Sports have a dark side; just like any other industry, athletes face daily job dangers on the field or court. These dangers become all too real for a chosen few athletes. These dangers have become a way of life for them. Injuries occur on a daily basis in the sports world. Athletes suffer terrible and traumatic career-ending injuries that usually mean that the athlete can no longer play their favorite sport. These injuries are more serious than a sprained ankle or a torn muscle.
Following are renowned sports injuries that can end athletes’ careers.
Top 10 Career-Threatening Sports Injuries
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-concussion syndrome is the most common of the career-threatening injuries in sports. Athletes, particularly hockey players, are aware of the hazards of their sport. Concussions are becoming more common among athletes, both professional and amateur.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur each year. It causes chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which can have long-term consequences for any athlete of any age. While a concussion may not instantly destroy a career, the life-altering effects of concussions affect everyone.
2. Achilles tendinopathy
The Achilles tendon is a connective tissue band connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It is necessary for movement and mobility, and athletes are susceptible to damage. Overuse of the Achilles tendon is widespread among runners who rapidly increase the intensity or duration of their runs. It causes a stabbing or burning sensation along the Achilles tendon.
3. ACL Tear or Strain
Strains are the most common type of sports injury. When we play sports, our bodies employ muscles and tendons that may not move as much as they do during everyday activity. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a primary knee-stabilizing ligament.
Symptoms of ACL damage include increasing knee swelling and instability when walking or turning corners. A little ACL strain or tear can be treated without surgery with rest and ice since scar tissue helps mend the ligament, and the knee becomes more stable.
4. Bone Fractures
Sports account for a considerable proportion of the broken bones that occur each year. Sports are thought to cause 7.5% lower-limb fractures and 16.5% upper-limb fractures. Although the recuperation time for fractured bones is shorter than for torn tendons and ligaments, the agony is far more severe.
5. Sprains
Sprains occur in the ligaments, where strains occur in the muscles. It is among those severe sports injuries that are caused by landing awkwardly after jumping or by fast, pivotal motions. When you have a sprain, you will most likely hear a “pop” sound at the time of the injury and experience excruciating swelling and bruising in the affected area.
An ankle sprain is the most frequent type of sprain, in which the three ligaments on the outside of your ankle rupture or strain due to an unnatural movement.
While a slight sprain does not necessarily necessitate immediate medical attention, major sprains may necessitate surgery to mend the entirely damaged ligaments.
6. Nerve Injury
Nerve injury is less common among elite athletes. However, the consequences are so severe that it cannot be disregarded among career-threatening sports injuries. Sports can hurt peripheral nerves, such as the sciatic nerve, resulting in many incapacitating issues.
Nerve injury may not always interfere with your normal activities. However, it can swiftly deteriorate and lead to long-term issues. Even if the underlying problem is addressed, the consequences can be long-lasting.
7. Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strain is among the recurring sports injuries. It is common in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. They occur when you overstretch or strain muscles in the back of your thigh or lower buttocks. Pain and tenderness in the back of the thigh are common symptoms. Treatment may include rest, physiotherapy, or activities to aid recovery.
8. Muscle Overload – One of The Top Sports Injuries
It is a rise in muscle tension caused by an excess or rapid increase in muscle demand, which causes muscle contractures and raises the likelihood of muscle injury. In the injured muscle, there is a sensation of rigidity.
9. Stress fractures
It might be anything from a little bone break to severe inside injuries. Stress fractures develop in weight-bearing body regions such as our feet, heels, or wrists, where we unconsciously exert pressure to sustain our movements.
A sports science research found that over 60% of all athletes who develop a single stress fracture would eventually sustain at least one more.
Stress fractures that go untreated can lead to bigger, more difficult-to-heal stress fractures or even chronic problems where the fracture never heals. This suggests that the stress fracture site is continually painful and has limited mobility.
10. Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is often termed as golf elbow. It is one of the sports injuries that happen due to repetitive action in the wrist or arm. It causes the tendons in your forearm to strain from overuse. Tennis and golf demand players to repeat similar steps while playing, which can stress the muscles and cause microscopic tears in the tendons.
Most often, tennis elbow heals on its own. You can expedite your recuperation by applying an elbow brace, performing range-of-motion exercises, seeing a physical therapist, and taking painkillers. In severe cases, surgery can be necessary if conservative treatment fails to produce results after two to four months.
Wrap Up
Sports injuries may be painful and emotionally draining. However, they are an inherent danger in the realm of sports. Understanding the most painful sporting injuries and the difficulties associated with rehabilitation is critical for athletes and professionals in the medical field. Remember that postponing treatment might lead to further difficulties. Contact healthcare professionals instead of complicating your recuperation!
