What Are Acute Sports Injuries?
Acute injuries are often the result of sudden impacts or changes in motion, which is why they happen quickly and can be more severe than chronic injuries (injuries that develop over time due to repetitive motions). Acute sports injuries, a specific kind of acute injury, happen as a result of certain sports-related activities. These injuries can be more common in some sports than others, but all should be treated promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.
Causes of Acute Sports Injuries
All sports require a degree of athletic ability in order to be played properly, but even the most seasoned athletes can fall victim to acute sports injuries. This is especially true in cases of high-impact sports, but the possibility for an acute injury is present for virtually all sports. Specific causes of these injuries can include:
- A sudden change in direction when running
- Colliding with a different player
- Falling while playing the sport, especially if the ground is particularly wet or if other players fail to catch properly
- Poor preparation/warming up prior to a game or match
- The use of improper sports equipment
- Fast acceleration
Types of Acute Sports Injuries
Acute sports injuries can take many forms, with common types including:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Knee injuries (including ACL and meniscus tears)
- Concussions
- Dislocated shoulders
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Rotator cuff tears
Symptoms of Acute Sports Injuries
Because acute sports injuries happen suddenly, the signs that one may be present tend to be fairly obvious. However, they may not always be, or they may develop hours after the injury has occurred. Symptoms to look out for include sudden pain, severe tenderness, swelling, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, an injured limb that won’t support weight, reduced or eliminated range of motion in a joint, and bones broken at odd angles. However, it’s important to note that symptoms may vary based on the specific injury at hand.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
To best treat an acute sports injury and increase the chances of proper healing, it’s important to seek treatment right away. If the injury is severe, it is usually recommended to call 911 or visit an emergency room as soon as possible. If the injury is not an emergency however, you may have more options for getting the care that is needed.
If you or your child has experienced an acute sports injury that is non-life-threatening, you can turn to PhysicianOne Urgent Care for the reliable treatment and care. As a trusted immediate care provider that’s been in operation since 2008, we’re proud to treat patients across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York with acute sports injuries and a range of other non-emergency conditions. What’s more, we’re open every day of the year with extended hours, meaning you can get the quality health care you need when you need it most. We also offer virtual visits if coming to our center in person is too difficult.
To learn more about the acute sports injuries we treat, stop into PhysicianOne Urgent Care today. Or, feel free to call us at 860-650-3848 if you have any questions.
