Top 5 Sports Injuries in Australia
24 Feb 2017 8:45 AM – Specialist Sportscare WA
Approximately 36,000 Australians are sent to the hospital every year as a result of a sporting injury. Effective treatment of these injuries helps players to return to their sports and ensures they can work and move freely as they age.
Here is a list of 5 common sporting injuries in Australia and why they occur:
5. Hamstring Strain
The hamstring muscles are very susceptible to tears and strains. These injuries are common in sports that require high speeds and/or agility such as football codes, tennis, basketball, and athletics.
Acute hamstring strains usually occur when a sudden movement or force is applied to the hamstring muscles. These injuries tend to occur suddenly and are often accompanied by an audible popping sound. You may be more susceptible to a hamstring injury if you have sustained injuries in that region of the leg in the past (e.g. ACL injury). Increasing your flexibility and strength and proper warm ups/cool downs are some ways you can reduce your risk of hamstring injury.
4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (ACL)
The knee is one of the most commonly injured parts of the body. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament runs down the outside of the knee joint. An injury to this ligament can be as minor as a tear or it could result in the ACL snapping off the bone. This injury is relatively common in all footballing codes where contact with the knee occurs regularly.
The common operation for an ACL injury involves grafting a small segment of the patient’s lower hamstring to replace the snapped ligament. It is accompanied by a lengthy rehabilitation period before the athlete can return to the field. The risk of re-injury is high after ACL damage and the area will require constant clinical attention.3. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis refers to tissue damage to the underside of the heel bone. It is especially common in sports that place heightened stress on the heel region, such as running, dance, and gymnastics. Preparation is the key to preventing such an injury. Proper training and recovery along with the right equipment and playing surface are all important aspects of prevention.
2. Ankle Injuries
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sporting injuries. Sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are torn. This is especially common in sports that require jumping and twisting, such as netball, basketball and football. The chance of ankle injuries is heightened by poor playing surfaces, inappropriate footwear, and a lack of strength or flexibility.
1. Fractures
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report 2011/2012, fractures are the most common injury in all sports except for netball and fishing. Sports-related fractures most commonly occur in the knee and lower leg and effective rehabilitation is always essential. While fractures are painful at the time, mismanagement can lead to long-term damage that does not present until later in life.
For professional injury rehabilitation and treatment in Perth, contact Specialist Sports Care W.A. Australia is a sporting nation and we provide the support you need to recover
