Sports Injuries
Most sports injuries are due to minor trauma involving soft-tissue injuries-- injuries that affect the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons, including the following:
- Contusions
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Stress injuries
- Strains
Fractures are breaks in the bone that are often caused by a blow or a fall. Symptoms may include tenderness over the bone, swelling of the affected area, deformity of the limb, and increased pain with movement.
Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. Stress fractures often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. The bones in the midfoot (metatarsals) in runners are especially vulnerable to stress fractures.
A stress fracture may not cause swelling. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the front of the foot, often after long or intense bouts of exercise
- Pain that disappears after exercise, then returns when exercise is continued
Treatment may include:
- Rest
- Cold packs
- Medication, such as ibuprofen
- Shock-absorbing shoes to use during exercise
- Running on soft surfaces, such as grass
- Physical therapy
- Switching to a less stressful activity, such as swimming or biking
- Wearing a brace or cast