Some 90% of student-athletes reported dealing with some sort of sports injury. Sports can be a great way to blow off some steam, enjoy some friendly competition, and stay physically fit. But if you’re not careful, some common sports injuries can keep you from the sport you love.

Here are some of the most common injuries athletes deal with, along with symptoms and preventative tips.

1. Sprained Ankle

Ah, the dreaded sprained ankle. From the momentary horror of watching your ankle twist in grotesque ways to the days and sometimes weeks of swelling and discomfort, sprained ankles are a nuisance to deal with.

If you twist your ankle, take a break. Ice your ankle for five to 10 minutes at a time and keep it elevated. If the swelling doesn’t decrease or your pain doesn’t go away, contact a foot and ankle center as soon as possible.

2. Shin Splints

You’ve finally convinced yourself to go on that run. You’re out the door and turning the corner when it hits you like a ton of bricks: A sharp, searing pain shooting down the front of your leg.

Shin splints may happen to a lot of athletes, but that doesn’t make them any less painful. If you suffer from a circulatory disorder like Peripheral Arterial Disease, you probably know this firsthand.

The good news is that avoiding shin splints if pretty easy. Before working out, practice 10 to 15 reps of toe curls.

You can also take a break from working out to gently massage your shins. The pain should subside within a few minutes.

3. Groin Pull

Common among soccer players, groin pulls occur due to excessive pressure or strain on the muscles in your inner thigh.

In some cases, you can simply walk off the pain or ice the affected area for a few minutes. However, most extreme cases may cause you to miss weeks of physical activity. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s best to seek medical treatment immediately to prevent worsening pain.

4. Pulled Hamstring

Differentiating between a pulled hamstring and a groin strain can be difficult, as the muscle groups are located next to one another. You can tell it’s a hamstring injury if you feel pain in your lower thigh, closer to your kneecap.

In most instances, avoiding hamstring pulls is as simple as stretching before and after a workout session or bout of physical activity.

5. Strained Hip Flexor

Your hip flexor is responsible for twisting, turning, lifting, and bracing. So if you’re an avid runner or cyclist, your flexor is the most important muscle group. Flexor strains are incredibly painful and can take weeks to heal.

To avoid this common sports injury, make sure you take the time to warm up and cool down after every session of physical activity. Stiff muscles can increase your chances of succumbing to an injury.

Also, make sure to listen to your body. Overexertion is one of the biggest causes of a strained hip flexor.

Sprains, Strains, and Pulls, Oh My! Watch out for These Common Sports Injuries

These common sports injuries are an athlete’s worst nightmare. To avoid staying sidelined, remember to stretch and cool down while working out.

If you have any questions or you’re currently dealing with an injury, schedule an appointment today. Our award-winning Podiatrists will get you back in the game in no time!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Family Foot & Ankle Centers by clicking here or calling 972-597-4132 to reach our Waxahachie office, 903-872-9910 to reach our Corsicana office, or  972-875-3668 to reach our Ennis office.