Risks that You Should Know Before Getting into Sports

Risks that You Should Know Before Getting into Sports

There are risks that come with any physical activity, but some sports pose a higher risk of injury than others. In order to make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in a sport, it is important to be aware of these risks.

The risk of injury

Injury is the most common risk associated with any sport. This is especially true for children and adolescents who want to engage in contact sports. The injuries sustained during sports activities range from mild to life-threatening and can happen directly to a participant or spectators. Sports injuries can also affect a person’s ability to work and provide for themselves because they can lose mobility or full function of their limbs. Some injuries may require surgery before they will heal, during which time the athlete might not be able to pursue his sport as intensely as before. This is why people should always be aware of potential injuries when they join a sports team. Common injuries in sports are as follows.

Back and neck injuries

Back and neck injuries are common in sports such as football, ice hockey, snowboarding, and skiing. These can result from a single injury or from repetitive motions over the course of playing the sport. Muscle strains are common in these kinds of activities because continuous movements put stress on muscles that they aren’t accustomed to. The most serious back and neck injuries happen when there is some kind of impact, such as a fall or collision with another player. This can result in broken bones, vertebral misalignment, and damage to the spinal cord and nerves.

Eye injuries

Eye injuries can be especially serious because they leave an athlete unable to play his sport for longer periods of time. Sports that pose a high risk of eye injuries include racquetball, squash, hockey, and baseball. Even some popular sports like water polo can result in eye injury if the ball or another player accidentally touches the eye.

Broken bones

Broken bones are most common in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, and rugby. These injuries are usually caused by the impact of another player’s body against the victim’s body. They are often serious because they damage tissues that surround the broken bones. Impact with equipment is less common than impact with other players, but it still poses a high risk of injury. Broken teeth are also common occurrences that may need emergency dental services.

Head injuries

Head injuries are common in sports with high rates of physical contact. These kinds of injuries are especially common in American football, ice hockey, and rugby. This category also includes minor head traumas which can result from an impact that is not strong enough to fracture any bones but still causes a concussion or other brain injuries.

The risk of getting an infection or catching a disease

Almost any kind of physical activity can be a risk for spreading diseases. This is especially true in sports that involve direct contact with other players. The most common are staph infections, which are spread through skin-to-skin or skin-to-equipment contact. These kinds of infections result from open sores on the body, abrasions on the skin, and cuts in the skin.

One of the more common illnesses that are contracted through sports is mumps. This specific kind of virus can be prevented with vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

The risk of getting heatstroke

People who are exposed to hot weather are at higher risk for heatstroke and other related illnesses. Heatstroke occurs after the body is exposed for too long to high temperatures and loses its ability to control its own temperature. Heatstroke can be deadly if it isn’t treated immediately with cold water and fanning of the skin.

The risk of dehydration

Dehydration occurs when a person loses too much fluid from their body. This can be caused by severe diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. It is especially dangerous in the summer but can happen during any time of the year. In sports, dehydration is most common in marathon runners, triathletes, and other endurance athletes.

The risk of death and disability

Though sports are not as dangerous as some other pastimes such as motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries can sometimes result in death or disabilities. These include brain damage and spinal cord injuries that affect body functions such as muscle control, senses, and breathing. Head injuries are more likely in sports with high rates of physical contact, which can result in long-term disabilities or death.

 

There are some risks that you should know before getting into sports, such as injury and disease. You also have to consider your health because there is a possibility for serious illnesses that could affect it. However, even though there are some risks in participating in sports, these activities can still be a lot of fun. With the right amount of caution, you can have a positive experience while limiting your risks.

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