All Rights Reserved. Stretching exercises after games or practice can prdvention flexibility. Turn off Animations. Swelling, bruising and tenderness directly over the bones are signs of a more serious injury.

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ACL Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Injury prevention for athletes -

Each year, more than 86, gymnastics-related injuries are treated in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers. Often the upper body is used as a weight-bearing joint in gymnastics, injuries to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist are common and may include: Superior Labrum, Anterior-Posterior SLAP Lesions in the Shoulder, Elbow Dislocation and Wrist Sprains.

The most common gymnastics injuries to the lower body involve the knee and ankle. Lower extremity injuries usually result from the landing and dismount activities and may include: Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL Injury, Achilles Tendon Injury, and Lower Back Injuries.

Labral tears - sometimes called SLAP tears may occur during any gymnastic exercise, but ring and bar specialists seem particularly vulnerable. It is characterized by pain that initially resolves but tends to recur with return to sport.

An MRI can be helpful in establishing a definitive diagnosis. Wrist Injuries - The wrist is subjected to forces that can exceed twice the body weight. The first step in treating wrist pain is to reduce the training volume of the athlete, relieve symptoms, and to participate in only pain-free activities.

After an injury, gymnasts should avoid extensive pressure on the wrist joint for six weeks. If the gymnast is experiencing pain with non-gymnastic activities of daily living, using a brace or cast to immobilize the wrist temporarily may be helpful. ACL injuries - can result when a gymnast lands "short" or is over-rotated while tumbling, dismounting, or vaulting.

A "pop" may be heard or felt followed by knee swelling with hours. MRI is often used to confirm ACL injury. As with other sports, ACL reconstruction is recommended for gymnasts who wish to return to full sports participation.

Achilies Tendons - Gymnasts can suffer from a variety of injuries to the Achilles tendon located just above the back of the heel, as a result of the repetitive stress of jumping and landing. Achilles tendinitis results in calf soreness that is aggravated with jumping and landing. Treatment should initially consist of ultrasound, stretching, activity modification, and calf exercises.

Foot immobilization for seven to ten days may be beneficial for severe symptoms. Acute injuries are usually sprains which can be minor or more serious. Swelling, bruising and tenderness directly over the bones are signs of a more serious injury.

Minor injuries typically have tenderness limited to one side of the joint without significant swelling. Serious injuries require evaluation by a qualified professional while return to participation after a minor injury is often possible within a week if there is no pain or limping with weight bearing activity.

Protection with taping or a brace can aid recovery and reduce the risk for re-injury. Chronic ankle pain or repeated injuries are worrisome and require evaluation before continuing with participation. Frequently, low-back pain will worsen with activity, especially with extension movements, such as arching the shoulders backwards.

Low-back pain in gymnasts related to muscular strain or ligament sprain usually responds to rest and physical therapy exercises. Persistent back pain is uncommon and should not be ignored. An MRI or a bone scan are often helpful to rule out more significant injuries. Cheerleading is considered an athletic activity that incorporates elements of dance and gymnastics along with stunts and pyramid formations.

Cheerleading competitions at the high school and collegiate levels have created a whole new dynamic, including increased risk for injury. Drink water to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Stretching exercises can improve the ability of muscles to contract and perform. This can reduce the risk for injury.

Each stretch should start slowly until you reach a point of muscle tension. Stretching should not be painful. Aim to hold each stretch for up to 20 seconds. Use the right equipment or gear. Wear shoes that give support and that may correct certain foot problems that can lead to injury.

Always take your time during strength training. Go through the full range of motion with each repetition. CME Opportunities Boost your ability to evaluate injuries and use new therapeutic strategies. Sports Medicine. Patient Education Resources from Familydoctor. Sports and Exercise Safety Concussion Head Injuries.

Related Links Recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury. CDC Heads Up: Concussion and Brain Injury. Preparticipation Physical Evaluation PPE Get the insight needed to help your patients make the necessary preparations to safely and successfully participate in a variety of sports.

PPE Forms PPE History Form PPE History Form Spanish PPE Physical Examination Form PPE Athlete With Special Needs: Supplemental History Form PPE Clearance Form PPE forms were developed in cooperation with the following medical societies: AAFP, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.

Team Physician Consensus Statements Team Physician Consensus Statements reflect the consensus of an expert panel of sports medicine physicians.

This website uses cookies that Support network website usage and help Injury prevention for athletes give athleted the Injury prevention for athletes experience. When spring sports tahletes, so do the chances of student-athletes preventiom injured on the playing Nutritional guidelines for injury recovery. Even though most high school sports injuries are minor — such as sprains and strains — athletes are at the highest risk of getting hurt during the first month of the season, as they warm up to competitive play. As we enter the summer months, athletes participating in sports camps risk getting injured. How can players avoid being sidelined by injury? To prevent an existing injury from recurring, be sure your student-athlete is fully recovered before they return to sport.