What Are Causes of Sports Injuries?
The number one cause for adult sports injuries and non-sports injuries is a prior injury. As simple as this may seem, many individuals will not seek care until extensive pain is felt, prolonging the recovery phase and potential symptomatic relief. If you are working out, lifting weights, training for a marathon, etc., while experiencing pain, your brain will protect your body by decreasing performance.
Other sports injuries may be caused by overuse or direct impact. Overusing a certain muscle group can cause the pain to worsen over time. The best way to avoid an injury caused by overuse is to ensure quality rest/recovery in between each physical activity. That said, the direct impact can also cause a sports injury because muscles are forced into an unnatural state due to another individual coming into contact with you. One of the best ways to avoid a sports injury caused by direct impact is to wear appropriate protective gear like shin guards, shoulder pads, and helmets. However, there are many other tactics that help prevent sports injuries as well including proper stretching, being cautious about over-exercising, and reducing the intensity or stopping a workout if a small injury is noted.
