Athletic Injuries - acute and chronic - information and definition

What are Athletic Injuries

ACCIDENTAL INJURIES that occur during athletic activities or sporting events. Though a certain degree of risk is inherent in athletic events, particularly competitions, most athletic injuries occur for three main reasons. They are

• inadequate CONDITIONING or TRAINING
• insufficient WARM-UP and pre-event preparation
• inappropriate or improperly fitted clothing, shoes, equipment, or protective gear

Athletic Injuries - Acute and Chonic

Athletic injuries may be acute (occur suddenly) or chronic (develop over time). The most common acute injuries are SPRAINS AND STRAINS—damage to the soft tissue structures of the musculoskeletal system. Also common are fractures and open wounds (cuts and scrapes). Chronic injuries among recreational, collegiate, and professional athletes generally arise from overuse and may result in discomfort and limitations of use long after athletic participation ends. OSTEOARTHRITIS, EPICONDYLITIS, and PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME are the most common chronic injuries among athletes.

Training and conditioning activities that improve overall STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY, and ENDURANCE can significantly reduce the risk for injury. Equally important is proper technique (including clothing and equipment) for the activity. It is worthwhile to attend clinics and classes for specific activities to learn methods and techniques that both improve performance and reduce the risk for injury. Most athletic injuries are preventable.

See also BLISTER PREVENTION; CROSS-TRAINING; DISABILITY AND EXERCISE; YOGA.

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