Rise of Sport Injuries
Increasing Number of Sport Injuries
The rise in sport-related injuries, particularly in the recreational field and organized sports, has become an increasingly pressing issue. Concussions and lower body injuries are two of the most common types, often stemming from high-contact sports such as football, basketball, and cycling. Concussions, in particular, have seen a marked increase, partly due to better recognition and reporting. In the past, many athletes may have played through undiagnosed concussions, unaware of the long-term risks involved. As awareness grows and diagnostic practices improve, more concussions are being identified and reported. This shift in awareness, along with the growing participation in sports and recreational activities, contributes to the rise in injuries, making them an unfortunate yet frequent part of everyday life for athletes. Lower body injuries, such as sprains and fractures, continue to be a major concern, particularly in sports that require intense physical exertion and rapid movement. As injuries increase, it's clear that both recognition and prevention efforts need to evolve alongside the expanding scope of recreational and professional sports.
Picture from National Safety Council Injury Facts
The rise of sport-related injuries has become a significant concern, particularly in recent years. Concussions and lower body injuries are among the most prevalent, often resulting from high-impact sports like football, basketball, and cycling. In fact, sports and recreational injuries have increasingly become a part of everyday life. "In 2023, 3.7 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving sports and recreational equipment"(NSC, 2024). This statistic shows the severity of the number of injuries that are occurring in the recreational field. The number has only been going up over the last couple of years. Record low number of sports and recreational injuries reported in 2020, injuries increased 20% in 2021, 12% in 2022, and now 2% in 2023 (NSC, 2024). The frequency of such injuries highlights the ongoing need for better prevention and management strategies in sports.
Common Causes of Injury
Higher Intensity Play
As Sports become faster and more aggressive, the risks of violent impacts increase
Overuse
Repetitive training or motions can overwork your muscles leading to potential fractures or tendinitis
Lack of Protective Equipment
Inadequate gear/ footwear can make participants more susceptible to injuries
Lack of Rest
Athletes may push their bodies beyond their own limits, this can lead to fatigue injuries
Improper Technique
The use of improper training and tackling can lead to an increase in injuries
Environmental Factors
Playing on hard or uneven surfaces can increase the risk of leg injuries
Importance of Concussions
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that shakes the brain. It leads to temporary loss of brain function, affecting memory, coordination, and cognitive abilities. The regions of the brain that are responsible for these attentional networks include the parietal, frontal, and temporal regions, the cingulate cortices, and the midbrain. "When one suffers a concussion, these regions may become damaged or impaired, which compromises the ability to process stimuli in terms of disengagement, movement, and re-engagement"(NSC, 2024). "Furthermore, the odds of experiencing a lower extremity injury were 3.00 times higher in individuals with a history of multiple concussions compared to individuals with a history of a single concussion or no concussion history at all" (NSC, 2024). The effects of a concussion do not stop at the regions of the brain. With concussions, the emergence of injuring another body part increases as the regions in the brain are impaired. The regions being impaired can lead to loss of memory, dizziness, and loss of balance.
Contact sports, including football, basketball, and soccer, are associated with 45% of all emergency department visits for sports (CDC, 2024). Even though most injuries, commonly concussions are found in these contact sports. These sports are not singled out, concussions can be received in wrestling, and softball as well.
Recovery
How to Prevent Overuse
Why is it important for recreation professionals to understand this trend?
It’s important for recreation professionals to understand the rise in sports injuries, especially concussions and leg injuries, because it directly impacts the safety and well-being of participants. As more people engage in sports, whether in recreational leagues or competitive environments, professionals need to prioritize injury prevention and ensure that proper safety measures are in place. Understanding the causes of these injuries, such as poor technique, inadequate equipment, or lack of proper warm-ups, allows recreation professionals to implement better training practices, improve safety protocols, and educate participants on injury prevention. By addressing this trend, professionals can create a safer environment that encourages participation while minimizing the risk of injury for athletes of all ages and skill levels.