmer's Itch This is a reaction to a parasite carried on certain birds and mammals. Symptoms include itchy skin anda rash of reddish pimples. Usually, only open-water swimmers are at risk, and only if their skin is not covered. Treatment is usually over-the-counter medicine. Breaststroker's Knee Pain felt in or around the knee that's most common in breaststroke swimmers (86% will experience it in their careers), due to the nature of the movement the swimmer must perform (and often poor technique). Treatment often involves rest and prescribed rehabilitation and physio. Snooker You may think that snooker is not a sport where injuries are common, but snooker players often have to get into some very odd positions, which can result in long-term problems... Chronic Back and Neck Problems These include bulging discs and worn vertebrae. Caused by the body often having to be in awkward positions for extended periods of time. Treatment may include surgery or extended periods of rest, depending on the issue. Running Pounding the pavements, running down hills and not wearing the right running shoes can all contribute to injuries if you're a runner. In fact, up to 75% of runners will get injured each yea!. Runner's Knee Or patellofemoral pain syndrome. So common among runners it was named after them. This term is used for knee pain, particularly at the front of the knee around the kneecap. Treatment includes rest, taping the knee and taking anti-inflammatories. Tennis Tennis puts a strain on the whole body due to the forces needed to hit the ball over and over again, and the quick changes of direction needed. As such, injuries are common... Tennis Elbow Or lateral epicondylitis to give it its medical name. It's a pain on the outside of the elbow which can have a number of causes, such as a poor backhand technique. Treatment includes rest, applying ice and compression and wearing an elbow brace. Stress Fractures These are common in the back and the feet and cause dull pain. They're caused by high pressure and demand placed on these areas. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatories and applying ice. Now you know the risk that some sports can carry with regards to injury, so be careful, stay save but don't let the fear of injury stop you from taking part in your favourite sport. After all, playing sports is good for you physical and mental health and you're getting fit in the process. 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