Tips for avoiding the most common injuries in contact sports or even treating them when necessary.
The universe of sport is vast and presents countless possibilities, from individually practiced to collective versions. Furthermore, there are also contact sports, such as some martial arts and American football. Because they require greater impacts between competitors, these sports may pose some risk of injury. However, when practiced safely, these activities can benefit physical and mental health.
What are contact sports?
As the name suggests, contact sports are those that require physical contact between competitors to be played. These sports typically require a combination of strength, strategy, and skill. In these modes, physical contacts between participants are aimed at scoring points, gaining positions or defending. Among the most common contact sports we can highlight:
Soccer
Our beloved football is an example of a contact sport. After all, players of both teams can meet on the field at different times, with collisions and other types of contact.
American Football
Part of the great passion of North Americans, during American football games players must advance across the field with the ball in hand, while defenders try to stop them, tackling them or containing their advance with their own bodies.
Boxing
Perhaps this is one of the most universally practiced contact sports. In boxing matches, competitors try to knock down their opponents using punches and other blows.
Jiu Jitsu
To beat opponents, in jiu-jitsu fights competitors must grab and control their opponent to earn points or end the fight with a strike.
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Hockey
Although little practiced in Brazil, hockey is also a very famous contact sport. During the game, competitors skate on the ice and use sticks to control a puck: the objective is to try to score goals. Physical contact occurs throughout the game.
What are the most common injuries in contact sports?
Since they have physical contact as a basis for being played, contact sports can increase the chances of certain injuries occurring. But there are options for athletes to minimize possible ways of getting injured or treat them effectively.
Muscle sprains and strains
During the practice of contact sports, the athlete can force some specific areas of the body – both to defend himself and to attack the opponent. Therefore, among the most common injuries in these modalities are muscle sprains and strains. They can occur due to sudden movements, impacts or unexpected twisting, causing injuries to ligaments, muscles and tendons. The best way to prevent them is to do the necessary stretches before training or competitions. Furthermore, the athlete must also practice exercises focused on strengthening the body and maintaining good flexibility. Both practices help provide more support. In case of injuries it is possible to treat them with some strategies, such as:
- Rest;
- Application of ice;
- Compression and elevation;
- Rehabilitation;
- Physiotherapy.
Head injuries
Contact sports can also be responsible for head injuries, especially in boxing and football athletes. These injuries occur at specific times, depending on the impact, or due to wear and tear from years of hitting. Cases of head trauma are more delicate since they are also linked to the onset of neurological diseases that affect the central nervous system. Symptoms may include severe headaches, memory loss and irritability. The best way to avoid head injuries is to use protective equipment. Taking care to avoid unnecessary shocks is also a good way to go. In the event of these injuries, the athlete should immediately seek medical attention to monitor the condition and recommend the best forms of treatment. Rest and rehabilitation are essential.
Bone lesions
In physical contact sports it is impossible to avoid clashes with opponents. However, in the heat of competition, the use of force can be excessive and cause more serious injuries to the bones, such as fractures of the femur or tibia. These injuries can also occur due to poor execution of a movement, which is why it is important to pay attention to techniques during training and competitions. Furthermore, you need to follow a balanced diet to strengthen your bones and also practice resistance exercises. When an athlete injures a bone, treatment may involve immobilization or even surgery. In both cases the competitor will have to stay away from training and competitions for a while.
Bruises
If you have ever noticed a boxer a few hours after a fight, you have probably noticed deformations in various parts of the body, especially in the areas most affected during the fight. This happens due to contusions, which are injuries to more flexible and less rigid tissues caused by direct impact. In these cases, the results are swelling, bruising, and pain throughout the body. To avoid these injuries the athlete must use adequate protective equipment. The treatment is simpler than in the examples mentioned above. Injuries can be treated with rest, ice, and pain medications. In summary, to prevent injuries caused by contact sports, athletes must:
- Use appropriate protective equipment, such as helmets, mouth guards, vests, among others;
- Perform a good warm-up before training or competition;
- Strengthen muscles and work on flexibility;
- Develop and improve specific techniques and skills for the sport practiced;
- Maintain good nutrition and hydration to promote bone and tissue health.
Furthermore, before starting a contact sport – especially amateur – it is necessary to be aware of the risks involved in the chosen sport. Remembering that athletes must receive the support of professionals trained to conduct training. Even so, if an injury occurs, the best thing to do is to immediately seek medical attention for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
