Common Sports Injuries & Complications

Arthritis is a condition in which cartilage, which cushions the joints, breaks down, causing pain, inflammation and stiffness. Most types of arthritis affect adults.

Arthritis can develop as a result of wear and tear through aging or may occur after an injury.

Concussions can occur if you hit your head on an object or receive a blow to the head, which can happen in contact sports such as football. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of a concussion include headaches and difficulty with memory, concentration, coordination and balance, which can last from several days to a few weeks.

Heat exhaustion is one of three heat-related illnesses that include heat cramps as the mildest and heatstroke as the most severe. High temperatures, sun exposure, dehydration and strenuous exercise cause heat exhaustion.

Seek prompt medical attention for heat exhaustion to prevent heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

Shin splints are a common condition that causes pain and inflammation along the shinbone (tibia). It typically affects runners and dancers but can occur with any sport.

Shin splints develop as a result of repetitive movement and often occur after changes in your level of physical activity.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone), and a sprain is a stretched or torn ligament (tissue that connects bones). Sprains and strains can result from overuse, falls, sudden twists, poorly fitting footwear or forceful impacts such as tackles or other contact during sports.

A common sports injury is a stress fracture, which results from overuse and repetitive movement. Stress fractures often develop when you increase your activity level too quickly.

Other factors that can lead to a stress fracture include increased physical stress and playing sports on hard surfaces.

Pain, swelling and inflammation in tendons is known as tendonitis. Causes include injuries, sports participation or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.