Download Common Athletic Injuries

VALGUS force
means the lower
part of the tibia
moves away
from the midline
of the body
Common Athletic Injuries
Knee ligament
injuries
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Large and complicated joint that
is frequently injured.
Heavy hit on lateral side of
knee with the foot planted
can cause medial collateral
ligament tears (MCL tears).
The mechanism of injury is an
application of a valgus and
rotational stress to the knee –
injury is the result of an
external force
Common Athletic Injuries
Knee ligament Injuries – Collateral ligament
sprains (left), ACL tear (right)
Common Athletic Injuries
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ACL damage is
usually caused by
the joint twisting
while engaged in
weight bearing
activities
Muscle contraction and
strength development
have often been cited
as good ways of
protecting against injury
Common Athletic Injuries
Hamstring strains
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A hamstring injury is usually
associated with running
The hamstring is the most frequently
strained hamstring group in the body
– reason – hamstring muscles cross
two joints (hip and knee), with the
hip in extension and the knee in
flexion, the hamstrings are
particularly lengthened.
Massive deceleration is needed during
the late stage of the forward swing
stage.
However, some experts say damage
is caused when the ‘Quadriceps’ fail to
relax sufficiently when the hamstrings
contract.
50-60% Ham/Quad strength
ratio should be maintained
Common Athletic Injuries
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Lack of hamstring
flexibility is another
factor associated with
this injury
This suggestion is still
controversial
Although, hamstring
flexibility work is a
major part of
rehabilitation for this
injury
Common Athletic Injuries
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Shoulder Dislocation
Fairly common
The shoulder region has
four joints, 3 of the 4
can be dislocated or
subluxed (partially
dislocated)
A dislocation of the
glenohumeral joint is
the most frequently
occurring of any joint in
the body
Common Athletic Injuries
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Reason – the joint is
good for mobility,
poor for stability.
When motions such as
abduction,external
rotation and extension
are combined for
activities such as
throwing a baseball or
spiking a v-ball the joint
is placed in a vulnerable
position
Common Athletic Injuries
Shoulder separation and dislocation
Common Athletic Injuries
Tennis Elbow
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Repetitive stress to the extensor
tendons around the elbow,
particularly where tendons
attach to bone called the lateral
epicondyle
Mechanisms: Chronic overload
of extensor muscles on lateral
side of elbow, poor stroke
mechanics, and repeated
contractions.
Other sufferers include baseball
batters, golfers, weight lifters
and racquetball players.
Common Athletic Injuries
Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome
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The carpal tunnel is an archway
located at the wrist. Through this
tunnel pass tendons which flex
and extend the fingers
Repetition irritates tissues and
they begin to swell. The
inflammation and swelling
compress the median nerve
causing tingling, burning and
numbness of the thumb, index,
middle and part of the ring
finger.
Aggravated by movement
Muscle atrophy can occur if
situation isn’t remedied.
Common Athletic Injuries
Injury Prevention
 First line defense when
dealing with an injury
 Ways of preventing
injury:
a. Strength development
– develops pattern of
movement that muscles
will go through rapidly
during games (muscle
shortening and
lengthening)
Common Athletic Injuries
Injury prevention
b. Flexibility – maintains
ROM, allows muscles
to stretch suddenly
during high level
sports
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PNF – (proprioceptive
neuromuscular
facilitation) – stretching
done in pairs to dampen
the stretch reflex
Common Athletic Injuries
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Injury prevention
Proprioceptive
training
Awareness of body’s
position in space
Balance boards,
trampoline work, beam
work, one legged
exercises (balance)
Common Athletic Injuries
Injury Prevention
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Muscle imbalance
Leg Asymmetry (different
leg lengths)
Alignment Problems – joints
not in correct positions
Environmental conditions
Braces, Sports Bras,
Protective Equipment,
Taping (we will be taping
later in the unit)
Inappropriate Exercises –
stiff legged deadlifts, hurdler’s
stretch, standing press
Common Athletic Injuries
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Injury Prevention
Warm up
prerequisite to participation
Enhancement of muscletendon unit to stretch
Elevation of body temp.
Increases blood flow and
availability of oxygen
Allows antagonist muscle to
relax