With the constant advertising of weight loss and fitness programs, we are inundated with information about starting an exercise regimen. Sports injuries are on the rise in baby boomers, up 33% from 1991 to 1998. In 1991 there were 276,000 emergency room visits for injuries in the 35 to 54 year old age group, which rose to more than 365,000 in 1998. Adults suffered more than 1 million sports injuries in 1998, which cost the U.S. $18.7 billion in medical expenses.
The greatest number of sports injuries were related to bicycling, basketball, baseball and running. The largest number of deaths occurred as head injuries while riding a bicycle. The next most common deaths are due to drowning from swimming, after which is followed by skiing accidents because of the high speeds involved and the inability to maneuver obstacles like trees or rocks.
The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, knee injuries, compartment syndrome, shin splints, Achilles tendon injuries, fractures and dislocations. A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament that connects one bone to another and a strain is a twist or tear of a tendon that connects muscle to bone. The areas of the body most vulnerable to sprains and strains are ankles, knees and wrists.
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The most commonly injured joint is the knee because of its complex structure and responsibility for weight bearing for the rest of the body. More than 5.5 million people per year will visit their doctor for knee related injures. A compartment is formed of an enclosed area of muscle, nerves and blood vessels within a membrane or fascia. An acute traumatic event such as a blow to the area or chronic exertion as seen in long distance running will cause the muscle to swell and compress the nerves and blood vessels resulting in what is commonly known as a “compartment syndrome.”
Shin splints refer to pain along the front of the lower leg known as the tibia or shin. These are predominantly seen in runners. Achilles tendon injuries result from a stretch or tear to the Achilles tendon, which runs from the calf muscle to the back of the heel. These type of injuries can be extremely painful and are known to take down professional football players. The problem starts with tendinitis and over time the Achilles tendon is weakened and more susceptible to tearing from direct trauma.
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Acute fractures are a break in the bone caused by a one time injury, whereas stress fractures result from repeated stress to the bone over time. Acute fractures are emergencies. Stress fractures will mostly occur in the feet and legs from sports such as gymnastics or track and field, which require repetitive impact and running or jumping. Dislocations occur when two bones that form a joint are separated. Contact sports such as football and basketball will see dislocations and are considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
The five ways to avoid sports injuries are: wear protective gear such as helmets and protective pads; warm up and cool down; know the rules of the game; watch out for others; and by all means, DON’T PLAY WHEN YOU ARE INJURED!
Next time you see me yelling out my car window at those Enumclaw kids to put on their helmets when they are bike riding, you’ll know why.
Dr. Ballard is a Board Certified Internist and Geriatrician with a special interest in Women’s Health. She practices in Enumclaw, 360-825-1389. Dr. Ballard’s comments are informational only and not to be construed as medical advice. Consult your personal physician for any medical issues.
