• Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand.
• Common injuries include bruises, sprains, strains, joint injuries and nose bleeds.
• Medical investigation is important, as leaving an injury untreated can have far more severe consequences.

Types of sports injuries

Some of the more common sports injuries include:

• Ankle sprain – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Bruises – a blow can cause small bleeds into the skin.
• Concussion – mild reversible brain injury from a blow to the head, which may be associated with loss of consciousness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and short term memory loss.
• Cuts and abrasions – are usually caused by falls. The knees and hands are particularly prone.
• Dehydration – losing too much fluid can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dental damage – a blow to the jaw can crack, break or dislodge teeth.
• Groin strain – symptoms include pain and swelling.
• Hamstring strain – symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
• Knee joint injuries – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. The ligaments, tendons or cartilage can be affected.
• Nose injuries – either blood nose or broken nose, are caused by a direct blow.
• Stress fractures – particularly in the lower limbs. The impact of repeated jumping or running on hard surfaces can eventually stress and crack bone.