COMMON INJURIES AND PREVENTATIVE STRATEGIES ASSOCIATED WITH POPULALAR SPORTS

1)SOCCER

     COMMON INJURIES

     Head contusions /concussions   ,tibial shaft fractures  ,ankle sprains

     PREVENTION STRATEGIES

     Teach proper  heading techniques and avoid excessive heading ,use shin guards ,stretch ankles                  

      Specifically prior to play

2)FOOTBALL

      COMMON INJURIES

        Neck injuries /stingers , head injuries ,low back stress fractures  ,contusions  ,dehydration /heat-related illness

      PREVENTION STRATEGIES

       Teach proper  tackling ,use proper protective  equipment (like helmets ,and face masks ),ensure

proper hydration and take frequent water breaks  ,remove helmet frequently

3)BASEBALL /SOFTBALL

      COMMON INJURIES

     Throat injuries  (catchers ) ,head  and eye injuries ,rotator cuff injury / tendanitis  ,medical

epicondylitis ,ankle injuries

    PREVENTION STRATEGIES

   Wear proper protective equipment  (helmets ,throat ,guard ,and others ),limit number of throws and

teach proper pitching techniques ,initiate proper shoulder strengthening (especially in off-season )

 4)WRESTLING

    COMMON INJURES

    Shoulder dislocation ,knee injuries ,skin infections from mat (impetigo ,tinea, corporis ),auricular

hematomas and resultant deformity (cauliflower ears )

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

  Preseason strengthening of shoulder and knee ,avoid quick stops in dangerous positions ,ensure mats

are cleaned daily with antiseptic solution ,teach athletes to check skin for lessons and prior to play ,use

proper protective equipment always (snug head gear with ear protection ).

5)BASKETBALL

COMMON INJURIES

Head injuries ,patellar tendanitis  ,ankle injuries

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Require stretching ,strengthening  and conditioning exercises ,brace or tape ankles when appropriate

,avoid significant contact during play .

6)GYMNASTICS

COMMON INJURIES

Flexion and hyperextension thoracic /lumbar vertebral injuries ,wrist and forearm sprains /tendanitis

,shoulder instability ,anorexia nervosa and delayed puberty

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Exercises and strengthening for trunk and abdomen to maintaining neutral positioning of the spine and

rotator  cuff for shoulder ,wrist bracing and tape when appropriate ,limit weight bearing on the upper

extremities ,limit extreme and repetitive shoulder use ,monitor weights and exercise routine .