kalserpermanente

 Overview

Sports injuries occur during exercise or while participating in a sport. Children are particularly at risk for these types of injuries, but adults can get them, too.

You’re at risk for sports injuries if you:

• haven’t been regularly active
• don’t warm up properly before exercise
• play contact sports

Read on to learn more about sports injuries, your treatment options, and tips for preventing them in the first place.

Types of sports injuries

Different sports injuries produce different symptoms and complications. The most common types of sports injuries include:

• Sprains. Overstretching or tearing the ligaments results in a sprain. Ligaments are pieces of tissue that connect two bones to one another in a joint.
• Strains. Overstretching or tearing muscles or tendons results in a sprain. Tendons are thick, fibrous cords of tissue that connect bone to muscle. Strains are commonly mistaken for sprains. Here’s how tell them apart.
• Knee injuries. Any injury that interferes with how the knee joint moves could be a sports injury. It could range from an overstretch to a tear in the muscles or tissues in the knee.
• Swollen muscles. Swelling is a natural reaction to an injury. Swollen muscles may also be painful and weak.
• Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is a thin, powerful tendon at the back of your ankle. During sports, this tendon can break or rupture. When it does, you may experience sudden, severe pain and difficulty walking.
• Fractures. Bone fractures are also known as broken bones.
• Dislocations. Sports injuries may dislocate a bone in your body. When that happens, a bone is forced out of its socket. This can be painful and lead to swelling and weakness.
• Rotator cuff injury. Four pieces of muscle work together to form the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff keeps your shoulder moving in all directions. A tear in any of these muscles can weaken the rotator cuff.

• Overview

  Sports injuries occur during exercise or while participating in a sport. Children are particularly at risk for these types of injuries, but adults can get them, too.

  You’re at risk for sports injuries if you:

  • haven’t been regularly active
  • don’t warm up properly before exercise
  • play contact sports

  Read on to learn more about sports injuries, your treatment options, and tips for preventing them in the first place.

  Types of sports injuries

  Different sports injuries produce different symptoms and complications. The most common types of sports injuries include:

  • Sprains. Overstretching or tearing the ligaments results in a sprain. Ligaments are pieces of tissue that connect two bones to one another in a joint.
  • Strains. Overstretching or tearing muscles or tendons results in a sprain. Tendons are thick, fibrous cords of tissue that connect bone to muscle. Strains are commonly mistaken for sprains. Here’s how tell them apart.
  • Knee injuries. Any injury that interferes with how the knee joint moves could be a sports injury. It could range from an overstretch to a tear in the muscles or tissues in the knee.
  • Swollen muscles. Swelling is a natural reaction to an injury. Swollen muscles may also be painful and weak.
  • Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is a thin, powerful tendon at the back of your ankle. During sports, this tendon can break or rupture. When it does, you may experience sudden, severe pain and difficulty walking.
  • Fractures. Bone fractures are also known as broken bones.
  • Dislocations. Sports injuries may dislocate a bone in your body. When that happens, a bone is forced out of its socket. This can be painful and lead to swelling and weakness.
  • Rotator cuff injury. Four pieces of muscle work together to form the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff keeps your shoulder moving in all directions. A tear in any of these muscles can weaken the rotator cuff.

  • Sports injuries statistics

    Sports injuries are common in younger adults and children. More than 3.5 million children and teens are injured as part of an organized sports or physical activity each year, estimates Stanford Children’s Health. One-third of all injuries in children are related to sports, too.

    The most common sports injuries in children are sprains and strains. Contact sports, like football and basketball, account for more injuries than noncontact sports, like swimming and running.

    A 2016 studyTrusted Source found that 8.6 million people, ages 5 to 24, have a sports injury every year in the United States. Researchers note males ages 5 to 24 make up more than half of all sports injury episodes.

    The lower body is most likely to be injured (42 percent). The upper extremities make up 30.3 percent of injuries. Head and neck injuries combine for 16.4 percent of sports injuries.

    Deaths from sports injuries are rare. When they do happen, they’re most likely the result of head injury.

    Risks

    Anyone may find themselves coping with a sports injury, regardless of the last time they suited up for the baseball diamond or squared off with a linebacker on the gridiron. But some factors put you or a loved one at an increased risk for injury.

    Childhood

    Because of their active nature, children are especially at risk for sports injuries. Children often don’t know their physical limits. That means they may push themselves to injury more easily than adults or teenagers.

    Age

    The older you grow, the more likely you are to experience an injury. Age also increases the odds that you have sports injuries that linger. New injuries may aggravate these previous injuries.

    Lack of care

    Sometimes, serious injuries start off as small ones. Many injuries that result from overuse, such as tendonitis and stress fractures, can be recognized early by a doctor. If they’re left untreated or ignored, they can develop into a serious injury.

    Being overweight

    Carrying around extra weight can put unnecessary stress on your joints, including your hips, knees, and ankles. The pressure is magnified with exercise or sports. This increases your risk for sports injury.

    Children or adults who plan to begin participating in sports can benefit by having a physical examination by a doctor first.

    Diagnosis

    Many sports injuries cause immediate pain or discomfort. Others, like overuse injuries, might be noticed only after long-term damage. These injuries are often diagnosed during routine physical examinations or checkups.

    If you think you have a sports injury, your doctor will likely use the following steps to get a diagnosis. These include:

    • Physical examination. Your doctor may attempt to move the injured joint or body part. This helps them see how the area is moving, or how it’s not moving if that’s the case.
    • Medical history. This involves asking you questions about how you were injured, what you were doing, what you’ve done since the injury, and more. If this is your first time visiting this doctor, they may also ask for a more thorough medical history.
    • Imaging tests. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds can all help your doctor and healthcare providers see inside your body. This helps them confirm a sports injury diagnosis.

    If your doctor suspects you have a sprain or strain, they may recommend you follow the RICE method.

    Follow these recommendations and keep an eye on your symptoms. If they get worse, that can mean you have a more serious sports injury.

    Call your doctor

    Call your doctor if there are signs of swelling or if it hurts to place weight on the affected area. If the problem is in the location of a previous injury, seek medical attention right away.

    Contact a healthcare provider if you don’t see any improvement after 24 to 36 hours of RICE.

    Because a child’s skeleton isn’t fully developed, the bones are weaker than an adult’s. Take extra precautions with a child’s sports injuries. What looks like a tissue injury may in fact be a more serious fracture.

    Don’t ignore your symptoms. Remember, the earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment, the sooner you’ll recover and get back in the game.

  • What is tendon sheath inflammation?

    A tendon is a type of fibrous tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. These tissues help control actions such as running, jumping, grasping, and lifting. Without tendons, you wouldn’t be able to control the movement of your body.

    A protective sheath known as the synovium covers tendons. This sheath produces synovial fluid, which keeps the tendon lubricated.

    Injury to the tendon may result in the malfunction of the sheath. If this occurs, the sheath may fail to make synovial fluid or may not make enough fluid. This can cause inflammation or swelling of the sheath. This condition is known as tendon sheath inflammation. It’s also sometimes called tenosynovitis

  • What causes tendon sheath inflammation?

    Tendon sheath inflammation is typically the result of injury to the tendon or surrounding muscle or bone. It’s not limited to athletes and appears in people who perform a variety of repetitive-motion activities, such as assembly-line work, weeding, and typing. People working in certain jobs appear to have greater risk of it than others, including:

    • carpenters
    • dentists
    • musicians
    • office workers

    It’s most common in the tendons of the wrist, hands, and feet. Injury can result from:

    • repetitive-stress activities
    • prolonged physical activities, such as running
    • standing in the same position for long periods of time
    • sudden sprains and strains

    Tendon sheath inflammation can also be due to underlying health conditions. Examples of conditions that can result in this condition include:

    • rheumatoid arthritis
    • scleroderma
    • gout
    • diabetes
    • reactive arthritis, such as Reiter’s syndrome
    • gonorrhea

    The cause of the disease can’t be determined in some people. In rare cases, tendon sheath inflammation is due to an infection that resulted from a cut or puncture to the tendon.

    
    

    How to tell if your pain is caused by tendon sheath inflammation

    Certain tendons in the body are more susceptible to injury, primarily those in the hands, feet, and wrists. Tendon sheath inflammation is more common in these areas. However, it can occur in any tendon in the body, including those of the shoulder, elbow, and knee. If you develop this condition, you may have the following symptoms:

    • joint stiffness, making it difficult to move
    • joint swelling
    • joint pain
    • joint tenderness
    • redness of the skin that overlies the tendon in question

    Some people may develop a fever. This indicates the presence of an infection and requires immediate medical attention.

  • How is tendon sheath inflammation diagnosed?

    Diagnosis of tendon sheath inflammation will require a physical exam of the affected area. Your doctor will check to see if redness and swelling are present. Your doctor may also ask you to move the affected area to see if pain is present.

    In some cases, your doctor may order an ultrasound or MRI scan to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other possible causes such as arthritis.

    Treatment options for tendon sheath inflammation

    The treatment for tendon sheath inflammation focuses on reducing inflammation and pain. One strategy is to rest the affected area and stop the activities that caused the initial injury. Your doctor may recommend the use of a brace or splint to immobilize the affected area.

    Applying heat or cold may also help reduce swelling and pain. Other therapies that your doctor may recommend are:

    • massage
    • stretching the affected area
    • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
    • ultrasound

    Your doctor may also prescribe medications for tendon sheath inflammation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), or injectable corticosteroids are other options.

    Shop for NSAIDs.

    Shop for ibuprofen.

    Injection of the tendon sheath with a steroid is usually successful (in noninfectious cases) and occasionally surgery is necessary to release the tendon sheath about the tendon. If your condition was caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.

    If your condition is due to an underlying health issue, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, treatment may also include medications to treat these disorders.

    Once the tendon heals, your doctor may recommend exercises or physical therapy to help strengthen the muscle. Strengthening the muscle will help protect the tendon from injury in the future. If you have recurring tendon sheath inflammation, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem.

    What is the outlook for those with tendon sheath inflammation?

    If you develop tendon sheath inflammation, it’s likely that you’ll make a full recovery with treatment. Problems may arise if the activities that caused the condition aren’t stopped. If this happens, the damage to your tendon may become permanent. Permanent damage may impact the joint. Over time, the joint may become stiff, and your motion may be limited.

    If your condition develops as a result of an infection, you’ll need antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection. An uncontrolled infection may become life-threatening. A good outlook depends on treating an infection promptly.

    How can tendon sheath inflammation be prevented?

    Tendon sheath inflammation is preventable if you avoid excessive movements or motions that are repetitive or forceful. Muscle strengthening around the site of the joint can also help prevent this type of injury, as well as stretching and range-of-motion exercises.

    If you cut your hands, wrists, or feet, proper cleaning of the wound will help prevent infection and the possible development of tendon sheath inflammation.

  • 10 of the Best Foods to Help You Heal

    Whether you’re recovering from an illness or surgery, the foods and beverages you consume can either help or hinder your recovery.

    Many foods, including fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein sources, have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve immune function, promote healing, and provide the fuel necessary for you to get on the mend.

    Here are 10 healing foods that can help your body recover.

  • 1. Leafy green vegetables

    Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, arugula, mustard greens, and Swiss chard are packed with nutrients that decrease inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve wound healing, making them the perfect choice to promote recovery.

    Leafy greens are high in vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, folate, and provitamin A, all of which are essential for immune function and overall health (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

    They’re also rich in polyphenol antioxidants that have powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

    In fact, research shows that certain polyphenols, including the antioxidant quercetin, that are concentrated in green leafy veggies, may help suppress the production of inflammatory proteins like TNF-alpha (5Trusted Source).

    What’s more, vitamin C is essential for wound healing, making leafy greens a good choice when recuperating after surgery (6Trusted Source).

  • 2. Eggs

    Following surgery, your body needs significantly more protein than the current Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight.

    The American Society for Enhanced Recovery recommends 0.7–0.9 grams of protein per pound (1.5–2 grams per kg) of body weight after surgery. That equals 105–135 grams for a 150-pound (68-kg) person (7).

    Eggs are not only an excellent source of highly absorbable protein, providing 6 grams per large egg (50 grams), but also nutrients that support immune health and wound healing (8Trusted Source).

    Whole eggs contain vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc, iron, and selenium, all of which play vital immune roles (1Trusted Source).

    3. Salmon 

    Salmon is packed with protein, B vitamins, selenium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fats .

    What’s more, studies show that its omega-3 fats may promote wound healing, enhance immune response, and reduce inflammation when taken in supplement form (10Trusted Source).

    Plus, just 3 ounces (85 grams) of wild-caught salmon delivers over 70% of your daily needs for selenium, a mineral that regulates inflammation and immune response (11Trusted Source).

    Although eating salmon is likely safe, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking fish oil supplements before or after surgery. Recent research indicates that these supplements don’t increase bleeding risk, but some surgeons advise against fish oil anyway (12Trusted Source).

    4. Berries

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    Berries are brimming with nutrients and plant compounds that can help support your body’s recovery.

    For instance, berries provide ample vitamin C, which promotes wound healing by stimulating the production of collagen — the most abundant protein in your body (13Trusted Source).

    They also pack antioxidants like anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that give berries their vibrant color, in addition to providing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-supporting effects (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).

  • 5. Nuts and seeds

    Nuts and seeds like almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds are a great choice for fueling your body during the recovery process. These foods provide plant-based protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals that support healing.

    For example, nuts and seeds are a good source of zinc, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in your body, protecting against cellular damage. It’s also critical for immune health (18Trusted Source).

    Some studies note that healthy vitamin E levels may improve the function of protective immune cells, such as natural killer cells (NK cells), which help fight infection and disease (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

    
    

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    6. Poultry 

    Specific amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, play important roles in wound healing and immune function.

    Poultry, including chicken and turkey, pack glutamine and arginine, two amino acids that may aid recovery and healing (22Trusted Source).

    Glutamine provides cellular protection during times of stress, such as illness and injury, while arginine assists collagen production and wound healing (23Trusted Source).

    What’s more, arginine is rapidly depleted during times of stress, injury, and illness, making adequate intake of this amino acid all the more important (23Trusted Source).

    7. Organ meats 

    Organ meats are some of the most nutritious foods you can eat. They boast many immune-supportive nutrients, including vitamin A, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and copper, which is needed for the production of connective tissue and collagen (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).

    Vitamin A, which is essential for proper immune cell response, helps inhibit inflammatory cells and is critical for skin health and wound healing (26Trusted Source).

    Additionally, organ meats are an excellent source of protein, which is necessary for recovery after surgery and illness.

    8. Cruciferous vegetables

    Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale are well known for their impressive health benefits. They may support recovery thanks to their wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

    Cruciferous veggies contain glucosinolates, which are compounds that your body converts into isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates have been shown to promote immune health by suppressing inflammation, activating immune defenses, and inducing death in infected cells (27Trusted Source).

    Plus, these veggies pack an array of nutrients that your body craves during recovery, such as vitamin C and B vitamins (28Trusted Source).

    9. Shellfish 

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  • Shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams are loaded with nutrients — especially zinc — that may promote recovery.

  • Zinc is crucial for healthy immune function. This mineral may also help speed recovery and promote wound healing, making shellfish great for recuperating from surgery (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).

    Just 6 medium oysters (59 grams) provides over 300% of the Daily Value (DV) for zinc (32Trusted Source).

    10. Sweet potatoes

    Eating healthy high carb foods, such as sweet potatoes, is important for recovery. Carbs not only provide the energy your cells require for healing but also enzymes like hexokinase and citrate synthase, which aid wound repair (33Trusted Source).

    In fact, inadequate carb intake may impair wound healing and delay recovery (34Trusted Source).

    Sweet potatoes are nutritious carb sources that are packed with anti-inflammatory plant compounds, vitamins, and minerals — including vitamin C, carotenoids, and manganese — that may optimize immune response and help your body recover (35Trusted Source).

    Other ways to help your body heal

    In addition to following a healthy diet full of nutrient-dense foods, other lifestyle modifications may support healing.

    Rest is essential when recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. Plus, getting enough sleep bolsters your body’s repair process.

    In fact, lack of sleep may harm immune function and delay recovery (36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source).

    Hydration is also important for every aspect of healing and recovery, especially proper wound care. Plus, illnesses that involve fever and diarrhea may increase your hydration needs (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).

    Additionally, you should steer clear of cigarettes and alcohol when recuperating from illness or injury. Smoking and drinking can delay recovery, impair wound healing, and suppress your immune system (40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source, 43Trusted Source).

    Deficiencies in zinc and vitamins B12 and A may likewise hamper recovery. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about nutrient deficiencies (23Trusted Source).

    The bottom line

    When recovering from illness or surgery, you should fuel your body with foods that are high in nutrients and compounds that promote healing.

    Salmon, nuts, cruciferous veggies, and several other foods may help optimize recovery.

    Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and alcohol promote optimal healing as well.

  • Shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams are loaded with nutrients — especially zinc — that may promote recov